Frequently Asked Questions

After enrolling, your applicant portal will update with an enrollment checklist that includes information on activating your Union email account, housing forms, transfer credit evaluation for AP and college courses and much more. Some items will appear shortly after enrolling, while others will be added after the May 1 deposit deadline.

Advising and course registration is typically available in early May, while the housing profile is typically available in early June.

First-Year Experience will begin sending summer communications in May.

Students do not apply — and are not admitted — into a specific major. The academic program(s) you listed on your application indicate your current interest, not a specific major to which you applied. Whether you know what you want to study and are ready to jump right in, or you're completely undecided and excited to try everything, our faculty academic advisors are experts in helping students select courses and identify a path of exploration.

Many students do not bring a car to campus. We're close to a major airport and train and bus stations. Downtown Schenectady and many restaurants are within walking distance of campus. We also have a convenience store on campus for anything you may need.

The College offers the following services at no additional cost:

• weekly shuttle service to local shopping (Walmart, Target, Asian market)
• transportation on CDTA bus lines traveling throughout the region
• transportation to medical appointments within a 6-mile radius of campus.

Learn more about the local area.

First-year students may bring cars. You’ll need to register your vehicle with Campus Safety and pay a one time fee of $150 for the year. Starting sophomore year, the annual fee is $30.

There's a lot to love about Schenectady. It's a "foodie" heaven with 50 restaurants within 2 miles of campus. Our city is home to Proctors Theatre which hosts touring Broadway shows. We have a Movieland to catch the latest blockbuster and students have fun bowling on dollar night at Boulevard Bowl. The Sunday Greenmarket is a year-round favorite, offering fresh local produce and artisan goods. Jay Street offers cozy cafes, a local bookstore and unique shops. M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor is home to our Division I Men's and Women's Ice Hockey teams, making it easy to enjoy dinner at Druthers before the big game. There's a hike-bike trail, dozens of businesses offering internship opportunities for students and a lively arts scene.

First-year students live in Fox House, Richmond House or West College. Residential Education & Housing will do its best to accommodate requests for room styles (corridor or suite) or a study-focused environment for those who desire a quiet living space. Students are able to select a specific roommate or be matched with a roommate based on information provided on the housing forms. All residence halls have common areas/lounges and laundry facilities that are free of charge!

Furnishing (per resident) includes an extra-long twin bed, set of drawers, closet, desk and chair. All rooms include Wi-Fi and ethernet hookup, and blinds on windows. Suite common rooms contain sofa, chairs and coffee table.

Learn more about preparing for residential life at Union on the Residential Education site. In addition to the detailed information provided, ResEd will join virtual and on campus admissions sessions to get your questions answered, in addition to partnering with the First-Year Experience office to make sure you're prepared for move-in and beyond!

The housing profile will be available in early June. Typically, housing assignments are set and live by mid-July.

Students enjoy campus-wide traditions throughout the year (like Club Expo, Springfest, Lobsterfest, and more) in addition to daily events organized by our 130+ student clubs and organizations. Student Activities sends out a Daily Digest email highlighting events happening that day and throughout the upcoming week and weekend, so you can plan your fun!

All clubs are open to any member of the student body. Club sports teams are open to all students, too. Many compete intercollegiately in recognized leagues and students of all skill levels are welcome - there are no cuts from club teams.

Club Expo is held early in the fall. Club leaders and members are eager to meet you and get you signed up, chat about your shared interests, play games and enjoy a fun day.

ACE (Association of Campus Events) hosts an event every weekend. Other student groups host occasional late-night weekend programming, but there's always something going on!

Eating on campus is never boring. Reamer Campus Center offers two floors of scratch-made dining options, including hot and cold grab and go options at the convenience store.

Students enjoy coffee drinks and teas at our campus Starbucks in the Wold Center Atrium, located on the second floor.

The Rathskeller in the basement of Old Chapel offers Mediterranean-inspired lunch options.

Our dining vendor, Bon Appetit, offers from scratch cooking and updates their menu and specials daily. Students and staff are big fans of the daily automated "menu mail". Sign up and receive the daily menu directly to your inbox for easy planning.

Special dietary needs are easily addressed at Union. The dining services team is well-trained in food allergy awareness and offer a number of options for students with food allergies and celiac disease. Allergen information is labeled in all locations, vegan/vegetarian options are plentiful and we gladly offer Halal options by request. We also have a campus dietitian who will work with students to address their unique needs.

More detailed information, including contacts for requesting accommodations, can be found on the Bon Appetit-Union site.