Getting Settled
Computers and Cell Phones
Personal computers are highly recommended. Laptops are also recommended due to their portability. Plus, all areas in Newhouse have wireless access to the internet. No preference was shown for Mac OS or Windows platforms, since either will do. Some work may require software only found in the Newhouse Macintosh labs. Since Newhouse and the greater SU campus do have several computer labs for student use, computers are not absolutely necessary.
Cell phones are also recommended, especially for those conducting interviews. Most students list their cell phones as their primary phones and only a few changed over to a local number. Verizon and AT&T were the most highly rated cell phone providers.
Utilities
If you've decided to live off-campus in Syracuse, you'll need to make sure your utilities are set up. Some apartment complexes or landlords may include specific utilities in your rent. You should discuss with your landlord which, if any, utilities you will need to arrange on your own.
Contact information for local utilities is as follows:
Electric/Gas:
National Grid
(800) 642-4272
http://www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/
Phone:
Verizon (local and long distance)
(315) 890-1550
http://www.verizon.com
USA Datanet (local and long distance)
(877) 499-2368
http://www.usadatanet.com
Time Warner Cable Digital Phone (local and long distance)
(800) 822-2536
http://www.twcny.com
Cable and Internet:
*Both Newhouse buildings have wireless internet service throughout and several computer labs available to students. Most current students still recommend bringing a computer and subscribing to an internet service provider. They also recommend that you call early to set up appointments for installation.
Time Warner Cable
(800) 822-2536
http://www.twcny.com
Road Runner High Speed Online
(877) 313-2337
http://www.twcny.com
Verizon Online DSL and Dial-up
(888) 587-7333
http://www.verizon.com
Earthlink
(800) 817-5508
http://www.earthlink.com
Banking
While you may already have a checking or savings account in your hometown, most new Syracuse students choose to open local bank accounts as well. This avoids the obvious hassles of check cashing fees and ATM surcharges. Most local banks offer student accounts; giving students completely free checking without requiring a minimum balance. Some local banks (with closest branch address) include:
Alliance Bank
101 Marshall St.
http://www.alliancebankna.com
Bank of America
401 Nottingham Rd.
http://www.bankofamerica.com/
Chase
649 S. Crouse Ave.
http://www.chase.com
HSBC
1004 E. Adams St.
http://www.us.hsbc.com
Key Bank
215 Tecumseh Rd.
http://www.key.com
M&T Bank
725 Irving Ave.
http://www.mandtbank.com
Transportation and Parking
Many Syracuse students choose to have a car on campus. Most local neighborhoods offer on-street parking, which alternates daily (i.e. parking is allowed on one side of the street one day, and the opposite side the next). There are several metered parking spots near campus, as well for students who do not wish to obtain a parking permit, but these spots are limited.
Students who wish to drive to class regularly are encouraged to purchase an SU parking pass, which will give the student access to various parking facilities throughout campus. For more information on costs, locations of lots and garages, or to purchase your permit, visit the SU Parking Services Web site at: http://parking.syr.edu.
Bus service to and from campus is available to all students free of charge on certain routes. Centro buses offer service throughout Syracuse, including frequent stops at South Campus. Complete schedules can be found at http://www.centro.org.
Advice from current students:
If you have a car, bring it. Most students emphasized how much easier life is with a car. Also, those in the journalism fields said it was almost a necessity due to stories that need to be covered and equipment that needs to be picked up. Many students have even purchased used cars upon arrival. That being said, many survive without one. They learn to use the bus and make friends with those who have cars.
Weather
Advice from current students:
The best advice we can give you is to be prepared. Despite the bad reputation, the weather here does not dictate anyone's life and professors expect the same quality and quantity of work out of the students whether it is 90 degrees or there is 90 inches of snow (because, believe it or not, the average yearly snowfall for Syracuse is 119.)
Syracuse winters seem to be infamous. But since you will be here for a full year, there is a lot to experience and enjoy about the four seasons offered in Central New York.
First of all, our summers are wonderful but they can be very hot. A stretch of days above 90 degrees can be expected. If you are able to bring an air conditioner, it is recommended. If not, make sure you bring or buy a fan. Always have an umbrella on hand since it frequently rains in the summer and fall, often without much notice. Fall for the most part is very pleasant, and it usually doesn't start to get really cold until November, though you never know. Halloweens in past years have seen extremes of both snow and 70 degrees, so it's a very variable time.
Past students always recommend renting an apartment with heat included. Gas and electric bills can be very high during the winter months. A good pair of boots, a warm jacket (goose down is a good choice), a hat and gloves are absolutely necessary. It's also a good idea to dress in layers in order to stay comfortable.
The City of Syracuse is usually excellent about snow removal and keeping the roads clear, so driving is not generally too treacherous. You should plan to purchase a shovel, snow brush, and ice scraper if you car will be parked outside and/or on the street.