Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is situated in Troy, NY, a nineteenth century industrial center, rich in history and surrounded by areas of great natural beauty. The campus stands on a bluff overlooking downtown Troy and the Hudson River Valley. Troy is part of New York State's Capital District, a metropolitan area that also includes Schenectady and Albany, the state capital. Rensselaer was founded in 1824 for the study and application of science to everyday life, and it is now an internationally recognized center of science and engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. With an undergraduate enrollment of 4700 and a graduate enrollment of 2000, chiefly in science and engineering, the Institute is large enough to provide the facilities necessary for modern research, yet small enough to provide the personally satisfying environment of a smaller institution.

The Capital District, with a population of three-quarters of a million, is a center of business and industry. Joint programs with the Albany Medical Center, Albany Law School, and Russell Sage, Skidmore, and other Hudson Valley colleges and Williams College provide a number of educational opportunities.

A rich cultural life is available in the Capital District. Art galleries, libraries and museums, including those operated by state government, offer a variety of attractions. Musical organizations such as the Albany Symphony Orchestra and sponsoring groups such as the Troy Chromatics Concert and Chamber Music Series and the Civic Music Association present concerts on a regular basis in the acoustically superb Troy Music Hall. In addition, area colleges offer a wide variety of entertainment.

During the summer and fall, there are unique cultural events. Within easy traveling distance of Rensselaer are the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York City Ballet; Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Berkshire Music Festival; Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival; the Marlboro Music Festival; and the Lake George Opera.

As a break from their research and studies, many graduate students take part in outdoor activities and sports. Rensselaer's unique location places the interested individual only a short drive away from mountains, wilderness areas, white water, gentle rivers and peaceful lakes. A short distance to the north and west is the Adirondack Park Region with its wilderness areas, high peaks and its many lakes and streams. To the south and west is the Catskill Park and its mountains. Just to the east and southeast of Rensselaer are the Berkshire Mountains and a short distance to the north and east are the Green Mountains. Hiking, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, and world class cross country and alpine skiing or just a picnic in the countryside are only a few minutes away from the Rensselaer campus.