Amherst College Top Questions

I leave my door open every time that i am inside which is a nice way to socialize with other people. Sporting events are well attended by the students and are generally alot of fun, people care about the sports teams. I would say there are usually pretty big parties going on 2-4 nights a week, it really depends on how that particular week is.

Our colleges emphasizes community engagement because it feels that receiving opportunity means that we should give back to the community. This is really amazing because our students do not just study, but do things such as make blankets for the poor and raise money for battered women's shelters. However, I have to say that our college is in the heart of the suburbs. Boston is an hour away. Hence, if you're from the city, you'll find that the people here are friendly and warm but there aren't many shops and as many street lights as more urban places. Usually, there isn't that much to do off-campus. So my friends and I hang out in our dorms, talk, and eat good food from the restaurants in town.

Most of the men's teams are the more popular ones, especially men's basketball and soccer. I'm on the women's soccer team, and it has been a great experience. Having 20 people that you know right off the bat really helps with adjusting to college and it is nice to have a safety net of friends as well. Some students leave their rooms unlocked, others don't. Stuff honestly won't get taken, but some people just wish to have some additional security. Athletic events are very popular, and support, especially during the NESCAC tournament and NCAA's is really good, no matter the sport. The attendance for guest speakers depends on the topic and the date. I met my closest friends through a variety of ways: two live on my floor, one plays soccer with me, and the other two i met through the girl i play soccer with. There is stuff going on from Wednesday night to Sunday night, if you want to. The biggest night is Saturday, because that is when most athletes can party outside of the 48 hour rule.

I met my closest friends because they lived on my floor in my freshman dorm. We became an incredibly close knit group - we even made shirts for our group. On a 2am on Tuesday if I'm awake I'm doing reading or writing an essay. But during freshman year, there was a good chance that I was engaged in an argument over some intellectual question in our common room. People party every weekend - there is a lot more partying than I expected here although it's possible not to party. Last weekend, I went to a party on Friday night where a student band was playing. I danced for a while, didn't drink and then headed home through softly falling snow - quite nice, indeed. On Saturday night, I watched a movie and hung out with my friends.

there's a lot of drinking, and a fair amount of drug use on campus, but i think that's true of most schools. in the time that i've been there, construction on campus has been kind of disruptive, and it will continue to be so for another few years at least.

My favorite aspect of extra-curriculars is that they are not all-consuming. You can be a multi-sport athlete, which is unusual for a school with such a strong athletic program, or you can be involved in sports and other activities.

People generally stay on campus during the weekends unless you want to hop onto one of the other five college campuses. It's nice to be in a small school but have a huge population of college kids just next door (the bus ride is free, too.) Everything's open here - people who have never ridden a horse become stars on the equestrian team. Try out for a play or an improv group (Gads!) if you've never done theater before. It's a small school, so everyone needs people for their groups and you'd be surprised how good you might be. Bored? Go into town and walk around on the commons, go down to the bird sanctuary and stargaze with someone else. Just look for a light on in a window, find the room, knock, and bring them along with you. Amherst has made me a lot more open to different things. People come in here wide-eyed and scared, but they need to jump into things the minute they get here. Don't worry about pre-med or pre-law taking up your time; have fun while you're at it. Go to KBToys down the road and buy a laser tag set. Go to the roller rink down the street, just don't stay in your room.

Amherst is one of the Five Colleges -- where you can take classes at the other schools, etc. This aspect of the school is more hype than reality, but there is definitely interaction between various campus groups (LGBT, Political/Activism) Campus groups often sponsor various events: from lectures to panels to parties. There is always something going on. There are no official frats, but there are a few off-campus ones. The social scene has become pretty dominated by alcohol at times, but there are always other options. The campus is small, so you are always running into people you know at parties, in the cafeteria, or the campus center.

A multitude of clubs exist on campus that fit a variety of interests. Some of the most popular include Educate!, an African education initiative started by Amherst students, the various affinity groups, athletic teams, singing groups, and student government. It is no surprise that Amherst is known as "The Singing College." There's an acapella group for almost every musical taste in addition to formal choral groups. I have enjoyed my tenure in the all-male Glee Club. After freshman year most people keep their doors unlocked since the dorms themselves require keycard access. There is certainly a sense of community in some of the more social dorms, while others are basically apartment buildings. In these dorms most nights are rather quiet. In the more social dorms, Wednesday through Sunday can expect one or more room groups to be throwing a party. One of the coolest things about Amherst is that one rarely has to pay money to party on campus. I have never heard of paying $5 or anything. Certain teams and groups of friends usually host. The older classes generally treat for the younger classes. I think this has been going on for a long time. Fraternities are off-campus, but still have some of the school's most reputable members a part of them.

Partying can happen any day of the week here, but the style and atmosphere is what makes the difference. Different types of people party differently based on interests. Some parties have live bands for kids who like that type of concert feel when they go out. Other parties seem more like bars with music in the background as kids hang out or play drinking games. The club atmosphere is also available with hip-hop/rap and people looking to dance all night. Much like any city, they type of party/place you go to just depends on your perception of what a "good" night out is.