Fordham University

I like how accessible everything is whether it is academic support, clubs to connect with, and administrative support such as the Racial Solidarity Network. What I like about this school is that it seems that the higher-ups want to improve and seek out student advice and support on how to proceed within the community.

I don't like how cliche it feels. How sometimes it feels like high school, but when you go to clubs and find those connections those are the ones worth keeping. I also don't like the last-minute communication Fordham gives to students and how they never seem to have the answers until a few days before.

The architectural building structure and the campus in the heart of the Bronx comprising crowded people and vehicles and an array of project buildings make you feel like you are no longer part of the Bronx anymore, creating a relaxing environment for studying. Fordham Clubs and organizations host various events every week to allow students to meet new people and become more connected within the Fordham community. Education can be intensive, especially if you are taking STEM courses; however, the non-STEM courses, including English, Arts, and Theology, are the best experiences I ever had while attending Fordham. There are more professors in terms of student-teacher ratio than in most colleges, enabling you to personally more connected with the professors who would be willing to help you if you are undergoing any difficulty with their courses.

Some professors at Fordham, especially if you are taking STEM courses, can be a bit strict, and their materials can be intensive to the extent it might depend on which professor you took to determine your overall grade. Being a commuter can be a struggle in a social life aspect. You get to attend fewer events and make fewer friends than those who dorm since you have to go back home every day; you are not allowed to enter the residential buildings that are exclusive to the students who dorm; although there are organizations advocating the commuter students, there is a feeling of invisible barrier between us and the resident student where commuters tend to befriend with other commuters and vice versa for the residents. However, I have been actively involved with the Fordham communities by volunteering EMS services, tutoring, research, and creating a club, which led me to meet new people from different backgrounds despite being a commuter student.

Plenty of resources. Great professors. Fantastic advising. Excellent career services.

Food is inedible.

Socially, Rose Hill and Lincoln Center are very different, so when applying make sure you choose the best campus that suits your needs. Overall, I really like the core that Fordham has, but others find it a nuisance when trying to build schedules.

It may be difficult to make friends if you don't like partying, but there are plenty of clubs that can help you make friends.

The professors at Fordham University have been the highlight of my experience here. Almost every professor has been readily available to me both to help with specific classes and to advise me more generally in my academic career. The small class sizes are one of the major selling points for Fordham, my freshman year my largest class had 42 students (over-capacity) and in my more advanced classes, I have had anywhere from 10 to 25 students, which has allowed me to have a developed personal relationship with each of my professors. As a result of the relationships I have been able to build with my professors, I have had access to internship opportunities and academic research opportunities that I otherwise would not have been able to complete.

The difference between the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses was something that was largely glossed over during my tours and information sessions, however during my years at Fordham this campus separation is something that has deprived me of several opportunities. I am a student at the Lincoln Center campus. My tours and information sessions assured me that the difference between the two campuses is purely physical; students are able and even encouraged to take classes, join clubs, and attend events at the other campus. However, this is only true in theory. There are several majors that are only available at one campus, with the other campus maybe offering a minor or offering classes in the degree but no degree program itself. You are also required to complete all of your core classes at your home campus (something that became particularly frustrating as an LC student due to the much wider variety of class offerings present at RH). The core requirements are also downplayed during information sessions, but ultimately you are required to take more core credits than degree classes (21-22 classes) than major classes (10 classes). It is also not possible for students to complete internships through the other campus.

I truly enjoyed the friends I made at Fordham! Having a great support system while still being able to enjoy college life with good friends was vital for a great first year.

Schoolwork can be difficult, depending on the professor you choose. RateMyProf is going to be your best friend! Please, steer clear of choosing professors with low ratings, because trust me, they WILL be as bad as their ratings may say, and even worse. Learn from my mistakes!!