levistein

No One Goes to SU for Weather

Honestly, it's Syracuse, NY, it's going to be cold. I found personally the cold is not what gets to you, IT'S ALWAYS CLOUDY. The cloudy days really got to me especially coming from the typically sunny Washington, DC. My outlook has been slightly skewed this year as 2011 has been a warmer-than-usual winter. Almost no snowfall at all through the end of December. It shows how much one year can vary (ie: December 2010 had a record 72" of snow! ) There are occasional sunny, warm days through winter and everyone always takes advantage. However there are plenty of cold, windy nights to match. As a freshman in BBB, no one ever wants to trek 15 minutes across campus to class or to parties at night during the cold weather. Take advantage of the warm weather while you can and invest in a warm coat, gloves, scarf, and you will be fine.

Generally Safe

Like many other northern industrial cities, Syracuse, NY has seen better days. Syracuse, in certain neighborhoods, is ridden with poverty, crime, and low-income housing, many of which exists within a few blocks from campus. That being said, campus itself seems pretty safe. If you're a girl walking back to the dorms Lawrinson, Sadler, and most definitely BBB, I recommend finding someone to escort you. As a guy, I've walked back many times late at night and I've felt completely safe. To enter a dorm you must swipe a school ID and flash a school ID once inside, or be signed in as a visitor. While walking around either downtown or on Marshall, you will be begged for money many times. There was even a homeless person right outside the covered part of my dorm at 3 AM when I got back one time. Just use caution, walk in groups, and stay out of neighborhoods like Near Westside, and you will have no problems.

Always Something

I agree with many others when they say that Syracuse was once a thriving city, however like many other northern industrial areas, it has seen better days. There is currently a revival going on in many areas. There is always something to cater to your interests in Syracuse. Several good bars, house or frat parties, many good concerts at the Westcott Theater, The Lost Horizon, or even The OnCenter. Armory Square is a very cool artsy part of downtown with many cool shops and is comparable to U Street in DC. It is accessible by the Connective Corridor bus. There's the $2 bus to Carousel Mall to see movies, the War Memorial for hockey games or shows, and Marshall Street is always a great place. If someone says there is nothing to do in Syracuse, they're lying or are easily bored.