Union College - New York Reviews
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Victoria from Athens, NY
01/14/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
7 out of 7 people found this review useful. 1 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Union is a great school for people who want to go somewhere that is fun but still worthwhile academically. It's great for those who don't want to go to community college, but don't want to go to a huge university either. And its location is definitely a plus. Around Union there are plenty of places to eat and hang out, as well as various shopping centers within 1/2 hour, and there's even a bus that will bring you to some of those places! Union is the perfect place for students looking for academics, sports, and fun all combined into one small area within a city.
Tips for prospective students Get familiar with the campus and its lifestyles early on. Learn different policies--it will sure come in hand later. Become familiar with residence policies if you plan to live on campus, and especially knowledgeable with academic policies. (For example, Union does not accept ALL Advanced Placement courses/exams for credit; familiarize yourself with which they do and do not to make it easier for you to transfer credits.) Make sure the school is really what's right for you, and be sure that you know it's a place you can really benefit from. Don't forget: full-time Union students only take 3 classes per term, but each class does the same amount of work in 10 weeks (one trimester/term) as other schools do in one 15-week semester.
Bang for the buck Most of all Union students receive some type of financial aid, so that 50+k a year really drops. Campus jobs help, too, even if you aren't awarded work study. Overall, you're really getting a lot. Getting an education + having fun while doing so - outrageous bills = Perks of Union College.
Am enjoying being here Definitely! Union has a lot to offer. There are always different events going on. Each month a large calendar with the events is hung in the Campus Center and there are emails sent out to all students because there are so many events taking place that it's impossible to remember every one!! All of the events offer a great variety, too. It's not all about parties here; there are different events like comedy shows, guest speakers, dinner discussions, musical performances, etc. Each day holds something new. Inside the classroom can be a lot of fun, too. Some teachers tell a lot of jokes and are a lot more laid back than most high school teachers I ever had. That isn't to say they aren't adamant about their policies, they just know how to teach AND have fun.
Am learning a lot Overall students generally feel like they're learning quite a bit. The professors are great and help you to really understand things. Still, sometimes things are being taught that you MAY have already learned in high school (especially if you took Advanced Placement courses but didn't receive credit), so SOMETIMES classes can feel like review.
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William from Winter Park, FL
08/15/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 2 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students All types of people attend Union it seems to be just like America is: a mix of all culture. They have an awesome liberal arts program and a fantastic engineering department as well. That is one of the many unique qualities about Union.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you study frequently, in the trimester system everything moves much faster than normal and you always need to be on task.
Bang for the buck Union college ranks among the top colleges in return for you diploma.
Will enjoy being here Upon my visit everyone was very warm and welcoming. I had the chance to sit down with a two professors and just talk casually about the classes and Union itself. Additionally all the students I walked up to for help were more than happy to offer a hand.
Will learn a lot When I sat in on a class I felt like the amount they throw at you is a lot. It will be challenging going to Union but in return you get an education like no other.
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Alpha from White Plains
08/17/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
3 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Outgoing, fun, academic oriented, party people, social, hard working, determined
Tips for prospective students Don't be shy when it comes to meeting new people and don't conform yourself to one group of friends early on. Although people here can be prepy and obnoxious at times, a majority of the people found at Union College are very friendly and willing to talk to you if you open up. Go around and talk to everyone during your first weeks of school. That way you have a better view and understanding of the people there and toward your soph. Junior year you soon realize who your best friends are. Also, keep up with your studies! Just because you only take 3 classes a term does not mean its going to be easy. You must put in the work outside of class in order to do well at this school.
Bang for the buck Although Union was voted one of the most expensive liberal arts schools in the country, it is very fair when it comes to financial aid. The ability for them to package in union scholarship, grants, loans, and work study is nice. However, if you wish to keep most of it throughout the years, you must show good performance in the books. They expect nothing but the best from students here. They also supply nice jobs so that students are able to keep something in their pockets/pay for books if its not included. If your from Boston or of black/Hispanic decent, I encourage you to look into the Posse/AOP programs they provide to financially troubled individuals.
Am enjoying being here The four years at Union College will definitely be the best four years of your life. The combination of events planned out allow students to do a variety of things. Greek life is a lot of fun here and throw great parties for people to attend for free. If your not into that they always have the big calender posted in reamer allowing you to see what activities are going to be held for the month. If you want to enjoy yourself you have to open up and be willing to try out new things (not necessarily the partying either ha ha).
Am learning a lot Classes here are reasonable which allows you to form a stronger relationships with your teacher and learn more. Office hrs are usually never a problem and teachers are very flexible with time scheduling. A majority of the teachers keep learning fun and helps establish a better learning environment. Not only do you learn in class, the way Union is designed allows you to learn off book skills which eventually help you in the future.
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Emily from Ballston Spa, NY
10/02/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
4 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students looking for a small, liberal arts college with a lot to offer
Bang for the buck Students from Union College seem to have a lot of opportunities after graduation, and the education they receive is a major help in the real world
Will enjoy being here The campus is gorgeous and the students seem friendly and intelligent
Will learn a lot The classes are small and discussion-oriented, and the professors seem passionate about their work.
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Garnet Girl from Massachusetts
02/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety while we are in a city campo really keeps us safe - there are rarely any problems.
Greek Life the college has recently been very hard on greek life but it's still an element of our community. we do a lot of charity and pro-social events in addition to weekend parties.
Clubs and Activities so much to do! you will definitely find something that floats your boat.
Great for these types of students great for a student with a work hard, play hard mentality. academics are incredibly important, but we also know how to have fun. on another note we attract primarily kids from the northeast who don't mind wearing pastels and carrying lily pulitzer. however, if you don't fit that description don't worry. it's a very accepting and open campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the nott memorial is our most famous building. there are 7 traditions which every student must complete before graduation... make sure you do!
Bang for the buck an amazing school with a high tuition to match.
What to do for fun we were rated as the #1 campus for things to do. there is always so much going on! from charity events to college sponsored outings to movies and comedians to frat parties there is always something fun to do- never enough time.
Food and Dining the food is definitely getting better but isn't great. 03 the organic cafe is wonderful and so is ozone which offers an organic lunch every friday for a meal swipe. skeller is great for late night junk food.
Dorm Life while the freshman dorms aren't the best upperclassmen housing is pretty good. the minerva houses are beautiful, clean, and quiet.
Academic Rigor the quality of the course on the professor as well as the major. obviously organic chemistry is very difficult while intro to anthropology isn't as rigorous. overall the quality of instruction is excellent!
Tips for prospective students come visit campus! your experience depends on whether you personally fit with your college. union is a great school for me but you'll have to take a tour, talk to professors, and current students to know if you'll love being here.
In three sentences union is a fantastic school. because of its small size and teacher to student ratio there is a lot of individualized attention and the ability to get involved in undergraduate research that really helps when applying to graduate school/ jobs. there is also an active social and athletic scene which is nice when not hitting the books.
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Martha from Pasadena, CA
05/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 12
Categories Comments Greek Life Good! Although we are a liberal arts college we have sororities and fraternities including multicultural and divine nine
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have the seven school traditions that some students try to accomplish by the end of their senior year
What to do for fun Join clubs and hang out with friends
Tips for prospective students Get help from your professor that is what they are there for!!
In three sentences Union college is a wonderful small liberal arts college which provides good financial aid . The teachers are wonderful and classes are small in size. You have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the teachers. The camps it self is very diverse in every way.
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Diana from Providence, RI
07/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are campus officer who make rounds and you would see them often. Also, if you are not sure if you want to walk alone at night to your dorm, you called campus safety for an escort and an escort will be there shortly.
Clubs and Activities There are a lot of clubs you could enjoy, for example, Math, Uprogram, or volunteer at Kennedy Center.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are 7 traditions, which I only know a few that you must (option) complete before graduation.
What to do for fun There is a lot you can do on the weekends, Student Activities have a lot of event from snow skiing to movies. You would get an email about events happening on weekends. There is also greek parties but chances they will let you in.
Food and Dining There are two Dining Halls and the food is ok, not the best but there are some good foods and vegetarian foods and fruits.
Dorm Life There are some dorms that are loud and some are more quiet. Residence Advisors come up with events for you to enjoy and get a break from your studies.
Academic Rigor It great, 10 weeks of academic is wonderful. Professors are there to help you with course work and there are also tutors to help you with anything.
Tips for prospective students If Union College is in your list, I suggest you to visit the campus and ask a lot of questions. Keep in mind if you would be living there for four years, you would want to know everything about Union.
In three sentences Union College is a small liberal arts school. The campus is beautiful, filled with awesome faculty members and students from around the world.
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Rasheed from Philadelphia, PA
09/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety This campus is incredibly safe, there are virtually no examples of crimes committed on campus.
Greek Life Strong greek life at Union College.
Clubs and Activities Many, many clubs are available for anyone interested, including a karate club in which i am involved and intramural sports .
Great for these types of students Those who dont like to be bored in class as well as students who are good at managing time or can do better.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are seven tradition at Union college, including traveling through forgotten tunnels under the school.
Bang for the buck Although this college is very expansive, it is worth every penny that they ask.
What to do for fun There are a plethora of clubs and intramural sports to lay during free time.
Food and Dining A variety of food options are available , including on campus dining and many off campus restaurants.
Dorm Life Although the dorm life here is exceptional, it is accompanied with normal hardships of living with people you dont know very well including issues of trust.
Academic Rigor Very hard work, however it is not a all impossible to do very well.
Tips for prospective students If you intend to attend Union College, be prepared for a large amount of planning and studying.
In three sentences This college has great academics along with great professors. Along with the academic opportunity given here, the school offers a large amount of financial aid for their students in need. Lastly, the upperclassmen attending the college are usually very helpful in all aspects of college life.
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Matthew from Brooklyn, NY
11/09/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
9 of 12
Categories Comments Clubs and Activities I was told during the college tour that there was once a student who made a bet to not eat any food except for the foods served for Union's clubs for a month straight. She won the bet easily and it tells you a lot about the number and variety of their clubs.
Food and Dining The food was delicious when I was there.
Dorm Life The Minerva program looks like a great way to connect students with other roommates who may share similar interests.
Academic Rigor They are very flexible and offer a wide variety of courses, but Union does have an unusually strong focus on the math and scientific subjects for a liberal college.
In three sentences When I visited the campus, it had an extremely upbeat social atmosphere. I felt really comfortable there during the campus tour and I would suggest researching more about this college for anyone who has fears about leaving their home, because it seemed to have a very strong support system for their students.
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Hannah from Lyme, NH
01/22/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety There's an escort service for late at night when you don't want to walk by yourself. You see campus security pretty frequently. Schenectady does have its rough spots and sometimes the locals don't get along well with Union kids, but as long as you're not alone when going out especially at night, you're fine.
Greek Life strong greek life and they are pretty dominant, but I know plenty of non-Greeks that have just as much fun and are just as awesome.
Clubs and Activities Over 100+ clubs and there are always cool events going on.
Great for these types of students Sporty kids are pretty prominent, but not overly abundant. You have scholars that stay in every weekend and others that party hard. Some kids go out four nights a week some just fridays. You don't need a north face jacket, uggs, or a nalgene to fit in (though those with them aren't in short supply).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The seven union traditions everyone must do before the end of the senior year, I don't remember them all but some are drink in all the frats (in one night), walk in the tunnel under the bridge by the football field, and the naked Nott. Rathskellar is the on-campus restaurant that's open saturday and friday night till 1 am, they have the BEST curly fries.
Bang for the buck Definitely on the pricey side, but they're actually pretty good about distributing financial aid. Apply for it MOST DEFINITELY, you never know.
What to do for fun There are restaurants walking distance. There's a shuttle that takes you to Crossgates mall every wednesday and saturday, which is awesome to hang out. There are always a ton of events going on on campus. The minerva houses host events ranging from watching Step-Up with a few people to having guest speakers from various fields of studies (usually always with free food!). The night-life is typically frat and house parties, which are awesome (closed to freshmen the first five weeks, but my friends and I still got in most of them just fine), but there are bars in the area some will let in 18-year-olds in. Every weekend they have movies that have not gone out on DVD yet (21 Jump Street, Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Hunger Games, Argo, etc.)
Academic Rigor The trimesters condense the courses quite a bit meaning your only tests can be mid-terms and finals. They only have you take 3 courses at a time unless you're a scholar (in which case you can take 4), so you're not overwhelmed while still going through more material in a shorter amount of time.
Tips for prospective students Visit in the spring or fall when the campus is beautiful. Look into the extra programs that Union has to offer like LIM for pre-med students, the engineering program, environmental science studies because they really help you out a lot. If you're going to live anywhere, pick Davidson Hall: the suites are decently sized and that's where the fun is at.
In three sentences Great school with great resources and awesome professors. The town isn't the best, but you don't really need a car to get around. You can be sporty, artsy, brainy or maybe just average and you will find people just right for you.
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zoli
03/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus is very safe. Outside campus some dangers exist
Greek Life small greek system
Clubs and Activities lots of options
Great for these types of students Students who really want to learn
Bang for the buck Excellent place for an education. You get what you pay for.
What to do for fun Hockey games are a blast.
Food and Dining The people who work in the food service try really hard to make food that you need, especially if you have specific diet needs.
Dorm Life Some of the dorms could use some updating but there are many housing options. Rooms in the minerva houses are really nice.
Academic Rigor very rigorous
Tips for prospective students If you are looking for a place where your professors know your name and they really care that you learn, Union is the place for you.
In three sentences Union is a fabulous place to get an education. The courses are rigorous. the professors are excellent.
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Britt from Albany, NY
05/21/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
12 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety Security is top notch. Going off campus at night is not a threat unless you go out alone, which is a REALLY bad idea.
Greek Life I don't know much about Greek life but I'd be willing to check it out. It seems like a fun and interesting opportunity to get to know people and make friends outside of my respective major.
Clubs and Activities There are so many awesome opportunities to participate in clubs, intramural sports,and other activities.
Great for these types of students People who want a great education that's affordable! Also, make sure you love hockey (and you hate RPI ;) )!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Not that I know of but, I'm sure there are many that I'll soon find out about!
Bang for the buck The academics are highly respectable and it's not likely that you'll leave having no career options. Make sure you participate in extracurricular activities, though!
What to do for fun I've lived in the approximate area (about 15 minutes away) of Union College for all of my life. There's a lot to do, whether it be going to hockey games, shopping, walking through the city (never alone or at night, though). There's also a lot of great little cafes and restaurants in the nearby area.
Food and Dining When I visited, I ate in the upperclassmen dining hall. The food was SO delicious and much better than some of the other food I've eaten at other colleges. I'm not sure about the freshmen dining hall but if it was anything like the upperclassmen, it's amazing.
Dorm Life It's a typical dorm room - nothing too different from other colleges.
Academic Rigor From what I've seen, Union takes great pride in their academics. Even though it is a liberal arts college, their science programs seem incredibly rigorous and accredited.
Tips for prospective students Don't go in closed-minded. Always give every college you visit a chance. That's what I did and it turns out that I loved the school way more than I thought I actually would.
In three sentences All in all, I fell in love with Union College as soon as I stepped foot on campus. It is absolutely beautiful and the people there are just the same - everyone is so friendly and easy to talk to! Also, the financial aid package I received from them was awesome!
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