CUNY Baruch College
Reviews

No Campus, but Located in Midtown Manhattan

Being a city college of NYC, Baruch College is unique in that there's no campus (but they're working on it). They're working on new and experimental doming, meal plans, and creating a campus, but prospective students shouldn't expect much for the next couple years. Food is mostly limited to what's near the school or the cafeteria, but being that we're in midtown Manhattan, there's a pretty big variety to choose from. You could go to the cafeteria, which features the usual American fare (chicken tenders, burgers, etc) but also has Create-Your-Own-Sushi and a selection of healthier alternatives. There is a Subways, Popeyes, a Vietnamese sandwich shop, and a wide selection of ethnic restaurants to choose from. Japanese and sushi, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican are prominent nearby. Being that it's Manhattan, if you're willing to spend a little more time traveling on the subway, you can get pretty much whatever you're craving at the moment, provided that you a) have the money to pay for it and b) have the time to get to it and eat it before your next class.

There IS a new meal plan of sorts, featuring a few local restaurants, but it's not very sophisticated or useful yet in my opinion. The discounts are small and the selection doesn't justify it, but then again it is new and Baruch is working on it.

As for places I'd recommend, Subway is an excellent choice for those who are watching their budgets but also want something big and satisfying, yet reasonably healthy at the same time. Popeyes for soul food...and there's an assortment of halal carts just outside if that's what you feel like. There's an excellent build-your-own pasta restaurant about three blocks away, and you can find medium to high quality Asian cuisine (japanese and chinese mostly) in a three block radius around the main school building. There's also a bubble tea place right next to us as well as some questionable, but extremely cheap $1 pizza and $1 hot dog operations.

All in all, I'm giving Baruch an A because of its sheer variety and what it has to offer. Most of that has to do with the location, but it's nice to have a big variety in food types as well as prices. However, one downside is that Manhattan also means somewhat more expensive, compared to the other boroughs (I'm from Queens). So instead of an A+, we get an A.

What Campus Housing?

Baruch is a commuter college, so there's no such thing as campus housing, even though they came up with a housing option a little bit close to the school. But it's pricey— each student has to pay about $1,000 a month for rent even if they're living with a roommate.

Girls

They're mad cool, but I feel like the girls aren't pretty.

Living Conditions Are Okay

The dorms are a little bit overpriced compared to other options off campus.

Parties

If you are looking for a "party school," Baruch is not it. Still, if you do want to party there are several places just blocks from campus, not to mention the ridiculous amount of bars and clubs that New York City has to offer.

Baruch

There are several misconceptions attached to Baruch College. First, that it is a business school. While known for business, there are 30 different majors. If people feel the need to think you're strange because you go to Baruch and aren't studying accounting or marketing, then let them! It's an academically challenging school in every area, and you will have plenty of help finding jobs and internships no matter what you major in. Second, that the athletic teams are bad. This is completely false! It is a Division III school with an athletic program on the rise. This year, men's volleyball ranked third in the nation; softball and swimming won their first championships ever; and women's basketball won its third in a row! The coaches recruit talented athletes from all over. Finally, that there aren't dorms. Well, there weren't until this year. Yes, in the fall of 2010 Baruch opened its first dorms on the Lower East Side. Final advice: Get involved. It's the best way to make close friendships and enjoy your time at Baruch.

A great school with the right "fit"

College is all about "fit." One person may be happy at Harvard, but another just-as-smart person would be miserable there. When looking at these rankings, realize that the people complaining about the lack of parking or how bored they are without a party scene don't really belong at Baruch. There are a ton of really happy, really driven, really successful students here. I've made some great friends while getting a top education at a really low price. What could be better than that?

The Greek Scene Is Not as Noticeable

The Greek life is not as developed here as it is at other colleges. There are several fraternities and sororities, but neither have houses. They have a few parties here and there, but for the most part, they are not seen in the campus affairs.

Interesting Program With Many Opportunities

I'm a psychology major. The program is intense and very interesting, with an emphasis on business, since we are a business college. The college has many opportunities for internships, but most of them are unpaid. Part-time or full-time work is harder to find. The professors are really helpful. They mentor us on our own independent projects, and they get to know the students on a personal level.

Food Overall is OK

Cafeteria food isn't too bad when you need a quick bite between classes. There aren't that many options, but if you walk around, you'll find something you like. It's not bad overall.

It's Okay

There are security guards around, but they don't really do much. They just usher people out of the building when there is mass traffic around the entrances.

Housing Is Mostly Unavailable

Since Baruch does not have a traditional campus, it does not offer housing. Hunter's dorms are actually just a few blocks away, and Baruch should have taken the opportunity to buy those dorms instead of giving them to Hunter. This makes no sense to me, and it certainly does not help the people who have to travel long hours to get to school.

We're a Commuter School

There is no "nightlife." There are events that sometimes happen at night, but everyone just goes home after class/clubs.

Very Unique

The unique thing about Baruch is that it is very diverse. There are many different backgrounds and religions to learn about.

Safe neighborhood

The atmosphere is perfect for a student. Baruch is in a safe neighborhood with many restaurants and bars to go to.

Lots of opportunities

My overall experience at Baruch is very good. There are many opportunities for students to excel.

Transportation is costly

Transportation can be hard for many students. A lot of trains and buses are available and pass Baruch, but the cost is excessive. There should be a discounted rate.

Rain and snow

The weather doesn't have much of an effect on the campus. The only time there is a problem is when it rains or snows, and you have to walk a few blocks to get to school.

Way Too Expensive

Off-campus housing is provided by EHS (Educational Housing Services). Although available, the price is overwhelming, and most people can't afford it.

Hard for all the commuters

Baruch has NO housing. This is hard for students who have to travel every day.

Not Many Underage Options

The nightlife is limited to students who are 21 or older. There aren't many places for underage students around school.

The Athletes Work Hard

The athletics at Baruch are very strong. The athletes work hard on a daily basis. Our facilities are spacious enough for all teams to work out and have a place to practice.

Easy to grab lunch between classes

The options around Baruch are fairly diverse. There are many options close enough to school, so it's easy to have lunch between classes.

Baruch needs student parking lot

Parking near campus can be hard at peak times of the day. If the school had a parking lot for students, it would be easier for everyone to get to class on time.

Better Than I Expected

I didn't expect much from a commuter school, since I knew my days would basically follow the usual home-school kind of schedule. But it all depends on what you make of your experience. Not everything is perfect, but once you get used to the classes, join some organizations, get involved, and meet new people, it will become an enjoyable experience. You'll realize that Baruch is definitely a great place to be.