Living in New York, you’re bound to have heard of the wonderful public college school system that’s been nicknamed the SUNY system. With sixty-four campus locations spread out throughout the great state of New York, there’s a very good chance you live right near one – though most of the time that means that isn’t the school you want to actually attend (way too close to home for most people).
Once you get to know the system, you learn that every SUNY school really has their own unique characteristics and personalities, and a lot of the time many of the students who attend those schools falls into those categories. As a creative spin on the stereotypical categories, many of the students who attend specific SUNY schools happen to fall into, here is my take on if SUNY schools were the characters from the hit sitcom, "Friends."
*Please keep in mind that I have received my information regarding stereotypes of SUNY schools from sources such as friends and family, word of mouth, and the wonderful world of Yik Yak.*
ESF: Ross Geller
Although ESF doesn’t actually have an anthropology/archeology major, I felt that they are the most science-based school of the SUNY system. It’s the closest thing I found to compare to Ross and his intense and overwhelming love and obsession for all things having to do with prehistoric artifacts and especially dinosaurs, like no other school in the SUNY system could do.
Cortland: Monica Geller
When I think of Cortland, the first thing that comes into my mind is their love of sports and how competitive they can be when it comes to their sports. Especially when it comes to the mighty title of who is the best Red Dragons between Cortland and Oneonta. At least that’s something that they seem very competitive about every year for every sport. One thing is for sure, as we have seen in multiple episodes of the hit show, Monica is definitely an incredibly competitive person. From tackle football on Thanksgiving day to the epic and beloved trivia episode, to that one time they tossed a ball back and forth for hours and hours, Monica has to be the winner if you don’t want a riot to start.
Purchase: Carol and Susan
I had a hard time with this one because I was debating whether to choose Joey or these two to compare to Purchase. I decided that since Purchase has the largest LGBTQ community that I have seen throughout the SUNY system compared to the rest of the schools, Purchase fits nicely with the only two characters on the show who fall into that community.
Binghamton: Chandler Bing
Again, another hard one for me but I couldn’t exactly just leave the “Ivy League SUNY School” out of my list, could I? I chose this one for Bing for a few reasons. First, well, they’re both Bing’s. Obvious, but totally true. I also think that despite Chandler’s awkward quirks and horrible upbringing, he’s incredibly intelligent (I don’t know why but I constantly think about how he was the only one to have a computer of his own throughout the series).
Albany: Fun Bobby.
When I asked the wonderful world of Yik Yak a specific stereotype of the SUNY school of our state capital, someone replied, “The only A’s they get are for alcohol." Especially with it being one of the biggest SUNY schools in the system as well as it being extremely close to lots of other colleges that are located in the great city of Albany, it’s easy to find a party basically every weekend.
New Paltz: Phoebe.
A little quirky, totally that one hippie we all know, New Paltz is kind of like it’s own little world- and you’d know that if you’ve ever been there. If you’ve ever seen the show, Phoebe is all of that wrapped up in one gorgeous blonde lady, also known as Regina Phelange. The school is basically known for being pretty free spirited, and although they have many incredible academic programs, their students tend to be more focused on things such as finding themselves, experimentation, and overall having a good time.
Old Westbury: Gunther.
We all sort of know they’re there, but they’re a total background character that no one really pays attention to unless you’re actually attending that school. Just like Gunther is a critical character since he works at the beloved coffee shop, Westbury is essential because it adds another SUNY campus, but besides that it’s pretty much a background school. Sorry Old Westbury but none of the other SUNY schools pay much attention to you.
Oneonta: Joey Tribbiani.
If there’s one thing about Joey that everyone knows, it’s that Joey loves food. I choose this character for my own school for two reasons. One, compared to many of the other SUNY Schools (even if we personally think it’s gross), the dining hall food is pretty decent. Secondly, with our infamous nickname of “Stoneonta," the endless snacking is taken to a new level when the majority of our students are dealing with a case of the munchies a few times a week.
University of Buffalo: Janice.
This one was tough for me because I’ve never actually ventured that far west in New York but someone told me that Buffalo is a school full of incredibly social people who value their social lives. They keep it as a very important part of their lives, and we all know how social and talkative Janice was throughout the series. I’m not implying that Buffalo is the annoying SUNY school, just very outgoing and social.
FIT: Rachel Green.
The most fashion forward school of them all, the Fashion Institute of Technology definitely embodies Rachel Green and her love of all things fashion. I mean she worked for Ralph Lauren for goodness sake – which is the dream of so many FIT students. Fashion comes first for these glamorous students, as they’re always trying to look their best in every situation, just like Rachel does.
Do you agree with my comparison between SUNY schools and Friends characters? Please feel free to voice your opinions on my ideas!
