Kelly

The best thing about Marist is its size. To me, it is perfect. Walking around the campus every day, I see many familiar faces, but at the same time, I have the opportunity to meet new people at every function I attend or club I join. It is not a stuffy community where everyone knows everyone, but it is comforting to see familiar faces on a daily basis.

I was afraid to feel out of place at Marist because I don't own designer clothes and take three hours to get ready every day. Of course, the fashion students always look nice going to class, but it's college - students wear anything and everything. Some go in sweats, some go in jeans, some dress up on occasion - but everyone fits in. I never feel judged walking around campus.

Like every other college campus, of course there is drinking; however, if on a particular night you do not feel like going out, there is ALWAYS something to do. The Student Programming Council and the College Activities office schedule events for what seems like EVERY day of the week! There are constantly comedians, coffeehouses, open mic nights, hypnotists, interesting lectures, bingo, murder mystery dinners, and tons more to do every week... and most of it is free! Food is provided at many of these events as well. They sponsor trips to go into the city on Sundays to see matinee performances of some of the top Broadway shows. The $25 charge covers your ticket AND round trip bus transportation that leaves Marist and drops you off right in front of the theater. The tickets are ALWAYS in orchestra, or first or second row mezzanine. Amazing opportunity. They have ski trips during the winter, as well. Up and down Rt 9, there are tons of restaurants, shopping centers, bowling, movie theaters ($5 a ticket at Roosevelt Cinemas), and more.

I was terribly nervous to go college, but the sense of community, the small class size, and the friendly student population at Marist made it a VERY easy transition for me!