When Family Takes Fordham: A Fun Visit For Everyone!

One of my favorite parts about going to Fordham is that there is an endless amount of new places to go, activities to try, and experiences to have. There is always something exciting going on on Fordham's campuses, and I love going into Manhattan! This component of Fordham is especially helpful to me whenever my family comes to visit me from New Jersey. Like me, my family loves to enjoy all that Fordham has to offer. Whenever my parents and my brothers come to Fordham, we never run out of things to do and no family visit is ever dull! 

My brothers and I when they came to visit me!

My family loves coming to visit me at Fordham, and now that football season is in full swing, my parents have totally embraced that "Ram Spirit" we students hold close to our hearts. I really enjoy going to Fordham football games with my family because the community and the spirit in the stands makes everyone feel welcome and excited to be there. At the last home game, even my younger brothers got into the Fordham spirit when they saw the Ram mascot cheering from the sidelines! 

Our view of the field at the football game

Arthur Avenue is also a huge success when my family comes to town. Whenever they visit, parents and brothers love to try the many different restaurants that line the street. The delicious Italian cuisine and the authentic Italian atmosphere is very exciting and different from any restaurant back in my hometown. The proximity of Arthur Avenue to Fordham's Rose Hill campus is also a huge plus. 

Arthur Avenue is a great place to bring family!

Fordham's campus is my home, and I love it when my family comes to Fordham and feels at home, as well. The welcoming environment and the endless opportunities Fordham has to offer are fun and enjoyable for everyone. Whether friends, family, or anyone else comes to visit Fordham, a good time is always guaranteed! 

Rose Hill Ramily

When I start my tours, I begin with the classic tagline: "Hi my name is ____. I'm from ____. My major is ____." However, I have something unique to add to the end of that introduction: I'm the third of four family members to have attended Fordham.

My dad attended law school at Fordham Lincoln Center. Owing to this connection and his childhood in the Bronx, my brother, sister, and I grew up knowing of and visiting Fordham Rose Hill. Our grade school basketball teams frequented half-time shows during the team's season and the Keating image was a well-known one in our household.

The day of my brother's graduation.

When my brother first decided to attend, I thought "No way will I do that. Who wants to go to school with their sibling?" I was looking for a new independent niche and didn't think I could figure that out at a school my brother attended. Clearly, I caved to this ridiculous presumption. Two years later, following suit, my sister faced the same challenge and ultimately chose Rose Hill as well.

To most of you that probably sounds like a lot of family, and trust me it has been! But it has been one of the greatest blessings in my experience at Fordham. From day one, we've know the in's and out's of departments like Gabelli and the Law School as well as the awesome reunions Homecoming and Jubilee bring. We can give you directions to the Ram Van or to Arthur Ave with a specific recommendation for exactly the kind of Italian cuisine you're looking for.

My sister and I on her first day of orientation.

More than anything else though, my favorite part of having family at Fordham is how it has grown. What began as my parents, my brother, my sister, and I now includes our roommates and friends. Some of my friends are my sister's and likewise for me. When I was a freshman, it was my brother's crew who showed me the ropes and kept an eye out for me. Over the years, our family has expanded so that my college community does not just stay in the Bronx: it comes back home with me too. Wherever I am, I'm followed by the spirit of Fordham University and the love of relationships I've made and fostered there.

Even though my experience has certainly been unique, it's one of the many examples of how Fordham fosters family. Families aren't always the one you're born into, but they're the ones you carry with you throughout and following college. As a senior, it's one of the many things that I will miss the most. I am so incredibly lucky to have both built and maintained my family here. I recommend it to anyone who's looking to do the same.