Hey guys, I’m stuck between Stony Brook University and SUNY Buffalo for MS in CS. Both seem good but I’m not sure which will be better in terms of learning, opportunities, and overall vibe. Anyone here who can share what it’s like? Especially if you’ve done or are doing MS in CS at SUNY Buffalo.
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Honestly both are solid choices. Stony Brook is super strong in research and academics, especially if you’re into theory-heavy stuff or planning a PhD later. SUNY Buffalo on the other hand has a slightly more chill vibe, and the city’s cheaper to live in. Also, Buffalo’s network in some tech companies is pretty good. I know people from both who’ve landed solid jobs, so it’s not like one is “bad.”
Hi @chirop_tera, I was in the same boat a while back, and honestly, both Stony Brook and SUNY Buffalo have good reputations for CS, but the experience you’ll get can be quite different.
Stony Brook University is truly well-known within the CS community, in particular for research in systems, algorithms, and AI. The faculty is excellent, and staying closer to NYC is also a plus for networking if you look towards internships or NYC-area jobs. The drawback is that Long Island cost of living is high, and the atmosphere is slightly more research-oriented than social.
University at Buffalo SUNY, on the other hand, has a very friendly campus culture and a pretty good mix of CS specializations. The cost of living is significantly less, and you would probably get a more “college-town” experience. The placements are decent enough that people do get into big tech, but you would probably need to make that extra effort on the networking side as Buffalo is no big tech city.
If you’re interested in hardcore research and prestige in CS, Stony Brook would be the better choice. If you’re after a good program, comfortable lifestyle, and relatively low cost, Buffalo is unbeatable.
hey @chirop_tera Both are good picks, but it depends on what you’re after.
SUNY Buffalo – Great for research in AI, data science, and systems. Big campus, friendly profs, tons of activities, but winters are brutal. Industry connections are decent, though you might have to travel for events.
Stony Brook – Strong in algorithms, ML, and cybersecurity. Being closer to NYC means better networking and internship chances. Smaller campus but location is a big plus.
If you’re into research and don’t mind snow, go Buffalo. If you want more industry exposure and easy NYC access, go Stony Brook.
Hey, @chirop_tera Buffalo is solid in terms of research labs, professor support, and it has a friendly, less cutthroat vibe. The teaching is good, and there are chances for internships, though not always at the scale of New York City. Stony Brook has a bit stronger reputation in certain specialties (AI, networks, systems), more exposure because of its proximity to NYC, and usually higher competition among students. If you want more hands-on research and opportunities in certain tech hubs, Stony Brook might give you some edge. But if you prefer a calmer pace, more accessible faculty, and good return on investment, Buffalo can be a great choice.