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Colgate University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Colgate University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Colgate University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Colgate University reviews, or contribute your own Colgate University review if you're a current student there.

  • 12 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Peter from Hamilton, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I came to Colgate with a pretty narrow idea of what I wanted to study and what I wanted out of my collegiate career. Colgate has, however, reshaped my ideas about the potential of a college education. I thought that both the core program and the distribution requirements would be a nuisance, but I have actually discovered a wide range of interests that I probably would not have explored had these programs not been a vital part of the Colgate experience. I am able to focus on, and engross myself with, my major but can also study a broad range of other interesting subjects.
    Am enjoying being here

    Colgate is a great place to go to college. There is no denying the fact that it is rural and isolated, but I haven't had any problems with life on campus. There are so many students interest groups and events on campus that everyone stays busy and the isolation isn't really noticable. Also, between school organizations and the Greek organizations there are always musicians coming to campus: everything from up and coming bands to headliners.
    Bang for the buck

    Colgate is expensive. Colgate is very expensive. I have come to realize though that you aren't just paying to be lectured at and spoon-fed information. The faculty here is well paid and they all love Colgate and the students. They are dedicated to teaching and enriching the lives of their students through the lessons in class and interactions and involvement on campus. A Colgate education encompasses so much more than knowledge from textbooks, it teaches you how to think and how to analyze any situation you may find yourself in. It is undoubtedly worth the money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Find things that you can see yourself involved in and that you may become passionate about. The best way to build community here is to be involved in student organizations, or find a calling and start your own group.
    Great for these types of students

    Ambitious and hard working people who want to be involved in a lot of groups and activities while also gaining an excellent education.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Michele from Simsbury, CT

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Colgate is a liberal arts university and there are a lot of distribution requirements that we must fulfill. Some people feel that this forces them to take classes that they would rather not take. However, I enjoyed all of my classes, even the ones I did not expect to like. Colgate gives its students the opportunity to learn about many different fields and get a broad education. When it comes to classes for my major, I feel that I am gaining a lot of valuable learning and I end each semester feeling like I accomplished a lot and I am always proud of my hard work.
    Am enjoying being here

    Colgate has a beautiful campus and it is situated in a quaint town in central New York. Sometimes I feel like I get stuck in my weekly routine but there are always little things I can do to break out of that, whether its going out to dinner in town or going to an interesting lecture. Sometimes I wish the food was better at the dining hall but its pretty standard college food. Because Colgate is a pretty small school, I feel like there is a good sense of community among all of the students here.
    Bang for the buck

    Colgate is one of the most expensive schools which is very frustrating because sometimes I feel like I'm being punished for working hard and being smart because I have to pay such a high price to have a fulfilling education. However, the cost of tuition doesn't seem to be a major issue with anyone here because we all recognize that Colgate has great facilities and we are getting a top notch education.
    Tips for prospective students

    I think its very important to come visit the campus because only certain people will like living in such a remote town. Its important to talk to students at the school besides just the tour guide too because we will give prospective students straight answers. Overall though, just about everyone I know here loves the school and is very happy they chose Colgate.
    Great for these types of students

    Sociable, athletic, and those who like living in a small community.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Kristina from Mayfield Village, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Colgate has a really great Core Curriculum program that gave me a great view into a wide array of subjects and helped me to expand my interests. The libraries on campus are filled with resources that have helped me through my academic experiences. And I couldn't even imagine having more approachable professors. Everyone at Colgate is dedicated to giving you the best possible, well-rounded, liberal arts education that they can.
    Am enjoying being here

    There are tons of clubs and organizations on campus to get involved in. The religious communities on campus are great as well. There is always something going on, and many times, it's free. In addition to having great fun keeping busy, the people at Colgate are great, too. I have friends from all over the country and around the world. The people really make the experience what it is, and I couldn't have found a better bunch.
    Bang for the buck

    Colgate is the sixth most expensive college in the United States. Worth it? Completely. The financial aid program at Colgate is outstanding, and there are plenty of work-study jobs to go around. Every experience at Colgate is something that you won't forget, like seeing the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, listening to a Holocaust survivor, or getting free ice cream at a Raider hockey game. I turned down a full ride to go here, and I don't have any regrets.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come during April Visit Days and eat a chipwich - it's a tradition! Also check out the athletic trails on top of the hill - the views are great!
    Great for these types of students

    go-getters, philosophical, partyers and nerds, those with some type of musical talent, readers, well-rounded, athletic, happy and friendly

  • Brian from Penfield, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Colgate will give you four of the best years of your life. More importantly, however, it will set you up to have a successful career in any field which you wish to enter. Nobody wants to leave Colgate, but when they do, they are as prepared as anybody graduating from a top university.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take AP classes, invest in extracurricular activities, and learn to budget your time! Colgate is like any college, which wants to see you challenge yourself, expand your mind, and be able to do all of this successfully. College is mainly about learning to use your time wisely, and good habits start in high school. Not only does Colgate want to see that in you as a prospective student, but they also will as an undergraduate.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes can be time-consuming, but again, it's all in the preparation. Some classes, especially the hard sciences, require much more work spread out throughout the semester, whereas others, more of the liberal arts subjects, require big projects which come in bunches. The work load isn't unbearable, but you must learn to budget your time and not fall behind. As long as you plan well, you will have plenty of time to have fun, meet new people, join clubs, and relax!
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is always active and fun. The smaller size of each dorm is a great to facilitate friendships between new students. A great benefit of Colgate is the size of the campus. Even if you don't make your best friends within your own dorm, you will be close enough to other dorms to make best friends close by. Freshman dorms are typically nice, most of them either suite-living or more modern doubles. Sophomore year is less evenly distributed, with the prize possessions being the two sky suites, two of the best rooms found on any campus. Whichever way you look at it, the rooms are livable, and everyone is close enough so that you will absolutely find your niche.
    Food and Dining

    Frank Dining Hall is the typical dining hall for a college. Filled with multiple options, the staff tries their best to mix up the options. After two years, however, the food can get repetitive. There are some meals to avoid, but salad, bagels, a sandwich/wrap station, and ice cream are always available. The COOP has solid options offered daily for more fast-food style options, all of which are of good quality. The Edge is a sit-down restaurant for dinner on the freshman meal plan and is a great change of pace on occasion. Donovan's Pub is a little further down the hill, but is a newly-reopened hangout for dinner as well.
    What to do for fun

    There's always something to do at Colgate. This is one of the best parts of the school. Every weekend there are free events up the hill or in town, whether it be concerts, open dance parties, dinners, or speakers. There are options for everyone as well, as game nights and movie nights can be found in conjunction with parties down the hill. There's never a dull evening at Colgate; if you're available at any point during the week, there's always something to do!
    Bang for the buck

    Colgate is one of the more expensive schools, but the experience, both academic and social, is special. Not only will you get a great education here and be prepared for a future career, you will meet your best friends and never want to leave. Ask any alumni you meet; every single one loves the school and will tell you that. They'll even be jealous that you might be starting your four years there!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The number 13 is Colgate's lucky number. Every Friday the 13th is Colgate day, as students, faculty, and alumni across the world wear Colgate apparel and participate in special events.

    Great for these types of students

    Hard Workers, Athletes, Outgoing individuals who like to have fun
    Clubs and Activities

    Almost any club imaginable is available. From the club Ultimate Frisbee team to the whistling a capella group, there is something for everyone. The COVE heads most of the volunteer groups, such as Habitat for Humanity and Adopt-a-Grandparent. The Activities Fair during each semester allows every student to see all of the clubs on display and get involved. Another great aspect is that anyone can start their own club.
    Greek Life

    Greek Life is pretty heavily involved at Colgate. About half of the eligible students (Sophomores and above) are involved with Colgate's six fraternities and three sororities. You don't need to join one to stay a part of the social scene, but it does help a lot if you do join one, especially if you're not part of a sports team or large club. You can have more fun at Colgate without participating in Greek Life than most other schools, but it does add to the experience.
    Campus Safety

    Colgate is completely safe. There is never a moment where you feel threatened. Rumor has it that the last time someone used a blue light on campus (located throughout the campus in case of an emergency) was to check the score of the Colgate v. Cornell hockey game. Safety is never an issue with Colgate or the quaint college town of Hamilton, NY.

  • Nicole attending Colgate University

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Colgate has inspired me to push on with my career and pursue my dreams. The staff I have worked with has been helpful and has made classes engaging and exciting. Also, the student body is extremely accepting and open.
    Tips for prospective students

    Look into your field of study and search on Ratemyprofessor before applying for your first year classes. Oftentimes, the subject for CORE classes or FSEMs is really interesting, but the professor you receive may not fit your major or your interest.
    Academic Rigor

    I would say that Colgate is very demanding. Professors assign a lot of reading and example problems, but it is manageable. Last term I took five classes on top of extracurricular clubs, and I managed to do well in my classes. Be prepared to work hard, but enjoy the work you're doing.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are kept well and the roommate assignments are more accurate than one would think. However, you can apply for a transfer if you have problems with your assigned room or roommate. Floors usually hang out in the hallways together depending on the dorm building, and it's a very open campus.
    Food and Dining

    The food at the beginning of the year is wonderful, but as the budget depletes so does the quality of food. However, freshmen unlimited meal plans are perfect especially if you just want a cup of coffee in the afternoon. The Edge is a great place to eat, and Frank Dining Hall (the main one on campus) is undergoing major renovations over the summer, which will greatly increase the quality of food.
    What to do for fun

    There are a lot of good places in town to eat at, and a few movie theaters. Mostly students stay on campus. There are movies played in Love Auditorium every week and different plays. Sports games are always exciting, especially men's hockey!
    Bang for the buck

    Colgate is very expensive, but I think it is worth the student loans. The professors are helpful and I think the connections found at Colgate are worth it. I just completed my Freshman year, and yet I have an internship in my field this summer. I think the connections and experiences you will find at Colgate will be well worth the money spent.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    If you kiss on the bridge on willow lane your relationship will supposedly last.
    Great for these types of students

    Colgate is a great place for students who want to study and excel during the week and then party on the weekend. The frats and sororities hold open parties most weekends, and they're a lot of fun to attend! Also, the weekends on campus can be filled and fun without any parties. Anyone who is looking for stimulating classroom discussion, an active student body, and a rigorous educational experience.
    Clubs and Activities

    The student body is extremely active both in town and on campus. There are tons of groups based off of volunteering, lots of sports clubs, and outdoors adventure groups. Personally I am a member of Pep Band, a Sidekick, and I played club softball. There is always something going on on campus, and there are hundreds of clubs to join based on your interest.
    Greek Life

    Greek life is a small part of the Colgate experience, but it does exist. While there are 7 frats, there are only 3 sororities. Rushing occurs in the beginning of the sophomore year, and students are encouraged to rush just for the experience.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety will always react of a call from one of the blue lights on campus. Also, if you need a ride you can call them and they will transport you. If you are ever injured they will pick you up right away and take you to the hospital or medical center located on campus as well.

  • Yekaterina from Amherst, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Colgate University is a Liberal Arts school on the top of a hill in the small village of Hamilton NY. It is a place where you are a part of a community and where you are likely to see at least three people you know on the way to class. Most of all it is a prestigious school that will challenge you to work hard and grow as a person.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take AP classes in high school. If they aren't available, then take the most challenging courses you can. If you can start to think of your coursework outside of the textbook and take the time to really think about what you are reading it will be easier to make the transition from high school to college. Also learn how to manage your time. One of the best things about Colgate is that there are a ton of opportunities available for you, the only thing you have to do is make an effort to pursue the things that interest you and make time to participate.
    Academic Rigor

    There are some classes here that are ridiculously difficult, while others are easier. Despite this, if you don't put the extra effort in to go beyond just memorizing terms and basic information you are likely not going to be getting the best grades. Professors here challenge you to not only repeat back the information you learned, but also to think critically about the information. You really have to take the time to understand to do well, but that just makes those A's that much more satisfying!
    Dorm Life

    Some dorms are rowdy while others are more laid back, the one you end up in will be determined by matching your interests with others. For example, I choose to live in wellness housing which means that everyone in my dorm doesn't bring any alcohol or drugs into the dorm, and it gives us the added benefit of being the quietest freshman dorm. All the dorms are nice and have enough space except for Curtis which has tiny rooms but is known to be very social.
    Food and Dining

    While some people like to complain about the food here, everyone will admit that it isn't as bad as they make it out to be. We actually have very good quality food. The only problems are that if you are a picky eater some nights there won't be anything you like, and generally the chicken is always bad.
    What to do for fun

    While Colgate is in the middle of nowhere, there is actually quite a bit to do. On the weekends we have Take Two movies playing in one of the campus buildings, sporting events, famous lecturers, the Jug, a movie theater, a club dedicated to hosting fun late night events that range from rollerskating to rockclimbing, a games club that hosts Nerf gun wars once a month, and a variety of other clubs that will ensure that you will have plenty to do. In fact I don't think four years will be enough to get through half of the stuff I want to do!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Here at Colgate thirteen is our lucky number! Any Friday the thirteenth is National Colgate day and it is likely that a flash mob will take over some part of the campus. Raider Ice Cream is also a favorite of ours and is introduced during various campus events such as Move-In day and basketball games. Also be wary of any first kisses at Taylor Path it is said that you will marry anyone you share a first kiss with on this path.

  • Michelle from NY, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Colgate blew me away. I entered intending to major in biochemistry and go pre-med but Colgate has opened my eyes to more than I could have imagined.
    Am enjoying being here

    It's tough in the winter but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything else. Greek life and other campus activities are great in keeping me constantly busy.
    Bang for the buck

    Pricey school. Worth it? I say yes. My parents will be on board after they see the kinds of job offers I get
    Tips for prospective students

    Go into everything open minded. Get involved. Ask questions.
    Great for these types of students

    Generally very homogeneous in race and class - white and middle/upper class. However, Colgate is trying extremely hard to diversify its campus

  • Elisabeth

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At Colgate you are not only surrounded by incredible professors who are experts in their field but your are surrounded by curious and intelligent students so you are constantly learning both inside and outside the classroom. You will be challenged to do your best because you will realize there are so many things you can learn at Colgate.
    Am enjoying being here

    I couldn't be happier at Colgate. There are tons of events to go to and people to meet. Everyone is passionate about something which causes the creation of tons of clubs, groups, and campus events. People are always willing to try something new and there is somethign to do for everyone
    Bang for the buck

    The education is top notch so its worth all the money that it costs.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved in activities in high school and become well rounded and interested in the world because it will make you an interesting applicant and work hard because college is a lot of work.
    Great for these types of students

    Interested, involved, friendly, outgoing, hardworking

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