Hofstra University Top Questions

I wish we had a college town Tulips are lovely in the spring time- the campus is really maintained well

hofstra

hofstra is a great place! There are lots of different people and you can always find something to be involved with. it does lack a collegetown but it still is a great community

The school is a really great size. It's about 13,000 students total, including grad and undergrad. It's great because it's bigger than my high school, so I get that college feeling. At the same time though it's not overwhelmingly massive; I can still see people I know on the way to class. The way campus is set up, dividing the residential and academic sides, also really helps because when you see your friends on the academic side, for example, you know you can't talk long because you're both probably going to class, etc.

Students care very little. There are a lot of clubs and organizations, but a very small percentage of the student body gets involved. there is no relationship between Hofstra and the local community. It is the absolute oposite of a college town. The various administrations know nothing but their own individual positions, if that. You always get sent from department to department on the "Hofstra shuffle" while trying to get answers.

Great school. Good size to get around and looks nice. People respect Hofstra, especially sports. Administration is alright. Food's not the best but alright.

Located in not the greatest neighborhood, but just outside of great areas and only 30 minutes by train from the city. My favorite things about hofstra are the location (closeness to the city) and their flexibility with double majors

The school is just the right size, lots of campus involvement and pride. Good school to go to.

It's a great school that is not very well appreciated, by the surrounding area at least. It is situated in a beautiful arboretum and is a diverse learning environment.

the location is great (close to new york but still has greenery and space). the residential buildings are ugly as hell, the academic buildings are pretty on the outside but on the inside they could use some work. i pay too much money for things that are unnecessary and the price of food is out of control. the faculty is pretty good overall...a lot of experience, but theyre all not going to be perfect every time. the career center is great. there is no pride for the pride....people need to get into the college atmosphere more. overall, though its everything i need...but we could use more things that i would enjoy for all the money i pay. the town is not a college town...no real cool places to just hang out and chill without paying way too much money for it....things could change, but it is satisfactory.

Hofstra's a pretty good school, not too big, not too small. It only takes about 15 minutes to get across campus. Most people usually think about the sports teams when they here the name. Outside of the school, there isn't much around. Not too much bad happens, but there are some bad fights and a sexual harrasment case. Teh administration does a decent job but certain people do little for the money they make and the amount they contribute. A lot of the school has pride, decent turn outs at sports events, especially since half the school commutes. The things most people complain about though is the food service.

i think this school is te perfect size for me... it not too big and not too small. i would change the foundation of te onors college. it is currently based on a humanities social sciences curriculum. they should broden the base of te curriculum to fit different types of honor students

This school is just the right size for me. Its not too big and its not small at all so im loving it. I spend most of my time in Hofstra USA as this is where i work and it consumes my life. I think administration makes a few mistakes here and there but for the most part theyre doing an ok job. Lackmann is rather expensive however. Students shouldnt' be running out of a 1400 dollar meal plan with 3 weeks left of the semester.

Hofstra is a little too wrapped up in itself and needs to focus more on its' students. Paying almost 40 thousand dollars a year to go here, there should be a little more given back to the students.

Hofstra is a great size. We are a medium sized school with many of the perks of a big campus but have the intimate feeling of a little school. I love that Hofstra is so close to New York City- even a lot of my professors have taken us on field trips or had assignments that require a trip in.

Lately, Hofstra has improved some of it's classrooms. It is less like an NYC public school and more like a University that I pay to attend. If I could change anything, I would change alot of things. But one thing I would change is school spirit and participation. There is very little and students should take advantage of programs and events and attend them. But, it is nice to have small groups sometimes and b/c nobody attends, you could take advantage of it. The school is too small for people who want a big school that you can get lost easily in and not know names but just right for those who like smaller classes and more intimate groups. People for the most part don't know Hofstra unless it's Hofstra law or business or grad school. Hofstra is a nothing school, it's not NYU, it's not an ivy league, it's not a big deal. But you knew that when you came. There is no "college town". You need a car to get anywhere off campus. There are no nearby places to go (for the most part). I think Hofstra's administration is ...trying. I have no real opinion about it. There seems to be a strange "pride" about hofstra. People walk around wearing sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc. but that might just be b/c the "pride" are the sports teams and it's included in slogans and e-mail accounts... Hofstra is not very diverse but it could be worse. The food is unremarkable and overpriced, the campus can be very dirty, it can be pretty, it can be nice or noisy, it can surprise you or not. The dorms are not very nice, but they do have air conditioning in summer and heating in the winter time. There are excellent professors but then there are also "bad" professors. The school is more like a community college that anything else. A large portion of students commute, which probably contributes to the lack of school spirit and participation in clubs, events, etc. The same as anywhere, you will meet good people and/or people you hate. Students frequently complain about security on campus, parking, schoolwork and other students. Hofstra actually has very good advising and resources if you take advantage of them and use them. There is a good counseling center and you can use the hofstra wellness center although studens complain about it also.

It's not that bad, really, people are just unorganized.

Hofstra was not my first choice for a university, mostly because I was not planning on going out of state for school. After coming here, it really started to grow on me and as corny as it sounds, I knew that I made the right decision coming here.

The teachers here are nice.

Close to the city

I would make sure that we stop accepting Long Island girls.

the tulips!! i love the tulips! yeah dizzy's!!

The best thing about Hofstra is the community that we have in some of the buildings.

things to look out for in the future: presidential debates, medical school, 'greening' campus

The best thing about Hofstra is being involved in Honors College. I have met so many awesome people and had so many opportunities that would not be possible if I weren't in Honors College. The school is pretty much the perfect size. Now that the weather is nice I spend most of my time lying outside in the quad.

The best thing about Hofstra is the availability of scholarships and the worst thing about Hofstra is the staff in most offices.

There are three really awesome things about Hofstra that tie for "the best thing about Hofstra". One- the Honors College is great. The events they put on, the program itself, and the staff that work in the department are all fantastic. Two- the Music Department is amazing. The faculty are brilliant and humorous, and love what they teach, and the students in the department are hard working and kind. Three- the campus is absolutely beautiful, especially in the spring. I really like the size of the school, but that's because I'm in a relatively small Department. The balance is great: the school is pretty big so it has a lot of options for events and dining and meeting new people, but the Music Department is small enough to know everyone and make close friends. I spend most of my time on campus. And most of my on campus time is spend in the music building... practicing, rehearsing, etc. There are two things that I would change about Hofstra. One- the financial system kind of stinks. I've had a problem every single semester with financial aid and/or student accounts where incorrect amounts have been put on my account, or my aid changes and I'm not notified, or fees appear for no good reason... in general, things here cost A TON, and Hofstra tends to take money from you any opportunity they get. Two- the dorming situation. Freshmen are given the best options and then are kicked out of their living space after their first year. The options for upperclassmen are limited.

its just the right size, honors college makes it feel small enough. you can get close to your teachers if you want to.

A school that seems smaller than the actual numbers. I swear I know everyone on this campus already, but it's suitable for most people I suppose. The campus is beautiful, it's a national arboredum, classes are great, and professors are definitely varied. The campus is small, and there is not much to do in the surrounding area, except maybe go and drink. Administration is cool, but public safety can be a bitch when they are trying to meet the quota at the end of the month.

Hofstra is a nice school. The campus is beautiful and the surrounding area has plenty to do, but it is not exactly a college town. I'm not sure it would be entirely safe to go wandering in Hempstead, but I think it gets exaggerated by students. I really like the size of the school, it's pretty large, but not "state school" big.

The location and size are a great thing about Hofstra. It's close to the city but the campus is still very green and pretty spacious. The student body is large enough that you don't still feel like you're in high school, but small enough that you see people on your way to class. There's definitely not a college town feeling here, which kind of sucks, but i feel like it's the price you pay to be so near the city.

The best thing about Hofstra now is that it is in a state of growth. We recently added a medical school and renovations are in the works to improve the college experience for all students. The only thing I really complain about is the food, which although tasty is kind of expensive, and the dining services company that provides our food is very strict about clubs and organizations providing food at events. They also refuse to donate anything to large campus events. Overall, however, the administration and faculty are invested in the students and are here to help.

I love that Hofstra is near New York City and that many classes have options that let you study in the city, like seeing the philharmonic for a music class. I do wish that it was in a college town, though. I think the size is almost the right size, maybe it would be better if it was a bit bigger.

The best thing about Hofstra is probably the campus - it's gorgeous. Also the drama department faculty are really great; very supportive. The school's a good size for me...I know everyone in my major, and some people outside of it. When I say I go to Hofstra most people don't know where that is. It's not that well-known, except in New York...or Long Island, I guess. Most of my time on campus is spent either in Lowe Hall, where most drama classes are, the Spiegel Theater, Memorial Quad, Adams Playhouse, or Bits and Bytes. I have no idea about most of Hofstra's administration...just that it's too expensive and a lot of the rules are pretty ridiculous. Also the Honors College is the most poorly run program on campus, as far as I'm concerned. Someone got stabbed on campus pretty recently...that's pretty controversial. I guess sports-wise we have pride...but not really academically at all. I guess they're trying to turn Hofstra into an Ivy League school. That's just never going to happen. Hofstra seems like a pretty normal school to me except for all the annoying Long Island girls. Frequent student complaints are about the food, Lackmann Dining...the cost of the school. The parking...general stuff.

Best thing about Hofstra is that the school represents the best of both worlds. We get the Suburban atmosphere of Long Island, but we're just a half hour away from NYC -- the biggest metropolis in the world, and the urbanity that comes with it.

I really love my school. I know all the bad things about it, but there are bad things about every school and people are never satisfied. Sure it costs a lot, but most schools do. And yeah, the food sucks after a while, but it's much better than any other school I've been to. I wish there was more school pride, we definitely don't have enough, which is ironic, since we're the "Hofstra Pride." I love the people here and I think there's something for everyone. I do wish that a lot of activities weren't geared toward Greek life, but that's slowly changing for the better. The school is big enough so you don't feel claustrophobic, but small enough so that if you meet someone new, they'll probably already know someone you're good friends with.

I really love hofstra. i think the size of the campus is perfect. its not too small but its not gigantic either. i am currently an english major with a major concentration in creative writing and literature and i am so excited about it because hofstra has one of the best creative writing departments. also, i am in a power wheelchair and the campus is one-hundred percent handicapped accessible. i have no problem getting to and from classes at all and the classrooms are always equipped with a special table. the professors i have had so far have been awesome. before i came to hofstra i was not really that into sports, but i found myself going to like every football and basketball and soccer game. they are just a lot of fun and it is fun to see every one else cheering with you. when i tell people who go to hofstra they dont really understand why because for me hofstra is only 20 minutes from where i live, so none of my friends even wanted to look at it. but i love it and i dorm here. it is far enough and close enough at the same time.

A little background information to preface this play: I am an out-of-state student at Hofstra University. I was fortunate to learn about Hofstra through relatives of mine who live in Nassau County, New York. I, personally, have had a great experience at the university in terms of my academics, extracurricular activities, and social life. The only thing that saddens me is the lack of national recognition the school receives. The Hofstra “high-ups” devote a great deal of money and effort to make their students believe the school ranks among the country’s premier universities (mmm...Hofstra Kool-Aid). However, when I do go home and talk about Hofstra with fellow Non-New Yorkers, I realize that my University is merely a speck of dorm-dust within the United States of Higher Academia. HOF-WHAT? by Allison Levine (An encounter between YOU, a Hofstra student and NON-NEW YORKER, a student at another institution of higher learning) YOU (in conversation with a non-New Yorker) I go to Hofstra. NON-NEW YORKER Huh? YOU (feeling slightly disheartened after finding out the harsh reality that your thirty-something thousand dollar a year education lacks the national recognition promised in the admission brochure. However, you are a fighter and are willing to give this seemingly ignorant person one more chance.) Hahhhhfffff-strrrraaaa. NON-NEW YORKER Hmm..Hofstra. Don't they have some guy in the NFL right now who is doing pretty well? Where is this place? This um, what's its name again? YOU Hofstra? It’s in... (You pause. You consider telling this person the truth. However, you are afraid that once you tell him "Hempstead" he might make an all-too accurate snap judgment that you attend school in "the ghetto." Instead, you sprinkle some sugar.) It's about a twenty-five minute train ride from the city. NON-NEW YORKER You know, I think my cousin's best friend's step-brother went there. I remember him telling us about these great bars around there. Sorority girls...17 year-olds with fake IDs... YOU (Unable to fight back tears, a waterfall of mascara cascades down your fake-baked face) Enough! I can't take this anymore. What's so great about your university? Yale Schmale.

i'd change the dining facility hours, so that dutch treats (for example) stays open longer, so we don't have to starve during intersession and finals week. on campus i'm usually in the student center or in the library getting some work done. when i tell people i go to hofstra they say "ohh, nice" or "ohh, so many STD's." it's so ridiculous.

The worst thing about Hofstra is the parking because residents are pretty much able to park wherever they want, despite the fact that they live on campus. This leaves commuters (all 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body) on their own when it comes to find a parking spot, usually one that isn't remotely close to class. The best thing about Hofstra is the professors; there are a lot of really smart people working there who care about their students. Hofstra is not in a college town; it is located in a low to middle income town on Long Island, with a few sketchy bars to go to, not "college bars" that you'd find at state schools, etc. Hofstra's administration is pretty good but I don't know a single student who hasn't had a problem with Student Accounts, which can result in problems with registering on time, etc. If you're from Long Island, nobody thinks it's a big deal if you go to Hofstra, it is not hard to get in.

I was always a commuter. I first came to Hofstra in 1986 as a freshman but dropped out after my sophomore year because of financial problems. I came back to Hoftra in 2002 as a part-time evening student. My main gripes are that many required classes are not offered in the evening and that makes it difficult to complete the degree. I must say the chair of the English dept, the Dean of HCLAS and many professors will go out of their way to help you graduate. I am not happy with the official advisors. The one I was assigned as a readmit, while a very nice man, did not seem to be really up on things. I actually ended up taking two classes that I did not need to take. Once, I met with the Dean and the English Chair, life got much easier at Hofstra. I had a clear course of action and since one required course was NEVER offered past 4:30, I took another class in its place and the English Chair waivered it in for me. Since I am a good 20 years older than the "typical" Hofstra student with a full-time job, children, and a mortgage, I really did not participate in campus life.

I really like the feel of just walking around campus, because it's a really nice campus with lots of greenery and I also like how the buildings, especially on south campus, look. But it seems like the administration is more concerned with prestige and sounding important than the well-being of the students. They recently spent one and a half million dollars to have the last 2008 presidential debate here on campus. I think that's really cool, but I kind of wish they had spent that money, plus maybe the money put towards the incredibly fancy "University Hall" (which students barely ever have a chance or reason to go into), renovating the decrepit dorm buildings. Also, the town of Hempstead isn't a very hospitable, or even welcoming, place for college students. Almost every week I hear of a stabbing or assault of some Hofstra student or another, and these are usually just down the street at the local bar or club.

I love attending Hofstra. I transferred here from Nassau Community College. The campus is beautiful, the courses challenging, and I love the reputation it has when a company sees its name on my resume.

Hofstra is a very large school which is one of the reasons I went there. The extensive class offerings drew me in. Most people are very willing to help and despite the class being big its easier inside of a major to find somebody to concentrate on you. I commute there but I go to the mall a lot and to Old Country Road to shop. its awesome. Its near queens and the city. When I tell people I am at hofstra most seems happy or impressed. Some people do not hold hofstra to a high esteem but i do not understand why. The school is great for learning. I love the campus, i find it easy to get around although I have gotten lost once or twice. Adminstration is very nice - people have always helped me and i'm not afraid to ask.

the town hofstra's in isnt that great. you have to drive everywhere but its really nice that its close to the city. the administration isnt very helpful to students and does what we call the "hofstra shuffle" sending students who need help back and forth between offices the basketball games are awesome and really fun people in new york think hofstra is no big deal, but the rest of the country has heard pretty good things about it most time spent on campus is in my room or those of my friends

The classes are small, that is a good thing. Hempstead isn't really a "college town" there is a lot of crime but the good thing is hat the security on campus is very good.

I didn't find Hofstra that exceptional when I first saw it, probably because I hadn't visited many others. After attending Hofstra though, I found it to be a very great place to learn. The campus is beautiful as anyone might imagine, however, it severly contributes to a great learning environment. You don't necessarily feel like you are in a school, which I suppose could be both a good or bad thing. For me, I found it a great thing. The point is, there is just so much freedom to do what you want. It is such a refreshing environment that you don't feel stressed out all the time. All my classes are spread out, and I have free time to eat, go to the library, go to the lab and get work done. It is nothing like highschool, especially since my highschool was very small. Hofstra is the school I would attend again and again if I had to do it all over again.

Hofstra has so many wonderful aspects and provides tons of opportunities- you just have to be willing to look for them. I transferred here from a "better ranked" university because Hofstra offered a strong music program with the major I wanted, and I am very happy. The school is big enough that there are lots of resources available, but not so large that you get lost in the crowd- walking around campus I'm always saying hello to people I know. There are always student-run activities, plays, shows and concerts happening on campus, and with the upcoming Presidential debate scheduled for this October, Hofstra has been hosting numerous guest speakers, lectures, and programs designed around the election and election issues. Since I'm a music major, I spend most of my time in the music library, or in the cafe, or in a practice or rehearsal room. Though it's in the middle of Hempstead, a run down and not so nice area, the campus is beautiful. The dorms are relatively comfortable and the food is pretty good- although it is ridiculously overpriced. Basically, Hofstra is trying to become well-respected and build a reputation as a prestigious University, and for the most part it is doing a great job. However, you can still sometimes see mediocrity underneath the surface.

The Hofstra administration is full of people who have a genuine invested interest in each student’s academic and individual success. They are accommodating, supportive and constructive.

When I tell people in the west coast that I go to Hofstra, they ask me where it is. I would change the tuition, it is too expensive. Hofstra is a good sized private college. It has a beautiful campus, especially in the spring. I spend most of my time in Adams, the math building or the library. There is no college town around Hofstra. Hempstead lacks that aspect. Even dangerous at times... There are a lot of ignorant people who go to Hofstra. They either decide to waste their money on drinks party or don't care about things that are actually important. But then again this all depends on what people care about. Hofstra does have a lot of dining facilities but the food is way overpriced.