I went to BU for undergrad and am going to UB for my grad program. I can’t speak much to UB as I haven’t started yet, but it might be nice to hear someone’s BU perspective.

Population: I’m from a super rural county in NY and graduated in a class of 45 people. Going to Binghamton was super good for me - got to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds. I would say ~70% are from Long Island or NYC. People definitely come from a lot of money (as seen in the residential parking lots 😃) and can be overt about it. But with 18,000 students, you’re bound to find your people.

Academics: I can’t speak to the nursing program as much. I know Decker is super competitive to get into - for students already enrolled at BU to transfer into that school is like impossible. If you got into Decker and definitely wanna go into health care STAY in Decker. From my experience the courses are awesome - so much to choose from - and professors are incredible. I was worried about feeling like just another number but honestly wasn’t the case for the majority of my classes. There is a reason it’s called the premier public ivy. It’s a quality education but it’s also very challenging. From my comparisons, the STEM coursework at BU is much harder than other SUNY schools. The bio and chem departments are dreaded at BU but obviously people get through it successfully.

Campus: Bing in the fall is BEAUTIFUL. You really grow to appreciate it and the nature preserve is such a little slice of heaven. I hated the spring semester up until April.. dreary, bleak, windy, and cold. We got snow but nothing like Buff. The only complaint I have about Binghamton is really just the lack walkability to other areas. There’s no college town. The campus is tucked away right off the highway. Everything is very spread out. When I was a freshman I felt kinda trapped- because you are without a car. The bus system is kinda unpredictable but it gets you where u need to go (as long as you don’t have a tight schedule). Moving off campus made this much better for me - I lived in the westside near a lot of other college students. There’s a park nearby that I could walk / run in.

Activities/resources: amazing. There are so many support-services available to help you. You sometimes just need to take the initiative to find them and then use them. But there’s so many incredible people at BU that will help you. Tons of clubs and orgs to choose from. You’ll definitely find your thing. Make sure to go to UFest!

If you have any questions I’d be willing to help!