FAQ'S:
How do I get assigned to an Undergraduate College?
Upon admission into Stony Brook University, you’ll be asked to list your preference for each Undergraduate College on the New Student website. You will be asked to preference each college on a scale from “somewhat interested” to “very interested.” Based on your preferences and availability, you will be assigned to one of the six Undergraduate Colleges. Colleges are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
How does my major relate to my Undergraduate College?
The Undergraduate Colleges are broadly thematic and each appeals to a wide range of students, regardless of intended major. While some freshman enter Stony Brook with a clear major or area of interest in mind, many others will be undecided about a major. In both cases, all of the Undergraduate Colleges collectively help freshmen explore options and provide open access to all freshman-level courses taught at Stony Brook. In addition, freshmen wishing to pursue pre-medical or pre-law studies span all six Undergraduate Colleges, and have equal access to all of the coursework associated with these areas of interest.
How does my Undergraduate College placement affect my housing?
Each Undergraduate College theme is associated with one of six residential quads. Once assigned to an Undergraduate College, freshmen resident students are housed together in the same residential quad. You will remain in this quad for your freshman year. Room changes within your college’s affiliated quad will be permitted as space allows. For more information about housing, call the Division of Campus Residences at (631) 632-6750.
How are commuters involved?
Undergraduate College courses, activities and resources are intended for all freshmen, regardless of their commuter or residential status. Commuters have access to all resources available to them within their respective colleges. In addition, commuters are encouraged to take advantage a newly-refurbished Commuter Center in Melville Library which features a seminar room and a study space open 24 hours a day. For more information about Commuter Student Services, call (631) 632-7353.
Can I switch Undergraduate Colleges?
Once you have been assigned to an Undergraduate College, that affiliation lasts throughout your entire freshman year. While each College has its own theme, culture and personality, there are far more similarities than differences. Faculty interaction, freshman seminars, events and activities are key parts of each College. The Undergraduate Colleges are broadly thematic and each applies to a broad range of students.
Will I take classes for the Undergraduate Colleges?
All freshmen will be enrolled in Freshman Seminar 101 in the fall semester and
Freshmen Seminar 102 in the spring semester with other students in your Undergraduate College.
How can I get involved in my Undergraduate College?
Each Undergraduate College offers a wide variety of academic and social activities that are open to everyone. The advantages to student are numerous: interactions with faculty and staff and students, campus connections and strengthening of a support network. We welcome freshmen with energy and initiative who want to become more deeply involved. Student councils and programming boards have been formed in each College to encourage and promote student-initiated activities. These are in addition to numerous clubs and organizations and campus-wide activities that are open to all Stony Brook University students.
Does my participation in a specialized program affect my Undergraduate College?
All incoming freshmen will be placed in one of the six Undergraduate Colleges. Students who are accepted into the following specialized programs will be part of a cohort within each College:
Athletes
EOP/AIM
Learning Communities
University Scholars
Students who have been admitted to the Honors College are placed in the College of Arts, Culture, and Humanities. Those admitted to the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program will be assigned to the Undergraduate College of Information and Technology Studies.