Stony Brook Launches NY Bound Program for Out-of-State Freshmen
The program connects nearly 400 out-of-state freshmen with faculty and peers through seven trips across Long Island and New York City.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in College Applications
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Stony Brook University launched the NY Bound program for nearly 400 out-of-state freshmen in the 2026-2027 academic year, kicking off in late August with a welcome dinner at the Student Activities Center. The program has since taken students on seven trips across Long Island and New York City over two months.
Why it matters
The program aims to give out-of-state students, who are a minority on campus, a support system while they adjust to a university far from home. Its organizers hope it helps students build bonds that ease the transition to college life in New York.
Nearly 400 out-of-state freshmen are enrolled in the program, which organized seven trips over two months. Destinations included Fire Island, Montauk, the 9/11 Memorial, and an apple orchard in Greenport, while the future of the program beyond spring remains tentative.
The players
Stony Brook University
A public research university in Stony Brook, New York, and part of the State University of New York system, which runs the NY Bound program.
Pamela Pfeil
A member of the Stony Brook team who helped plan the NY Bound trips for out-of-state freshmen.
William Martin
A member of the Stony Brook team who co-planned the NY Bound excursions with his colleagues.
Stephanie Dudowitz
A member of the Stony Brook team who co-planned the NY Bound excursions with her colleagues.
The details
Pamela Pfeil, William Martin, and Stephanie Dudowitz planned the NY Bound trips together, drawing on their knowledge of Long Island and New York City. Destinations included the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, the New York Hall of Science/Queens Night Market, and the performance of "Wicked" (2003), which was the most in-demand excursion.
Timeline
Late August 2026: Program kicked off with a welcome dinner at the Student Activities Center.
Over the last two months: Seven trips across Long Island and New York City took place.
December 2026: Another New York City trip is planned for the cohort.
Spring semester: A get-together of NY Bound students is planned.
Season Trajectory
The NY Bound program operates within the State University of New York public campus structure, which serves students from across the state and beyond. Its trips through Long Island and New York City reflect how SUNY campuses lean on regional geography to help newcomers settle in.
Out-of-state students at Stony Brook now have a structured way to meet peers and explore Long Island and New York City during their first year. Families and prospective students considering SUNY campuses can see how one school is working to ease the adjustment for those coming from far away.
The takeaway
Moving far from home for college is easier when a built-in group of peers is already there. Students weighing an out-of-state school can ask admissions offices what community and excursion programs they offer before enrolling.
What happens next
A New York City trip for the NY Bound cohort is scheduled for December 2026, and a spring semester get-together is planned.
Further reading
Explore more on College Applications to see how students plan their transitions to university life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Statesman.
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