The First Year Experience

Undergraduate Colleges
Stony Brook University has a strong support network to help you settle in and succeed. As a freshman, you will live in a community—called an Undergraduate College— based on shared interests and resources. The colleges are named for distinct themes around which academic and social life revolve: the system is intended to let students explore a wide range of interests, both within their intended majors and across the academic spectrum.

You will have easy access to your academic advising and your Undergraduate College faculty director, as well as small one-credit seminars located right where you live. Linked activities such as field trips, guest speakers, and social events are integrated into these seminars.

• More Information
• Selecting an Undergraduate College
• Curriculum
• Academic Advising

The Undergraduate Colleges exemplify Stony Brook's unique approach to life and learning, combining all the advantages of a major university with the close connections of a small community.

Which Undergraduate College Will You Choose?
Visit the websites of each Undergraduate College and learn more about their distinct programs and resources so that you can determine which is the best fit for you. Admitted students rank their interest in each Undergraduate College within their New Student Preferences form.

Orientation and Experience Stony Brook
During your one-day summer orientation, you will meet with other students from your Undergraduate College, as well as University faculty and staff, including your academic advisor. Just a few days before the start of classes you will participate in Experience Stony Brook, where you will discover the vast resources and opportunities available to you as an SB student. You’ll attend various programs and workshops focused on your academic success, campus involvement, and health and wellness.