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It sounds to me like I'm the only actual Fordham student reading this thread so maybe I can help you out a little. Firstly, I absolutely love Fordham and so does everyone I know. The atmosphere is so familial, the campus is gorgeous, the nightlife is definitely a plus, and most importantly the education you will receiving (and the name of the school on your resume) will get you places. It's very easy to get into the city, but I find that most students actually prefer to stay in the Bronx most of the time. At first, you may feel a little intimidated when you exit the gates, but soon enough you'll feel like a bonafide Bronxonian just like the rest of them. It's simple- to stay safe, travel in groups at all times. Never go anywhere alone (during the day is pretty safe though, I've walked down Fordham Rd plenty of times without a problem and I'm a 5 ft, 104 lb girl).
The only minus you may face is the core curriculum which they actually just changed a bit. I know that I was required to take two theology courses. The first had to be Faith and Critical Reasoning (mostly concerning Catholicism, but if you get lucky like I did, you may end up with a really interesting professor who likes to teach about different religions, as well) and the second course is your choice.
I just love the Fordham bubble. The smell of the air literally changes as soon as you enter the gate. Oh and our library is like top 10 in the nation for the amount of resources it holds (it even has its own little museum) and the Pre-Med department is phenomenal. I would definitely recommend Fordham to you. Please come and visit. You won't regret it. Funnily enough, as much as we complain about the food and the conditions of the freshmen dorms, I think all of us really miss it when summer comes around and we're stuck at home. There's nothing like walking in the communal bathroom and seeing a huge cockroach on the wall. Or a mouse in your room for a month. I've had both. No seriously, though, we love it. And you will too. It's the BX!
Having been born and raised in The Bronx, and a resident for 61 yrs. I have never heard anyone called a Bronxonian, maybe a Bronxite, but never a Bronxonian. LOL My cousin back in his Fordham days was the radio announcer on campus.
Yeah a lot of the Fordham U students seem to do just fine moving around the actual Fordham/Belmont area. I don't think it's as much a concern as the 80's/early 90's where they seemed to be easy targets.
Plus the immediate area around Fordham U. is okay for the most part. I've never really felt unsafe around there. There is also a shuttle that takes the students to the school from the train and other surrounding spots. Also like the poster who's an actual Fordham student mentioned, traveling in groups helps a lot. You tend to blend in a lot more when you travel in a group.
As someone who lives in the neighborhood I can actually tell you that after-hours when a lot of the stores are closing down you'll sometimes see people (usually young punks) looking for trouble along the Fordham Road strip. Looking like they are trying to spot a target, but if you take precautions and are smart it's not a big deal. I occasionally get weird looks from these types since I don't really dress like most people in the neighborhood, but I guess since I'm brown and look like I know where I'm going they keep it moving. Plus the area is pretty loaded with cops. Lots of stuff happens on the side streets though. Main strips are pretty safe for the most part.
My family doesn't think I'm ready to jump from suburbia to the middle of Manhattan straight out of high school. Personally, I think I am and to be honest, I hate Los Angeles. It was nice until I realized that there are other better places such as SF, NYC, and Chicago. I like urban places. But, they just don't think I can handle the move.
Now that I think about it though, the Bronx would be even farther down their list.
They said even if I apply and get accepted into NYU with enough financial aid, it is still completely out of the question. Even with a full scholarship they would still be iffy about it. Needless to say, I'm not too happy with my family right now and they don't understand that this controlling attitude they have is another reason why I want to move so far away.
Fordham U. is not that far from Manhattan anwyay. The D train ride is a pretty short ride to Downtown Manhattan. Columbia is in Morn. Heights, which is right near Harlem and is very close to Downtown Manhattan. Your family isn't really shielding you from anything. But in any case depending on what your studying Fordham (compared to NYU) is usually the better school. Good luck.
Last edited by NooYowkur81; 06-27-2009 at 11:37 AM..
Hofstra isn't boring, believe me. Everyone that goes there loves it, there are clubs, bars, sights, good food and the city is not far.
Yeah Hofstra was known as a little bit of a party school for a while. Still might be actually. There was a rumor that I don't know if it was true that it had a ridiculously high STD rate.
I don't have the money to pay for myself. They won't even visit with me.
I'm gonna apply secretly to places like NYU, Fordham, BU, BC, and GWU.
If by GWU you are referring to George Washington University in DC -- that is in a GREAT part of the city -- one of the nicest areas and within walking distance to Georgetown. Your parents might like Washington DC better -- the city is clean and really beautiful -- and relatively safe -- almost all the crime in the city is concentrated in the Northeast and Southeast section. GW is within walking distancwe of The White House and The World Bank and numerous foreign embassies -- mega security around those areas! Anyway -- just a thought. Also -- you should check out American University, too.
My college is up there as well..right around the corner actually. I am a 5'3 babyfaced white female LOL. However, I suppose I could pass for a number of races. It is a sort of shady-ish neighborhood..but nothing I think you should be worried about at all. I don't see you having problems if you are respectful and keep to your biz, as I do.
Honestly, your parents need to respect whatever decision you make. Go wherever you'll be happy.
If financial aid is an issue, NYU will be out of the question. Fordham seems to be pretty generous.
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No seriously, though, we love it. And you will too. It's the BX!
My cousin back in his Fordham days was the radio announcer on campus.
