Choosing where to go to college is a huge decision. For most, it determines how the next four years or so of your life will go after high school. Going to a SUNY school for me was the only option. I applied to a few schools and after narrowing down my acceptances, I finally chose SUNY Potsdam.
Choosing a small-town college can be quite the decision. But, I've learned a few lessons and learned how to make the most out of it. To be honest, it's turned out to be pretty amazing!
Potsdam is a unique environment and if you've ever been a student at Potsdam, you will totally understand these ten signs that you've dealt with the oldest school in the SUNY system:
1. You have, at one time or another, referred to the school as being "The Dirty Dam."
To most, this doesn't make too much sense and maybe you're not even sure as a student what it means, but you still call it that anyways.
2. You know Crane is within the realms of Potsdam, and you used to hate when people would say they went to Crane as if it was its own institution.
But, you've come to the conclusion that Crane is a wonderful building with amazing talent and students who always work hard. So who cares right? We're all a Potsdam family in the end.
3. SO...MUCH...FOOD.
From the Student Union, Becky's, Dexter's, Cookies and Cream and Lehman all the way to Sergi's, The Bagelry, Little Italy and more, SUNY Potsdam's food is nothing to overlook. It's no wonder we are number one for food out of all of the SUNY schools!
4. Parking WILL suck.
So don't expect to find a spot anywhere close to your destination. As most students have discovered, parking where you're not supposed to can sometimes end up with a big fat ticket on your windshield.
5. It's cold...VERY cold.
The snow sucks. It's a college in the North Country. What do you expect? The snow is thick, the ice is everywhere and when the wind hits, the temperature easily drops into double digit negatives. Yes, we all complain and we all hate it, but we suck it up and go to class anyway.
6. Even though it is a small town there are still places to PARTY!
Sometimes that's in a house, others it's in a room. Regardless, you'll probably find that you've ended up in Streets, Duff's, or Maxfields to end the night with a bang!
7. Greek Life rocks.
Even though it's in a small town, SUNY Potsdam has some amazing Greek life that is great for the school, the community, and just people in general. They always pull through when you need a good time.
8. If you have to live on campus, you probably prefer Bowman.
Let's be honest, it's a lot nicer than the other buildings. If you've never been in the other buildings, you're honestly probably afraid of them from what you've heard before and just don't want to experience it for yourself.
9. You don't think Clarkson kids are so bad.
It's actually kind of cool being next to a pretty recognized university. They add more people to the parities and provide a good mix of students. But we'll never tell them that they're okay... we'll just let them do their thing over the bridge!
10. Hockey is a must.
One of SUNY Potsdam's treasures is its hockey team. It's pretty cool to be home to a few All-American Hockey teams and a SUNYAC championship team. The games are fun to attend, and after you can continue the excitement with point six!
All in all, SUNY Potsdam is a pretty amazing college where you can meet some life-long friends and can be surrounded by talented students. I am incredibly happy with my choice to come here and love my Dirty Dam!
