When I arrived at Binghamton University, I thought I knew what to expect. Coming from Westchester County, I figured the student body would reflect the familiar rhythms of the suburban tri-state area—quiet affluence, good schools, and a slight air of competitive ambition.
But as I settled in, it quickly became clear that Binghamton had an unspoken majority: Long Islanders. And while Westchester and Long Island might only be separated by a couple of highways and bridges, the cultural gap felt much wider.
Long Island, Long Shadows
It didn’t take long to realize that Long Islanders ran the show at Binghamton. Whether it was dorm life, Greek life, or house parties, Long Island students brought with them an energy that shaped the social fabric of the university.
There was a directness, confidence, and intensity that stood out—louder voices, bigger personalities, and a social hierarchy that often mirrored the high schools they came from. Towns like Massapequa, Oceanside, and Commack seemed to be everywhere. They talked about summers in the Hamptons, working at their parents’ businesses, and who they knew from their local beach clubs.
Westchester vs. Long Island: The Differences I Saw
Coming from Westchester, I felt like I had been dropped into a different world. Westchester kids had their own privileges, but there was something quieter, more understated about it. Long Island students, by contrast, owned their space unapologetically.
Here are a few differences that stood out to me:
Social Energy and Confidence
Westchester kids often leaned into politeness, networking, and understated ambition. There was a quiet confidence that came from knowing you were part of the commuter belt into Manhattan, a county known for its prestigious schools and suburban comfort. Long Islanders, on the other hand, were loud, proud, and not afraid to let you know exactly where they were from.
At Binghamton, this meant Long Islanders weren’t shy about dominating conversations, leading clubs, or taking control of social spaces. The phrase “Strong Island” wasn’t just a joke—it was a mantra.
Fashion and Aesthetics
Westchester style leaned toward the preppy and minimalist—clean-cut outfits that didn’t draw much attention. Long Islanders brought a flashier aesthetic. The girls wore oversized hoop earrings, tight dresses, and perfect blowouts on the weekends. The guys leaned into designer logos, gold chains, and meticulously styled hair.
Greek Life and Social Dominance
Greek life at Binghamton felt like an extension of Long Island high schools. Fraternities and sororities were filled with Long Island students who already knew each other from back home. It wasn’t just about getting in—it was about reinforcing the social ties they had spent years building.
Westchester students often found themselves on the fringes of this scene, either blending in quietly or choosing to opt out entirely. For many of us, socializing meant smaller, more laid-back gatherings rather than the hyper-social energy Long Island students seemed to thrive on.
Attitude Toward Home
Westchester students generally saw home as a stepping stone to the city—a place you left for better opportunities in Manhattan. Long Island students, however, had a fierce loyalty to their towns. They loved Long Island in a way that felt deeply personal, often talking about moving back after college, working in family businesses, or staying close to their communities.
Sports and Rivalries
Long Islanders brought their local rivalries to campus. Discussions about high school lacrosse, football, or wrestling were common, with many still holding grudges from high school playoff games. Meanwhile, Westchester students seemed more detached from their athletic pasts, viewing it as a memory rather than an identity.
The Culture Clash
This wasn’t just about personality differences—it felt like two parallel worlds coexisting under the same roof. There was mutual respect, but also misunderstanding. Westchester students often saw Long Islanders as over-the-top or flashy, while Long Islanders viewed Westchester kids as stiff or trying too hard to blend in.
At times, the clash played out in subtle ways—like who controlled the aux cord at parties or how we approached group projects. But more often, it felt like different interpretations of success and belonging.
Finding Common Ground
Over time, I began to appreciate the boldness that Long Islanders brought to Binghamton. They challenged me to be more outspoken, to assert myself in ways I wasn’t used to. And in turn, I found that some Long Islanders appreciated the quieter, more introspective nature of Westchester students.
In a way, the mix of personalities created a balanced ecosystem. The confidence and flash of Long Island were tempered by the measured energy of Westchester and other parts of New York.
Conclusion
Binghamton was a melting pot, but Long Islanders were the dominant flavor in the recipe. As someone from Westchester, that difference felt stark at first. But looking back, it was a learning experience—one that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and exposed me to a different way of navigating the world.
Long Island and Westchester might never fully understand each other, but that’s part of what makes New York’s suburban sprawl so fascinating. And at the end of the day, whether you’re from Northport or New Rochelle, we all found our place at Binghamton—eventually.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
