Many people just go through college, barely understanding what’s going on and are just hoping to have a good schedule so that they can go home as soon as they arrive. However, I live near campus and wanted to have a college life. I’ve seen numerous movies, and while I don’t want most of what happened in the movies to happen to me, such as the drinking parties, there are parts that I did want like forming close bonds with friends.
Yet, once I started college, and during COVID-19 no less, I was completely lost because there are so many things movies just don’t tell you. It was hard to know what was offered at the college itself, and if it was good or bad. I didn’t know what buildings I should hope never to be in, how to deal with an outstanding balance and the point of Degreeworks’ chaos.
So now that I’ve experienced five semesters and counting at Queens College, and know most of the ins and outs, nothing makes me happier than to share my hard-earned knowledge so that you can get the most out of Queens College and CUNY in general.
Paying for College
CUNY is cheaper than most other colleges, but that doesn’t mean it is always free (though you may be eligible for free tuition through the Excelsior Scholarship.) Look out for the monetary scholarship awards they offer each semester to help you pay tuition, and don’t forget to apply. There are also other scholarships offered on the internet. Fastweb has a decent list, but make sure whatever you apply for is safe. You also should never be giving out private information, such as your social security number.
Remember to file for FAFSA every fall semester for the next school year. Don’t forget that once you get your loan, you need to fill out the Student Loan Entrance Counseling if you’re filing for the first time and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) every time on the website or you won’t get the loan.
Also, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but even if you are paying for college and an apartment on your own and don’t live with your parents, you are a dependent until you are 24.
Financial Advising
Financial advising offices can sometimes be difficult to contact. Get it done as soon as you possibly can. Half the time, you won’t get the answer you’d like when you do meet with them, and in the other half, they are super helpful. It’s really a roll of dice. There was a time when I had to deal with an outstanding balance, and the first meeting was super unhelpful and the second one fixed my problem. Just keep that in mind.
Career Advising
The people at Queens College’s career advising are your best friend if you want help getting a job. They can help with your resume, cover letter, interview answers and so much more. If you want to get a job during the school semester, during the summer, or after graduation, they are the ones to go to. The best part is that there are multiple advisors, so if you don’t like one, there’s always another. At Queens College, I always gravitate toward Zavi Gunn. She works with me on my resumes and cover letters and sends me job opportunities she thinks I might be interested in.
CUNYFirst isn’t as difficult as it looks
At times, it is pretty annoying though. There is a set process to follow when going on CUNYFirst and that is tapping everything in the Student Center, since most stuff is there, and hoping you can find what you’re looking for. Thankfully, there is a search button, but be as unspecific as possible so that you can get the best results. Key things to know:
- Course Planning and Enrollment: Class schedule, enrollment dates and class search and enroll
- Academic Records: Grades, awards and transfer credit
- Financial Account: Account balance, make a payment, payment history and 1098-T form
- Transcript and Verification: Unofficial and official transcript
DegreeWorks
Not always accurate, but super helpful. It has your class standing, GPA and current amount of credits. It also has a whole list of every single class offered that will fulfill your required core class requirements. Do be warned — it’s not up to date for everything. Some classes aren’t offered every semester or are no longer a major, such as journalism at QC, and there are times that it says that I didn’t take a class or requirement when I did. Just do your research and keep track of everything you’ve done.
Enrolling for Classes
There is a date to enroll for classes for the next semester on CUNYFirst. Depending on whether you get special services, whether you are in Macaulay or your grade level, it will change the date you can enroll for classes.
When enrolling for classes, you usually need your major/minor advisor, but you don’t always need an academic advisor. They are definitely helpful in your first semester to understand what’s flying, but after that, you can do it yourself. Also, if you enroll or drop classes after the first day of classes you have to pay an extra fee.
Rate My Professor
A miracle tool to help you pick classes. The key things are to use whatever deductive reasoning you have, look at all of the reviews (the good and the bad) and figure out for yourself if you would enjoy the teacher. You have to decipher the actual teaching personality of the teacher because sometimes teachers have favorites, students are better than others, or a student received a bad grade. All students have different views on the same teacher. Figure out who the teacher actually is.
There are also student evaluations that are made public, without any identifying information, so you can also look there to see if you would want to take the teacher. Most, if not all CUNYs have them.
People in your major are your friend, not your enemy
One of the major reasons I applied to Queens College instead of Juilliard or The Manhattan School of Music was because I wanted an environment that was friendly and welcoming. I didn’t want to be in a highly competitive environment where everyone fends for themselves and wishes that their peers fail so that they can succeed. It’s not the way of the world; we only succeed when everyone else succeeds. Your peers are there to help. Create or join a Whatsapp or Discord group chat and invite the people in your class to join. Sometimes, you forget to do an assignment and they remind you. Other times, you need help and you can just ask the question in the chat and have it answered by someone else in your class. Also, with choosing classes, the academic advisors are usually non-beneficial and even give false information. Therefore, ask the people in your program what classes you need to take. You don’t want to be placed in a position, like my roommate was in, where you have to retake the math requirement because the academic advisor told you one incorrect piece of information. Ask the people in your major for help.
Extensions
There’s an enormous change from high school to college, especially on the teacher front. They tend to regard the students more as equals and recognize that life happens. If you are ever running behind on assignments or are super overwhelmed, ask your teacher for an extension. It is not a failure to ask for one. Your teachers understand that you are under high pressure and are trying to get everything in on time while also taking other classes and maybe working a job or two on top of that. They’re aware, and they will work with you.
There were times that I had a panic attack because of the immense stress I was under, and when I told my teachers I couldn’t hand in my assignments, they just asked me if I was okay. Then, when I asked about an extension, they told me to hand in the assignment whenever I felt ready. They care, and it definitely takes a load off the stress. Just make sure not to ask for it at the last second or after the assignment was due or they might not give it to you or will give it to you with a late penalty.
Science Classes
Under no circumstances should you take a chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or biology course unless you need to for your major. It’s insanely difficult and not worth the blood, sweat and tears you will put yourself through. Take the easier (and honestly more interesting) sciences like astronomy and environmental science. You’ll enjoy it more and you won’t destroy yourself while doing it. However, if you do decide to take one of the more demanding sciences because you like it, don’t take one with a lab.
Don’t take PSYCH 213W if you have a choice
It’s not worth the effort — plain and simple.
Buildings
At Queens College, never take classes that are back to back if you need to run from Queens Hall to an on-campus class. Queens Hall is off campus, and it takes a solid 15 minutes or so to run from there to campus.
Keily Hall is pretty much like a prison, so try not to have your classes in there all day.
There are two libraries on campus: the Rosenthal Library and the Music Library. The Rosenthal Library is where everyone tends to hang out, and there are a lot of books there, including YA and children’s books. The Music Library is silent, and it’s amazing for doing work. Sometimes, you can even hear the music students play some of their pieces which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. You should also just visit the music building in general because it’s beautiful. It was honestly one of the reasons I applied to the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Free concerts
Most people don’t know this, but frequently, there are free concerts in the music building on campus. It’s mainly performed by music students at Queens College, and they had to audition to get into the school, so they’re good. I would know because I’m a student there.
CUNY Arts
If you want to go to museums or performances for free or cheap, CUNY has access to many different cultural institutions. There are also paid internships in the arts that CUNY offers, so take advantage of them.
This too shall pass
College is an experience, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. Your problems will eventually fade, and all you’ll remember is the fun times you had on campus. You’ll be able to get in those annoying papers and assignments, and you’ll be able to grow and have a chance to discover what you like without heavy parental interference. Make the most of every moment because this too shall pass.
Rebecca Coopersmith
Hey! I’m Rebecca, and I’m a native New Yorker (accent not included). I love exploring all forms of creativity, including music, writing, and graphic design. I hope that my passion for creativity will influence my actions to do something different that nobody has seen before.
Queens ’25 Music Performance and Education major
