Study in Albany, The United States

Albany, the capital of New York State, is one of America's most historic cities. It is particularly famous for its wide range of well-preserved historic buildings, which include examples of various architectural styles. As the state capital, it is home to numerous government buildings, all of which exhibit superb design and artistry. For example, one of Albany’s most famous landmarks is the “Albany Egg,” a large oblong public sculpture in front of a towering high-rise. The Egg is a distinctive part of the city’s architectural flavor, and stands in stark contrast to the stately edifices of government buildings. Visitors and residents can also enjoy Albany's excellent museums and parks–the city is well accustomed to hosting distinguished guests from out of town, so recreational facilities are abundant. The state and city governments finance festivals, concerts, and other free events throughout Albany.

Unlike many of its neighbors, Albany is a heavily car-dependent city with limited public transportation options. It has no subway or Metro system, and its bus system, while comprehensive in terms of its coverage, does not run reliable service on weekends. The majority of Albany residents depend on their vehicles to get from place to place, which can be somewhat inconvenient for students who are living on a tight budget. Fortunately, downtown Albany is easily walkable, so it's possible to get around on foot while running errands or relaxing in the central districts. Most universities and colleges within Albany have arranged their own transportation systems to shuttle students back and forth between campus and downtown.

Perhaps more than anything else, Albany is known as a college town. The city and surrounding area are home to dozens of institutions of higher learning, including community colleges, medical schools, graduate universities, state schools, and small private liberal arts colleges. This diversity of educational offerings attracts a wide range of students to Albany, creating a lively atmosphere and a thriving social life for young people in the city.

The presence of large numbers of college students has an impact on Albany’s nightlife and restaurant options. Cheap, late-night study fuel is easy to find in neighborhoods surrounding the various campuses, and there are many bars that cater specifically to the graduate student crowd. Meanwhile, coffee shops and bistros around town offer free WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere for studying or working on papers. This, along with the high quality of local institutions, is part of what makes Albany so appealing to college students.

When it comes to higher education, people come to Albany looking for many things. Some seek the excitement of a large school with a diverse student body, and gravitate toward the famous State University of New York at Albany. Others prefer the sort of personal interaction with faculty that can be achieved at a small college, which draws them to nearby Skidmore. Still other prospective students are looking for medical degrees or vocational certificates, and find themselves at the various graduate and professional programs in the city. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a college, university, or vocational school, you can find it in Albany.