4 /5 Nicole Vacca: I graduated from here in 2013. They have more new stuff now, including a student commons building (that was under construction during my time there).
The reason I picked Manhattan is two-fold—I had family who attended and loved it, and I liked how friendly and helpful the students were the rainy day I came to tour the campus. The campus itself is lovely—not too big, not too small. The old buildings have “character,” and they give you that Ivy League feel without having to visit Boston.
Most of my professors were caring and passionate, and I liked the small class sizes. The core curriculum was not my favorite—I had to take three science classes even though I majored in Communication. I minored in English so I also took a few classes which happened to have some pretty salacious material on the syllabus. Something I learned—the “Catholic school” label only applies in that some of the Lasallian brothers teach here and there is mass every Sunday.
The college is mostly known for its engineering program and 5-year teaching program, so it’s great if you want to study engineering or education. If you want to go into another field, particularly in the arts…there are probably more robust programs at other schools. But that may have changed since my time here. The Communication department was just starting to get off the ground.
There were plenty of social events during my years here, and I’m sure that hasn’t changed. I acquired several free T-shirts. Lots of extra-curricular opportunities as well, and there is something for everyone. I joined the WRCM radio club, wrote a bit for The Quadrangle, and I was on the staff for Manhattan Magazine.
As a commuter, the FOMO was real, but I do recall the food on campus was subpar. They switched from Sodexo to Gourmet Dining when I was there, which was a step in the right direction. I’m not sure who the caterer is now. (Manhattan College, if you’re reading this: you should find some students who are excellent cooks and offer them work study jobs!)
Overall, college is what you make of it. If you want to go to a school that has a nice campus, decent proximity to the city (the 1 train is right there), and a sense of being known as opposed to “being a number,” check out Manhattan College.