I do not know for sure, but I believe they run on an adjusted schedule (less busses, more time in between each shuttle). That is something you can call RPI about.
Transportation
First, have you heard of the Megabus and what do you think about it? Second, what do you think about the mobile computing package and would you recommend it?
Megabus is a great value if you need travel from Albany. I was able to ride Megabus back to NYC for $15 a ticket, which is extremely affordable. The bus also as AC outlets and wifi which is a plus.
It really depends on what major you are, and what type of computer you prefer. The warranty is great if you are clumsy and the laptop might have software that you will need. That being said, don’t force yourself to buy one just because it’s the RPI one. If you find a better value or use a Mac, choose what makes you happier.
But I am new to the Troy area; I’d like to know if there are local buses traveling from the Albany transportation center to the RPI campus. I was thinking to save money from taking taxi. Thank you
During major holidays, RPI offers free shuttle direct to Albany transportation centers. I believe you have to sign up a week in advance. There are also the CDTA buses that run throughout Troy and Albany.
What suggestions do you have on how to bring our luggages to campus? Will the luggages be able to fit on the RPI Shuttle we will take from the airport to the campus? Just a note, I will be bringing two luggages.
The RPI shuttle should be able to accommodate you and your luggage just fine! As for advice about packing, I just advise to really consider your limited space and how much you are bringing. Keep in mind too when packing, Walmart is just a bus ride away.
Does Bray have indoor bike racks? I intend on bringing my bike to Rensselaer, but I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it in the winter…
Yes, Bray does have an indoor bike room.
Do you have any pictures or advice about the Colonie Apartments? I will be a new transfer in the fall, and have been assigned to Colonie D. I’ve heard less than stellar things about the Colonie buildings so I am considering some off-campus options.
I don’t have pictures of Colonie, but I could offer advice if I knew more specifics. None of the on campus housing is uninhabitable and RPI has services and methods of making things right where they may be wrong (maintenance, upgrades, etc.). Without knowing specifics about the “less than stellar” things you heard, it’s difficult for me to offer advice. What are you used to in terms of your standard of living? What did you hear that turned you off?
I will say that you will probably ride the shuttle to class unless you have a bicycle or like to walk. It’s about a 15 minute walk to class, I would estimate. You also have a convenient Rite Aid nearby.
I’ve been trying to find out through the official RPI site but I can’t find anything that will say whether halls are co-ed by floors (one half of a floor is girls, the other is boys) or by buildings (alternate floors are alternate sexes). If someone would like to bring a bike, are there specific places to chain them up to? Lastly, how accommodating is the staff if things don’t work out between roommates? Thank you for all the help.
Floors can be co-ed “by floor” (as you defined it) or “by hall.” It just depends on how things fall. All bathrooms are single sex.
Bikes can be secured to racks that are located outside of each residence hall. Some also have bike rooms inside.
If there is a ‘roommate-conflict,’ your RA will be willing and able to talk through this with you. The RA will help make a decision on the best way to resolve the situation; rarely does it end in a room change, but it happens.
What is closet space like in the freshman five? Is there any way to get to the train station from campus without taking a cab? Do public buses make stops on campus?
http://i51.tinypic.com/35lw0g2.jpg
This is the best image I have off-hand of the style of closets that are in the freshmen five. If you take a look at the ‘Room Photos’ tab under Freshman Five Pictures, you can find pictures of all of the rooms. The door with the towel on it in this photo slides from left to right to expose the space for hanging things, as shown in the closet on the right-hand side. I would estimate that there are about 30 horizontal inches of hanging space. If this isn’t helpful enough, let me know and I can hunt down better details and a photo that concentrates on the closet.
On holidays (winter break, spring break, and summer break), campus shuttles make runs to the airport, train station, and bus station for free. You have to sign up with Public Safety and they are only offered on specified dates. Other than that, I would highly suggest that you make friends with some upperclassmen. They might have a car AND could be great mentors to help you figure out how to make the most of your time at Rensselaer. (plus $5 in gas money is much less than $20 for a cab)
Public buses for CDTA do make stops on campus! Take a look at this link and look for RPI towards the right-hand-side of the document. There are actually quite a few routes and stops at RPI: http://www.cdta.org/images/troywaterinset.pdf
Do a lot of people ride bikes around campus? Can we bring bikes into the dorm rooms? Is Troy a place with a lot of things to do – if so, do people ride their bike to get around Troy?
In warmer weather, there are quite a few people riding bikes. In no sense do a majority of students ride bikes, but it’s not uncommon. Yes, you can bring bikes into your rooms. There are also bike racks outside most of the residence halls and event inside in some of them (I believe). Troy does have plenty to do – feel free to ride your bike down to check it out. Getting back up the hill will be a great workout!
Also, check out our cycling club if you are interested – http://cycling.union.rpi.edu/News/News.html
How often does the shuttle run?
RPI’s RedHawk Shuttle runs roughly every 15 minutes. There is an East shuttle and a West shuttle. The East shuttle covers the BARH and ECAV areas, in addition to a good amount of off campus housing. The West shuttle covers mostly the academic part of campus. Both stop at the Union (in addition to many other scheduled stops around campus). The shuttle is free for students, but only stops at the scheduled stops. Additional shuttle service operates for home football and hockey games, Troy Night Out (first Friday of each month), and other special events. The shuttle service operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on all weekdays. Students can also ride CDTA (Capital District Transit Authority) buses for free by swiping their student ID.
I only know of one time this past year when shuttle service was cancelled for the inclement weather. Most of the time, walking home in the snow is manageable, but then again I love to walk.
RPI Rooms 
