Vassar College

One of the original «Seven Sisters» northeastern U.S. liberal arts colleges founded in the mid-​nineteenth century (in Vassar’s case, 1861) when single sex education was the rule (Vassar went coed in 1969) still has ivy covered walls, in addition to much more modern structures (including a great art gallery). Highly competitive in admissions, fortunately the lovely grounds are open to all without charge. Unless you’re going to visit admissions look for street parking just outside the main gate.

BEAUTYYYYY.
I cannot believe how beautiful Vassar college is. I visited the area with my boyfriend on a weekend getaway from the city, and we decided to check out Vassar — the old stomping grounds of Lisa Kudrow (As a FRIENDS fan, how could I NOT come visit?)
Since it was fall, we were able to soak in the lovely orange and red leaves showering overhead. I was obsessed.
The only thing, I couldn’t find the bookstore to buy a small souvenir, and even though you’re able to walk around, I felt surrounded by buildings that I wasn’t able to explore — granted, that’s great they have such awesome safety and security for their students, but I just wanted to take a peak and see what their campus style was like, and I wasn’t able to.
Oh well :)

Graduated from here in ’10. Great place to just walk around, beautiful scenery and architecture all throughout. Not as much vandalism in the bathroom stalls which is a nice surprise

The Vassar library is the areas 2^nd best place to steal some study time. (Marist wins for the river view, new building and free printing) The beautiful campus and historic buildings make it a nice visit for non students… But the library is not as effective for those of us who squat on campuses… No access to wifi (even though it says it has a Guest ssid) printing is pay per page and there is a card vending machine in the main library hall… being an older building it can be a little musty inside. As expected the furniture is old and in some cases worn… after a first visit you will however be raving to friends about the castle like interior with large stained glass windows and hidden staircases… It is like being in the church /​library from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (the one where he found the buried knight).
Still nothing beats the atmosphere of a prestigious campus like this and there is no question — library addicts should have it as a part of their rotation.

With this being my 150^th review, and 2011 being Vassar’s sesquicentennial year, I thought it would be fitting to dedicate this «milestone» review to my alma mater. Unfortunately, I don’t really know what to write. I spent four incredible years here, during which I…
…was an English and Psychology double major who also almost finished the Classics/​Latin major (a thesis and two classes short, lame!)
… attended small classes on a variety of subjects with professors who were available, friendly, and open-​minded, and classmates who provided thought-​provoking, mature, and sometimes out-​of-​left-​field bizarre conversation. My smallest (and most terrifying) class was a Latin translation class with two other students. I got to take a seminar specifically on personality disorders and their placement in the upcoming DSM-​V. And a half-​credit, for-​non-​majors course on relativity that only required me to listen to a professor with the coolest name ever — Morton Tavel.
…made the best friends ever, with both students and professors. I love that I am still in touch with so many of my classmates, I love that I am still welcome back, and I love that I have been on a first name basis with my advisors for years now.
…didn’t have to take math or science. Aside from major requirements, Vassar only has three core curricula requirements: one semester of foreign language (which you can test out of/​sub out with AP scores), one semester of «quantitative analysis» (which I took Intro to Psych to satisfy), and one freshman writing course (which «teach» you how to write/​are available in almost every department).
…had the weirdest/​coolest/​nerdiest job ever (Campus Patrol) that let me make mad cash. (My roommate told me that my review of Vassar should just be «the best part of Vassar was Campus Patrol so make sure you join it when you get there.)
…got to study in (and work for a summer at) the most beautiful library ever.
…did what I wanted, when I wanted, where I wanted. Ok that’s not entirely true, but the school has tons and tons of organizations, teams (Division III and intramural), events, speakers, campus wide parties, plays, etc. There was always something to do. Sometimes there was too much to do.
…ate a lot of good food. Campus dining wasn’t too shabby, surprisingly, while I attended. Senior year I got to make food in my sweet on-​campus apartment. And there was always a bunch of off-​campus dining options (at least one of each: Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, soul food, Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern, diner, etc.), many of which took V-​Cash (money accessible through your V-​Card, which is not just for virginity anymore!)
…lived in great rooms. Seriously, I had the biggest and awesomest dorm rooms ever at Vassar. My freshman room was narrow but long (8-​by-​24) and split by myself and one roommate. My sophomore year I shared a suite with two other girls. That was my smallest room (and weirdest… my room didn’t have a window to the outside, just a window to the hall) but the common area more than made up for it. My junior year was spent in a single that was nearly as large as my freshman room (9-​by-​19 or 20), but it was all for me (obviously, being a single and all). (Seriously I had all of these things in that room: college provided desk, dresser & bed, along with a couch, an armchair, two bookcases, a coffeetable, a fridge, and another set of storage shelves). And then senior year was spent in an old Terrace Apartment, one of three on-​campus apartment-​style housing options available to the senior class.
…visited NYC occasionally, as it was an hour and a half or so away by Metro North.
…honestly had the best time of my life. If you’re a prospective student and want to talk more about the school, feel free to message me on Unilocal,I will absolutely respond.
PS… there are free condoms and safer sex supplies all the time.

I was kind of surprised to see a review of Vassar, so I will join others who think that Vassar is an incredible place. I graduated in 1976 and had a wonderful experience. Whenever I return to the campus I cannot believe what an incredible experience I had there. Definitely a five star experience in my life!

Like the other two legit reviews, I’m so biased. Vassar was an incredible place to spend four years. The professors are so brilliant, accessible, and inspirational. They offer a ton of interesting classes, and basically allow you to make your college experience whatever you want it to be. Create your own major! Take dance classes! Write a paper on the your favorite TV show! Or actually do a ton of work (triple major?) if that’s your thing. If you are looking for a liberal arts college, visit Vassar. Take a walk around the campus and you’ll quickly realize why the other reviewers and I fell in love with this place.

So I’m biased. Vassar has been at the center of some of the most amazing parts of my life (so far). Granted, college in general is a lot of fun and people *hopefully* really mature and grow into themselves during that period. For me, Vassar ended up being the perfect choice to nurture that growth.
A small liberal arts college with minimal requirements, Vassar has a beautiful campus located in Arlington, right by Poughkeepsie, NY with a train station that can take you directly to NYC (sweeeeeeet) on the Metro North in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Classes are fairly small and professors are very friendly, encouraging and available to students. The area around campus has a few small stores and several ethnic restaurants (most reasonably priced), and is being renovated by the town as part of the urban renewal in the area. The college also provides a shuttle to a nearby mall with a movie theatre as well as into downtown Poughkeepsie.
Campus organizations are active, sports are good depending on the team (Division III), and the weekends are generally filled with parties thorughout the dorms and senior housing, with large, special events thrown by dorms or student organizations. There is even an on campus bar/​club known as The Mug, but it can get pretty grossly hot in there quickly. Its not too hard to have a fun time on campus, and you do have options elsewhere (ie, NYC).
The stereotype that Vassar is ⁴⁰⁄₆₀ men to ladies may be somewhat true but that’s only because its true at most colleges (enrollment of women surpasses men in general). However, the myth that all guys are gay here is completely false; our gay community may be very outspoken, but you’re more likely to come across a straight guy walking around campus. So ladies, let me assure you that you can meet a guy — I met my bf here.
In the end, Vassar may not be for everyone, but you’ll know that pretty quickly when you visit it. Otherwise, this fine academic institution can give you some of the most incredible four years (or more) of your life.

I’d give it four stars if the gossip server was still functioning and five stars if it gave me anything besides a nasty case of the clap.

I’m not biased or anything…
But even during my first study week, I love Vassar college. The students are friendly, the faculty wants you to do well, the classes are challenging and the campus is beautiful and easy to manage. While people complain about Poughkeepsie, it really is not bad at all. I’ve found many cute shops and restaurants along Raymond and Hooker ave.
The school is quite the drinking/​pot smoking school as well. Which adds a relaxed feeling when the studies get hard.
JYA is common and pretty easy to do if you have the GPA.
And while I feared that there would be 40% men, all of whom would be gay, I was wrong. While there is an openly gay population, there are plenty of straight men in the mix.
Want to be in NYC? The express train will get you there in under 90 minutes and it is only 25 dollars round trip.
I originally wanted to go to NYU, but changed my mind after I got accepted to both and realized how distracting the city would be. Vassar is a great mix of (sometimes too many) distractions and peace. There is always a party, a screening, a show or a concert. You just need to know what/​when to pick one.