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A lot of students at Potsdam might look around and immediately say, "There's nothing to do here," or, "Potsdam is in the middle of nowhere." Those same students will spend the next few years hanging out in their dorm rooms, bored out of their minds. Possibly drinking alcohol. But they're wrong about Potsdam; granted, if you're from a city, Potsdam is a little smaller. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to do.
Once you arrive on campus in August, you will have a blank canvas on which to start creating your life as a student at SUNY Potsdam. Beyond your classes, social life, and possible jobs, being involved on campus can become a significant part of your student life.
When you get to college, you realize very quickly that nothing comes gift-wrapped. You learn how to think on your feet and adapt to being away from those who raised you for the last dozen-and-a-half years: you adjust to not having anyone to tell you to wake up for class, when to eat and sleep, to do your work, to be where you need to be.
Although Potsdam is a beautiful campus with a lot of extracurricular activities, you will undoubtedly want to get out of this protective bubble and see what your town has to offer! Many Potsdam students take advantage of Potsdam's various unique businesses and establishments.
After a year or two at Potsdam, you start to get a feel for when and where certain events will happen. All kinds of groups hold annual events every year. In the spring, picnics and outdoor concerts provide a welcome distraction from finals and packing. Other events help students celebrate holidays for the first time away from home, meet new people, or hear new music.
In this space, one would normally find the weekly police blotter. If you were to become accidentally involved with local or university authorities, you might see your name displayed right here as an example to anyone who might read it. Don't drink while you're still under age: Many students here at Potsdam find themselves rather thirsty on Friday and Saturday nights.