Written by Amanda Lobo
Albany is like a concrete jungle, and not the one that Jay-Z sang about. Buildings are tall, gray, and visually displeasing, due to the purely cement exteriors. Large, grueling staircases at every corner are definitely a turn-off, as well, especially when you're late for class and trying to make a quick sprint there. Embarrassingly, many students have tripped up said stairs. Winter seems especially bleak when the dull drab skies match the dull drab buildings. However, the fountain acts as the heart of campus—not only because it’s located in the center, but also because it brings campus to life with its beautiful view and serene setting.
The University offers a pool, fitness center, gyms on each quad, and the Campus Center. The pool is relatively small, and the gyms are slightly outdated and hot, but students seem to get by just fine. The Campus Center is definitely a plus because it provides actual food options, such as Wendy’s, rather than dining hall mush. It’s large and has many tables for students to relax and grab a bite to eat with friends. Both the main library and the Science Library are well equipped with computers and printers, and are big enough to house the many academic-oriented students, especially during finals week. Unfortunately, it was built with very few outlets, so if your laptop is dying, good luck finding an open outlet without an extension cord. The SEFCU Arena and the UAlbany Performing Arts Center are popular, as well. Many plays are performed at a discounted price for students, in addition to concerts and famous guest speakers at the arena.