A Short FDU Student Survival Guide

In 2009, I was a freshman international student at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) (Teaneck campus); not knowing where to go, what to do and who to hang out with. It's like every new stage in a person's life where you have no idea what comes next. So, I thought to myself, why not create a quick survival guide/ cheat sheet for future FDU students, on how to survive and thrive at university.

First things first, when you're a new student, try to accept most invitations to go out, especially in your first two years. Become a yes man, even if it's outside of your comfort zone. I've had some of the best experiences and met some of the most interesting people at random outings that I didn't plan for. Be open to making new friends from all walks of life, cultures and countries, because, you never know who you'll meet that will become a lifelong friend. Take it from me, 10 years later, my closest friends from college are still around and they are from Germany, England, India and the US.

Below are a few things that can help you get through your FDU days in the most fantastic fashion. So, let’s get this cheat sheet going by talking about one of the most important things.

FOOD

There are many restaurants within walking distance (because, of course, broke international students don’t have cars), that I dined at while at FDU. Some of my favorite food spots are:

1. Bischoff’s - They have the best homemade ice cream, milkshakes and chocolates you’ll ever have! The best part is, they take credit cards now! 85 years later!
2. IHOP - Because it’s IHOP. End of story.
3. Victor’s Pizzeria - Some really good pizza and pasta was consumed at this place. Not sure if they’re open anymore though.
4. Three Star Bagels - Their bagels are awesome! I hope they’re still open.
5. Coach House Diner - Many a late night ended here, and early morning started here. Can you say 24/7 food!!

Make sure to check out all the food places on Cedar Lane and in the surrounding area!

Next up we have the second most important thing.

SHOPPING

Let’s get real. We all need to find places where we can spend money that we don’t have. Below is a list of the places that I spent the most money at as an FDU student.

1. Target - Because Target has everything you need! Which is unfortunate for your pocket!
2. CVS - Because CVS has most things you need at any time of day or late night! Yes, another 24/7!
3. Westfield Garden State Plaza - It’s a big mall! Hold your wallets tight! (Transportation Instructions: Take the small white and green bus from NJ 4 West Bus Stop to Garden State).
4. Bergen Town Center - Smaller outlet mall (Transportation Instructions: Take the small white and green bus from NJ 4 West Bus Stop to Bergen Mall)

New York City (NYC) Nights or Days Out

Since FDU is so close to NYC, you might as well take advantage of it and all that The Big Apple has to offer. I found that there are two easy ways to get from FDU to NYC (and back).

1. Take a NJ Transit Bus from the River Road at Cedar Lane bus stop - This will take you straight to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC. Check your Google Maps for the exact times to be there.
2. Take a small white and green bus from NJ 4 East to the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal in NYC (cheapest bus). You can take one of those buses back from the GWB to the bus stop on NJ 4 West.

Out and About - Local Bars

Local bars are the way to go if you want to have a fun but not too crazy night out (at the appropriate drinking age...of course!).

1. Lazy Lanigans - This was definitely our Thirsty Thursdays bar of choice!
2. Poitin Stil (Now called Cheers Bar) - We had some good Saturday nights here!
3. Lenora’s - This is a nice chill spot!

Last but not least.

FDU STUDENT LIFE

Below are a few things about FDU student life that I think everyone should know.

1. International Student Services Office (ISS)- If you're an international student, the ISS will become your best friend for all things visa, job related, and international student related.
2. On-Campus Jobs - My advice for all students is, to sign up for an on-campus job because, that may be the difference between you having cafeteria food or eating out one day. The extra change as a college student doesn’t hurt either. The best on-campus job yet is, manning the dormitory doors. All you have to do is sign visitors in and out for about 4 hours; which provides you with a lot of time to do school work if needed.
3. Campus Activities - Make sure you go to the on-campus activities that interest you. The Metropolitan Calendar has a list of all the events going on around campus. If you’re into sports, then you should attend a home game. Watching the games with a group of people is a lot of fun.
4. The Office of Student Life’s Sands of Time - Sign up for Sands of Time because, they have a lot of really cool events that students can go to for free or at a very discounted price. For a very small fee, I went to orchestras, musicals, sporting events and much more!
5. HAVE FUN!!! Do good in school and enjoy yourself! Your 4 years will blow by in no time and then you will be working every day and paying bills. Enjoy these college days while you have them!

I hope you enjoyed my short FDU Student Survival Guide! I’m sure I left out a lot of things, but I’m hoping you will help me with that. Let me know where your "go to" food, fun and relax spots in the Teaneck area are!

*See the Google Map with all the Survival Guide locations here: Google Map - FDU Student Survival Guide*