State University of New York - New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz, located just a few hours North of New York City, is "all about creating successful members of society, educating students in the fields they feel passionate about and making sure every student enjoys their time spent here." Undergrads truly appreciate that their university "allows all students to be themselves, even if they don't necessarily fit [the] mold." "Small classes" are par for the course at New Paltz, and the curriculum helps students become "more analytical, critical thinker[s]." Coursework tends to be "interesting, engaging and challenging," which can be attributed to "excellent" professors who seem to "love what they do." Most importantly, New Paltz professors make it clear that they care about "the well-being and success of their students." Instructors carve out "ample time outside the classroom to…[offer] help" when it's needed. Students also love that the school offers a number of "good study abroad options."

SUNY New Paltz attracts an "artsy" student body that is attracted to the "very laid-back atmosphere." Students say their peers are "friendly" and "very dedicated to learning." Aside from the artistic students, you're sure to discover "athletes, traditional fraternity and sorority personalities, and pretty much any kind of person you can think of." New Paltz undergrads also come from a variety of "different backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, etc." Students inform us that "everyone blends together so well." As one current undergrad explains, "There's really a group for everything here and the best part is that no one puts your group down for what they do or how they do it." An amazed classmate agrees, "There is no pressure to act or dress a certain way you can be whoever you want and you will be accepted and loved." At SUNY New Paltz "people can have purple hair, twenty piercings, and not wear shoes, and still be accepted at this school."

Given the robust arts programs at SUNY New Paltz, students are guaranteed to find "many music and theater performances" on campus each week. Students participate in everything from "religious and political clubs" to "LARPing and Extreme Croquet." There's also a "small but strong" Greek community. When the weather is nice, you'll frequently encounter students "playing ultimate Frisbee and tightrope walking." Additionally, "the gym also [sponsors] a lot of fun activities like hip hop cardio or [events off-campus] like paddle boarding on the Hudson." The surrounding Hudson Valley region offers many opportunities for students to "go camping, hiking, mountain climbing, spelunking, skiing, ice skating, etc. on weekends." Lastly, the town of New Paltz has some "nice places [at which] to shop [and] eat," so "there is never a dull moment."