Admissions

If you’re thinking about attending college in Upstate New York, social media is the best way (aside from visiting) to get familiar with the area and learn about what New York is known for besides New York City. 

Upstate is unique in its own way—from the capital buildings to the Adirondack Mountains, it's honestly an awesome place to study, intern, and have the time of your life in college.

To get a feel for what life in Upstate New York is all about, check out these Instagram accounts that perfectly capture Siena's surroundings and beyond.

1. DISCOVER ALBANY (@DISCOVERALBANY)

Minutes from campus is our capital city, Albany. And within that city are award-winning restaurants, gorgeous buildings, museums, parks, performance spaces (see #2), and fun things to do—like free ice skating at the plaza during the holidays or Tulip Fest in the spring. Follow this account by albany.org for postcard-perfect landscape shots and closer looks at the insides of cafes and more.

 
 
 
 
 
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Albany’s skyline sparkles at night ✨ #DiscoverAlbany 📷: @fcavone_photos

A post shared by Discover Albany (@discoveralbany) on

2. MVP Arena (@themvparena)

The MVP Arena in downtown Albany not only hosts Siena’s basketball teams, but the 17,500-seat indoor arena draws the likes of Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, Disney On Ice, comedy stars, arena football games and so much more. A little local tidbit for you: In the 1990s, it was called the Knickerbocker Arena, and just before it became the MVP Arena, it was the Times Union Center. Every now and then you still hear "the Knick" or "the TU" come up in convo.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by MVP Arena (@themvparena)

3. STEWART’S SHOPS (@STEWARTSSHOPS)

Admired by literally everyone around these parts, Stewart's Shops is more than just a gas station or local convenience store chain. It's the go-to spot for the most amazing homemade ice cream and milkshakes, coffee, road trip snacks and yes, even the hot dogs. Also amazing? In honor of Siena and our NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball teams, Stewart’s changed the name of its popular Mint Cookie Crumble ice cream to Siena Mint Madness.

 
 
 
 
 
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You will definitely be celebrating THIS sale. For just $3.99, try our fall flavors in a Brownie Sundae or a Banana Split! Now on sale through Sunday, 10/20!

A post shared by Stewart's Shops (@stewartsshops) on

4. ADIRONDACKS (@ADIRONDACKS_NY)

The Adirondack Mountains are a huge part of what makes Upstate New York so cool, and you’ll want to climb one (or all!) of the 46 high peaks after seeing how beautiful the views are up there. Even when you can’t get out and explore Mother Nature, this feed will get you pretty close to a breath of fresh air.

 
 
 
 
 
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Take it all in 🌲 ( #📷 @kryogen1 )⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #adirondacks #adk #foreverwild #hiking #mountains #wilderness #instadaily #picoftheday #outdoors #upstateny #newyork

A post shared by Adirondacks (@adirondacks_ny) on

5. Enjoy Troy (@enjoytroy)

A couple towns over from our home in suburban Loudonville is Troy, NY — home of Uncle Sam and a hot spot for entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. The waterfront city has undergone a renaissance of sorts over the years, and although it was already known for its huge farmers market, it's even more appealing now that Hollywood has come through. (Have you watched The Gilded Age on HBO? It was filmed here!)

 
 
 
 
 
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It’s a beautiful night for Rockin’ on the River 🎶 ☀️ 🍺 #TroyNy #EnjoyTroy (📸:@jvf961 / @thespot518)

A post shared by 📸 Troy, NY 📸 (@enjoytroy) on

6. FORT ORANGE GENERAL STORE (@FORTORANGE)

This retail shop in downtown Albany embraces the city’s historic roots (Fort Orange was the original name of the first permanent Dutch settlement in New Netherland, the present day home of Albany) and features goods from up-and-coming creators right here in the 518. The merch they sell runs the gamut from pillows to posters, and so much of it is Upstate NY-themed.

 
 
 
 
 
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Calling all homebodies on this rainy upstate day! (Yes, that's hot cocoa and YES, it's everything.)

A post shared by Fort Orange General Store (@fortorange) on

7. SIENA COLLEGE (@SIENACOLLEGE)

And if you really want to see what it’s like to be on a college campus in Upstate NY, give Siena College a follow. From campus shots to student life, see what it's like to live out all four seasons as a Saint. Got a question? Slide into our DMs or comment and we’ll send you in the right direction.

 
 
 
 
 
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Gotta love life as a Saint! 💚💛

A post shared by Siena College (@sienacollege) on