Simply put, Saxons are pretty lucky.

Our campus is beautifully unique, from the equestrian center to the actual castle that houses career services. But also, our physical location between the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes is quite special too. 

We'd bet you’d find life as a Saxon—with the quaint, historic Village of Alfred as both your homebase and your gateway—unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Where every day can be as comforting or as outside-of-ordinary as you wish.

Eat like a local

If you don’t have a go-to breakfast spot, are you really a college student?! One thing we love about this place are the welcoming, unpretentious coffee shops and eateries just off campus (and the Starbucks ON campus!) that feel like home and serve ridiculously good fare. Some of our faves:

  • Cinnamon toast from The Collegiate (known as “The Jet”)
  • Honey Pot Chocolates from the Canacadea Country Store
  • The chai tea lattes from Terra Cotta Coffee House

SO WHAT's NEXT?

Your future in business begins today
VISIT
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An Insider's Guide to

A few suggestions…

Polaroids of scenes near and around Alfred
Box of chocolates from Canacadea Country Store

Make yourself at home

In a community where faculty, students, business owners, visiting artists, athletes and more all take pride in each other and their town, it’s really easy to feel like you’ve stumbled upon a place you can always call home. As a Saxon, you might find yourself:
  • Volunteering to referee or umpire a local youth game
  • Shopping the Alfred Farmers Market
  • Taking pics at the balloon rallies in Dansville and Wellsville
  • Watching the sunsets from Hairpin Turn
#3

Allegany County is ranked #3 of 56 Counties with the Lowest Cost of Living in New York

Niche.com

LEarn some History

When your friends and family come for a visit, share with them these impressive did-you-knows about Alfred University’s setting.
  • The Alfred Village Historic District is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
  • Local legend claims that the village is named after medieval England's King Alfred (noted for his commitment to educating his people)
  • The origin story of Pottery Barn (yes, the Pottery Barn!) includes a factory right here in Alfred, NY—which is so perfect for us; our ceramics department is awesome

STEP OUTSIDE

Whenever they want a gym alternative, Saxons need only look around. Our university is located on 232 wooded acres with another 400 acres of nearby recreational land to help you achieve your fitness and wellness goals.

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DEPOSITCONNECT

You can count on this: We want you to be a Saxon! Whether you’ve already enrolled or not, we’re here to help with any remaining questions you might have. In the meantime, click a few links below. 

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Get in touch with your admissions counselor

Make it official and become a Saxon!

Check out our virtual visits or take a tour

GET OUTTA TOWN

Of course, our immediate area is only part of this region’s charm. Road trips and overnighters will make for some of the best memories during your four years at Alfred University. 
  • Camp, swim or hike the gorge at Letchworth State Park
  • Sip your way through the Finger Lake wineries and breweries (when you’re 21, of course)
  • Splash in the waterfalls at Stony Brook State Park
  • Explore the Corning Museum of Glass
Waterfall at Stony Brook State Park

Hike the Pine Hill Trails behind campus

Rent a hybrid bike from Alfred's student-run Bike Hub and explore local routes (or bring your own bike and store it at the Bike Hub over breaks!)

Swim, fish, sail or canoe at Foster Lake, a lovely, 25-acre wilderness lake about 5 minutes from campus

Sway under the sun in any of the hammocks on campus between classes

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Mountain icon (hiking)
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EXPLORE THE WORLD

If you’ve always wanted to study abroad, your flight’s not far from Alfred’s campus. Saxons have studied cultural anthropology in Belize, business in Japan, painting in Florence and beyond. Where will you go? 


Greater Rochester International Airport
2 Hours
3.5 Hours
1.5 Hours
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
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Dream Big

The beauty of going to a tight-knit school (like AU) in a tight-knit town (like Alfred) is that you can instantly make connections, immerse yourself into your passions and begin your path to an incredible career. Saxons now work at places near and far like:

KPMG

United States Air Force

Corning, Incorporated

Buffalo Neurosurgery Group

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Time Magazine

American Physical Therapy Association

Tesla

Glass blowing photo at Alfred University