They came to Buffalo - and stayed

Why Buffalo?

Students from across the country and around the world move to Buffalo to study at UB, and those native to the Queen City -her freak snowstorms, dreary weather and high sales tax - often wonder one thing: why?

But those experiencing Buffalo for the first time say the region isn't dying, and there is plenty to do to stay entertained and well fed.

Josh Dubs, a second-year law student, was first introduced to the potential of UB by his aunt and uncle who live in nearby Lancaster. He applied to 10 different law schools and toured three of them, but upon receiving his acceptance letter to UB, the choice, he said, was simple.

"UB Law is the highest ranked school that accepted me," Dubs said. "It is the best legal education that you can get for your money."

Dubs, who isn't crazy about the cold weather during the winter months, was surprised to find the people of Buffalo warm and welcoming.

"They were suspiciously nice for such a cold, less pleasant place," Dubs said.

He also enjoys the local Italian cuisine, especially Chef's Restaurant and My Tomato Pie, but is wary of indulging too much.

"I had to be careful, there is lots of artery-clogging food," Dubs said. "You could die with a smile on your face."

Buffalo not only makes a mean pizza, but as almost any Western New Yorker will boast, this where the chicken wing was born and perfected. Anthony Mesmar, a junior business administration and marketing major, considers the wings in Buffalo to be the best in the world - not only because of their spicy taste, but because of the reverence they are given.

"This is the only place where wings are a main meal and not just an appetizer," Mesmar said.

Mesmar, who left his home and family in the United Arab Emirates to attend UB, is also an avid Buffalo Sabres fan and appreciates living so close to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls.

Aside from the falls, there are several other places in Buffalo to enjoy the outdoors.

"Sometimes, when the weather is nice, I like to go to the Erie Marine Basin," said Jason Lee, a student in the law school. "It's so nice down there. There's a watchtower you can climb and get a bird's eye view of the city."

In addition to the outdoors, Lee appreciates the Buffalo's restaurant scene, especially Saigon Bangkok on Niagara Falls Boulevard and Caf?(c) Aroma on Elmwood Avenue as well as the city-wide Jim's Steakout

Murwa Farah, a junior political science major thousands of miles away from her small hometown of Fort Collins, CO, likes the college-town appeal Buffalo offers.

"I really love the campus. There is a lot more access to a variety of things," Farah said. "This is definitely a college town - there are a lot of places to go."

Among her favorite spots to grab a bite to eat are Just Pizza, Amy's Place and Yings Wings & Things.

Physics graduate student Justin Perron, who hails from Dundas, Ontario, Canada, enjoys traditional Buffalo-themed cuisine and activities, especially Duff's, Sunday afternoon Bills games and Thursdays at the Square during the summer. His favorite places to take part in the city nightlife are Mr. Goodbar on Elmwood Avenue and 67 West on the Chippewa Strip.

"Kevin McCarthy plays at Mr. Goodbar, playing any requests such as the Tragically Hip," Perron said. "67 West has the best music on earth - they play a lot of Journey."

Jay Sug, a senior accounting major from Seoul, South Korea, applied to UB as well as the University of Florida and Michigan State University, ultimately choosing UB for its low tuition and excellent reputation in his home country.

Sug also enjoys the nightlife of the city, and he recommends visiting "O," a non-college bar on Sheridan Dr. that offers a unique cultural mix.

"They have salsa music. You can dance, have a drink, or order Japanese food," Sug said.

Sug may not be a fan of the harsh winters, but the warm, languid summers are a well-earned reward for making it through the frigid months, he said.

"I like this place, especially during the summer. People here are laid back and relaxed," Sug said.

Michelle Salopek, a graduate student of social work, came to UB from State College, Penn. for the urban experience. She is a big fan of the professional sports in Buffalo, and the ease of getting tickets to events.

"There are more sports teams here," Salopek said. "We have the Steelers, but they are three hours away, and tickets are expensive."

Since living in Buffalo, Salopek has gained enthusiasm for all things related to Buffalo.

"Mighty Taco - once you have it, you will never go back to Taco Bell," Salopek said.

Kate Schmitter, a physics graduate student, never liked chicken wings before coming to Buffalo.

"Duff's restaurant changed my mind," Schmitter said. "I like that Buffalo is big enough to have a lot to offer, but it is not so big that I feel completely overwhelmed."