Surviving Life at Hofstra University
Tips to Know Before and During Your Hofstra Education
Mar 15, 2009
There are a few things that prospective students should consider before applying to Hofstra, and once they've made the decision to attend. These are: how to pay for school, going out vs. staying in to study, and safety.
Look For Financial Aid to Help Pay for Hofstra's Tuition
Hofstra is not a cheap school. Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year is $27,600, and the total cost of attendance (room and board, fees, etc.) is upwards of $44,000. If you are going to attend Hofstra (or for parents, if you are going to send your child there), make sure you know how you are going to pay for it. It seems like common sense, but many students transfer their first or second semester because they could not afford the tuition.
While filling out the FAFSA is important, the best thing you can do for yourself is look for scholarships and other financial aid elsewhere. The school provides a decent amount, depending on need, merit, and other factors, and you can appeal for more, but there is no guarantee that it will cover even half of what you are expected to pay. Sites like Fastweb.com and scholarships.com are good places to start when looking for money.
Partying at Hofstra vs. Studying at Hofstra
The party scene around Hofstra can be good or bad, depending on how you approach it. There is almost always a party at Hofstra USA, usually thrown by a fraternity, sorority, or other student organizations. Since these are on-campus events, there is no alcohol, so these are a good option for underage students or those who do not drink.
There are bars very close to the school, and some stricter than others about checking IDs or serving to minors. While it is not very hard for underage students to get alcohol, the consequences are not worth the actions. Hofstra does throw students off of campus for repeated drinking offenses, which can result in losing scholarship money. And if you are constantly partying, it is very likely your grades will begin to suffer. To put it simply, be smart about how often and how hard you party.
Learn Hofstra's Campus and Surroundings
While Hofstra's campus itself is relatively safe, the same cannot be said for the surrounding neighborhood. While the crime rate in Hempstead is going down, it is still not a good idea for any student - male or female - to travel alone at night. The school does not exist within a bubble; there is an outside environment that does not always have your best interests in mind.
If you absolutely have to be out late at night, walk with a friend, a student escort, or call Public Safety. There are call boxes that connect directly to Public Safety, and an officer will come pick you up from wherever you are, usually within a minute. It is a good idea to know the location of these boxes ahead of time (they are easily identifiable by the blue light they emit) in case of an emergency. As an added precaution, students should have the number for Public Safety in their cell phones.
If you are planning to go to Hofstra, having these suggestions in the back of your mind will make the transition from high school (or another college) to the University much easier. As long as know how you are going to pay for it, are smart about how often you go out (and be prepared for the consequences of excessive partying) and always know your surroundings, your experience at Hofstra will be a good one.
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