I was recently hired as a Student Ambassador (which is just a fancy term for tour guide), for SUNY New Paltz . As an ambassador, it's my job to advertise the school to prospective students. I could not have found an easier job because showing to students that New Paltz is an amazing place to be is effortless. There are so many amazing things that my school has to offer that it should be the obvious choice for anyone looking for a school that has it all. Here are a few of my top reasons for choosing to attend SUNY New Paltz!
The location.
SUNY New Paltz is located in the center of the Hudson Valley, which is full of fun and adventure. There are so many great opportunities for hiking and sightseeing, so you'll never be bored on the weekends. Pictured above is me and some friends at Minewaska State Park which is just a 25-minute drive from campus. It is also located right smack in between Albany and NYC, which are the two best locations in the state for internship opportunities.
Easy access to coffee.
If you're a coffee addict like me, then New Paltz is the place for you. Not only are there Two Starbucks and a Pete's Coffee on campus, there's a Dunkin' Donuts and a Starbucks within walking distance of campus. There's also an adorably cute coffee shop in town called "The Cafeteria" that is another great option (#SupportLocalBusiness). If that wasn't enough, this fall another Starbucks is opening on campus. I guess it is safe to say that the needs of your coffee addiction will be accounted for!
The town
Main Street of the town of New Paltz is an amazing place to be. There are countless restaurants -- so many, that it takes students 'til senior year to say they've finally eaten at each one. My favorite is P&G's; go and order "The Mac Truck Burger" -- just do it. There are also a multitude of shops and five bars (for those over 21, of course). Town is a just great place to spend the day, or the night on the weekends.
The price.
These days, some private colleges can cost upwards of $60,000 a year in tuition, and that's without the cost of room and board! I don't know about you guys, but I definitely don't wanna be paying off my loans and collecting social security at the same time. SUNY New Paltz is, well, a SUNY school, meaning "State University of New York." Those students that live in the state of New York can pay in-state tuition, which is drastically lower than that of a private school.
All of the clubs and organizations.
At SUNY New Paltz there are over 200 clubs and organizations on campus from Humans Vs. Zombies, to a cappella choirs, intramural sports and the list goes on. I always say you have to try hard not to get involved on campus because there are so many opportunities to. If there isn't a club that sparks your interest, then you can even start your own club! I found my home at my student-run theatre organization on campus, "The Miami Theatre Players," and I know so many students that have found their home in their New Paltz clubs and organizations.
The size
New Paltz is a small to medium sized school, which is exactly what I wanted in a college campus. It takes a short 15 minute walk to get from one corner of campus to the other. This means that you don't have to hop on a bus or leave your room 30 minutes before class to be on time, which you may have to do at large schools. Its size allows you to meet new people every day while also seeing familiar faces everywhere you go.
The view
The campus has the most amazing view of the Mohonk Mountain Range that gets different with every season. When the sun sets behind it, words can't describe how truly breathtaking it is. Check any NP student's Instagram account and you're guaranteed to find a pic of the mountains with the caption "My view >> yours."
Most of all, I chose this school because when I went to visit, it felt like home. There's a specific feeling you get when you take a tour of the right school for you, kinda like the feeling you get when you arrive home after a long vacation. When you choose a college, you're not only choosing a school, but also your home for the next four years. If you can't see yourself in the dining hall enjoying a meal with your friends, or playing frisbee on the quad, or spending nights in watching movies in the lounge of your dorm, or anything else you may do, then it's not home. I hope that whatever school you may choose, that it truly feels like home.
These are just a few of the many reasons that I chose to spend four years of my life at SUNY New Paltz. I hope that after you read this article you go and sign up for a tour yourself, and who knows -- maybe I'll even be your tour guide.
