Academics are great. Living on campus is two thumbs down so the two outweigh each other unless you want to commute, then you won't have as many problems.
Our school has a big population, and I say that's good and bad. It's good because there are always a lot of people to interact with and it just feels livelier. I’m used to a big population, and this almost feels small with over 15,000 people on campus daily. It's bad because classes and dorming are beyond overcrowded. Dorming for freshman and transfers went from doubles, to triples, and is now overflowing into quadruples-in a double room. Talk about a fire hazard. Most classes are huge, especially the intro classes like intro psych, into bio courses etc. Those can go up to 600 students so if you don't understand what's going on, go to the office hours because you won't be noticed or helped otherwise. A lot of classes do not have individual interactions and professors don't care who you are. So get noticed, stay and ask a question you may know an answer to, or just email them. Some professors are young too, so they get it, just talk to them. Also, getting in touch with professors, chairpersons and other officials can be a hassle sometimes. Outside of professors, people who work there just don't care about you; you're a number so don't expect to get personalized help, or be noticed unless you become friends with them, or you have some sort of outstanding achievement. Emergency appointments also don't work, be prepared to plan ahead for appointments or just to even track down RHD's (residential hall directors who should have hours mon-fri & live in your building but are almost never there because of meetings, errands etc), and even at the clinic if you fall ill. You'd probably still have to make an appointment for the next day. Overcrowding is the cause of many problems at this school-shortage of housing, not enough seats in classroom, longer periods to grade work, long lines for food in dining halls, and even a shortage of food at times. There is always food somewhere, but cafeterias do run out of items especially at the end of the semester so be prepared for a possible turkey sandwich...just bread and turkey, a small rarity, but does happen. Also, vegetarians and vegans won't enjoy eating on campus because the options are slim to non-existent. If you want to grab a snack between classes and the 10-20 min you might have, good luck. You'll be standing on a line way past that time limit.
This is also a huge problem of current president. The money is being used on repairing roads, which don't need work, dining rooms that didn't need a drastic and immediate change, and therefore are currently out of commission even while we have too many students. There are new lecture halls and other buildings being constructed when we have a high demand for housing. Two new dorms are being built, but we need much more than that if students are now being quadrupled, and a lot don't get moved out either so you might be stuck with three other people you hate for the entire year, in really small rooms. Some are bearable and decent; others can barely fit two people with all the furniture. Your bed functions as your chair for your desk in some rooms. Imagine four people, and four beds. But you still only get two closets, two dressers, and two desks. Housing is by far the biggest compliant. But if you can commute, you're golden.
Also, the social life does not exist here. People go home weekends and therefore shorter dining hours, and one campus bus every 30-40 min compared to 4 differently routed buses that operate 10-15 minutes apart. We also have almost on campus activities for weekends except for the beginning of fall each year, for freshman to become more acquainted with the school.
But we do get some good shows at the Staller center once in a while. Don't be fooled by the $25 + ticket prices for some shows. Arrive 15 minutes before the show and ask for rush tickets. $7, and one per student only. There's no sign that will tell you that. Also at the SAC (student activities center), there are good shows, and cheap too. Comedy shows, talent shows, fashion shows. It might sound boring and dumb, but it's actually not that bad.
We also have decent Greek life. So if you're looking for that, there's plenty of it.
Other than that, in terms of parties, drugs, etc, there's no difference between here and other schools. Having guests is easy, no signing papers, no special hours etc. There are written rules, but I have yet to hear or see someone following those rules. It's just not a big deal but if you throw a big enough party, cops will show, and students aren't afraid to yell at you out their window to tell you to shut up.
A plus is that we get public transportation to the mall and a mall bus on weekends so you can get some grocery shopping if you live in an apartment or just want to have some munchies around your room. Transportation wise, we're right next to the LIRR. You get off the train, and you're on campus. Very easy transport into the heart of the NYC too with a train every two hours both ways. But, besides the 7-11, a pizza place, bookstore for classes, a barbershop, deli and another few stores, you'll need a car. There are no sidewalks off campus and a walk is really far. It's either the public bus ($1 per ride for students, only once an hour) or a car. It's doable and a lot of students don't have cars, especially freshman and sophomores (not allowed unless you have an off campus job). Parking can also be a hassle. More students = more cars = less open spots. Still doable, but once in a while it is a huge pain.