We’ve written about the perks of going to school in the Capital Region before (great job opportunities, awesome restaurants, cool landmarks). But if you need an added bonus, we’ve got an idea to bounce off you.

Here’s something to add to your criteria list as you narrow down your college selections: look in areas brimming with job opportunities. If you decide to stay put after graduation, you’ll want to know that job openings are plentiful, that the economy is healthy and that there’s a breadth of positions available. If Siena College is on your list, smart decision. Three reasons why… 

When it’s a little too chilly to hang outside, Siena students cluster together in the dorms and watch movie after movie on Netflix. We’re like one big cozy family that sometimes wants to pretend we’re back in grade school, that classes are cancelled because we’re snowed in and there’s nothing better to do than relax. (Actually, that does happen.) And in honor of the season and the dropping temps outdoors, we thought we’d talk cinema today. Here are 10 flicks that were actually filmed right here in the Capital Region.

Siena students are a lot of things—smart, driven, kind, funny, athletic—okay, okay, you get the idea. But perhaps above everything, if you were to ask any Siena grad to describe the student body here, one word you’d probably hear is “giving.” 

The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) compiled and compared data on student life, culture, economic health and other factors across the country and came up with a list of the top 20 small metros for college students in the U.S. Number 11 on that list: (ding ding ding) Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY. (We all play together.)

College students in Florida are usually described as studying in a vacation spot. But if you ask any student in the Northeast what it’s like to live and go to school up here, they’ll tell you they love their four seasons. How could you not? In the fall in particular, Upstate New York is a destination for those who want to marvel at fall foliage and enjoy fun autumnal activities. For Siena students, this is part of life during the fall semester. Here are five of our favorite things to do around here this time of year.

This past month, the deans of our three schools stepped up to the mic and hosted live chats with current students and alums to answer questions from prospective students like you. They responded to all kinds of digitally submitted inquiries, like… “Is there a class size cap and are classes taught by professors or TAs?” “What do you do if you know what profession in science you want, but you’re not exactly strong in science?”  “How are advisors assigned and do students generally keep them for all four years?”

Remember when we gave you five things to look for when visiting a campus? Number 4 asked “what’s within walking distance?” It’s something you should absolutely think about as you research colleges because you’ll want to enjoy time off campus with your friends—without always having to fork over gas or cab money. Plus, having a pharmacy and other convenience stores right around the corner makes life a lot easier.