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College Prowler

Academics

Supposedly Fordham is really competitive, but sometimes, I find that really hard to believe. I’ve had classes where students sit in the back and make fun of the professor or spend the entire class talking about getting drunk. There was a kid who once asked why we needed outside sources on a literary analysis paper. That really shocked me in a college that has such a high academic ranking. The quality of teaching is excellent, but some of your fellow students are just idiots.

Athletics

At Fordham, varsity sports are there if you want them. The basketball teams probably have the biggest turnouts at games, although occasionally the football games can become overrun with students. Intramural sports, on the other hand, are a big part of student life at Fordham. Nearly every team is coed, and many teams that form during freshman year stay together throughout the four years most students spend at the school.

Campus Dining

The food here is gross. I can handle the salad bar and anything pre-packaged, but the cooking is greasy, slow, and bad. They use the same grills for everything, so vegetarians beware: that veggie burger is being cooked right where the cow left off.

Campus Housing

The Lincoln Center dorms are great. My only qualm is cleaning. The rooms are really big, and you have a kitchen and two bathrooms, but you have to clean them all yourself. Not to sound like a spoiled college kid, but my roommates and I tend to be lazy, and we have to live in our own mess.

Campus Strictness

Yeah, campus is strict, but at least we’re safe. I don’t really want people bringing wild guests in late at night when I’m trying to sleep, nor do I want beer and puke all over the hallways. I like security’s practices.

Computers

Do people really not have computers in college? That would be crazy here. I do most of my research for papers online, either through Google or the Fordham Library pages and databases. Of course, the Internet is also a social spot. I kept in touch with my high school friends through IMs and e-mail, and when I’m bored, I just check my e-mail eight times a day.

Diversity

I feel really comfortable at Fordham in terms of ethnic diversity. New York City itself has every race ever born, and Fordham students seem to carry on that tradition.

Drug Scene

I was surprised by how clean the city is. I heard the old nightmares about 42nd St.; now all you see are Disney posters. I’m sure if you know where to look, you’ll find drugs, but they’re not obvious, even in Manhattan.

Facilities

They recently fixed up the Quinn Library, but it’s still pretty ugly. The new computers are faster, but the lighting is still dim; they just added new neon lights over the grey ones. If I really want to be in a library environment, I hop on the RamVan to Rose Hill.

Greek Life

Because we are a Jesuit institution, there is no Greek life here at Fordham. But just because you attend the University doesn't mean that you can't pledge. It is possible for a Fordham student to pledge at NYU or Columbia. I know people who have done it, but it isn't very common around these parts. Most of the students try to be their own person, so Greek life isn't needed.

Guys & Girls

Girls at Fordham tend to be very metropolitan and very into city life. You'll find a few who think they're princesses, but for the most part girls here are friendly and easy to talk to.

Local Atmosphere

We’re in New York which is great, but sometimes you feel too crowded. Columbus Circle can be really busy, and if you have to head downtown, you cross through the hell that is Times Square. It’s still a great place to live, but sometimes, quiet would be nice.

Nightlife

I don’t drink, so I was worried that living in New York would be a drag. It’s not. I found some other straight-edge students and we go out to clubs, to parties, to comedy shows; there’s still plenty to do.

Off-Campus Dining

I could eat prison food and be happier than campus dining, so having NYC food at my fingers is icing on the cake. There are restaurants of every type you can imagine right down the street.

Off-Campus Housing

You have to work to find friends at Lincoln Center when you’re commuting. Initially, it’s kind of depressing to go home alone on a train while people around you are going clubbing, but if you join clubs and hang out in the Commuting Student’s Lounge, you can meet people in your situation.

Overall Experience

The professors are awesome here, especially once you talk to them after class. You can learn a lot from the professionals alone. That’s the best part of the Fordham experience.

Parking

Parking on campus is expensive, but no one brings a car here. Seriously, we're three blocks away from a subway station and 10 steps away from Metro-North. Plus, the Ram Van will get you into Manhattan in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Security

Security here at Lincoln Center is mixed. Some of the guards are really cool and professional, but others, especially the ones working late at night, are on weird power trips. It’s 3 a.m., you’re tired and drunk, and they stop you to thoroughly inspect your ID card, even when they know you.

Transportation

Being in New York City, Fordham students have access to an incredible public transportation system. The school also provides transportation between its Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, but students often choose to make the short walk to the Metro-North or Subway.

Weather

Weather is pretty moderate in New York. It's good to have some T-shirts and shorts for August to September and April to May. In between, it'll get chilly, so bring a heavy coat. A hat and pair of gloves are a good idea on some days.