Smith College Top Questions

The social life is really what you make of it. If you want to party, you generally have to leave campus. Northampton has a few nice bars and great music venues, too (so it's not really drinking all the time!). On most nights, though, people are doing homework or at practice for a sport/extra curricular.

Our sports teams don't have a huge following. I think the a capella and music groups attract more supporters, actually. There are always parties here. If we don't like any of the ones on campus, though, we usually head over to UMass.

Most popular groups?: There are so many I can't tell what's more popular. I'm involved in Wind and Jazz Ensemble and Model UN. The groups are really fun and small which is nice to get to know everyone but still fairly competitive at conferences/concerts. Doors open?: when they're not studying/sleeping. How popular are events?: Everyone is interested in different events but overall I'd say everything is well attended. This isn't like high school where most people do nothing. People at Smith are interesting and when they want to go to something, they actually do. I think that's what surprised me most, because I know there aren't this many movers and shakers at bigger schools. Dating Scene?: Great if you like girls. Non-existant if you don't. Closest Friends?: From pre-orientation and in my house. Awake at 2am on a Tuesday?: Either randomly talking with my roommate or finishing a problem set in a frustrated rage. Traditions?: Convocation/Nudity Party, Tea, Quad Riot, Senior Banquet...there's a lot and they're all really weird and really fun. Sororities?: This school is like a big sorority. Last Weekend?: I was at a Model UN Conference, but my house had their Spring Weekend Dance. Saturday Night without drinking?: If you want to drink, alcohol and friends to go with it are totally available, but I have yet to drink here and I always have fun on the weekends. There are tons of school events and parties, speakers, activities, Northampton has lots of fun stuff to do, movies, or homework. Off Campus?: Some people go to 5-college parties or classes. There's also a couple malls, and tons of fun stuff in downtown Amherst as well as Northampton--including the Calvin where really famous people perform.

smith dems has hundreds of people in it. people leave their doors open and their bikes locked.

Various a cappella groups on campus are very popular, such as the Vibes, the Poofs, and Crapappella. They are often conscripted to sing at house events like Winter Weekend, and travel to other schools to perform. Many of the sports teams are a very close-knit community, especially crew and rugby. Each area of campus has its own personality, and each house as well. Some have stronger a sense of community than others. Much of this depends on the size and composition of the building as well; students in large houses or houses that are predominantly singles are likely to seek their friends elsewhere and return home largely for studying and sleep, but smaller houses with many roommates and those with their own dining halls often have a stronger sense of identity, and spend a lot of time together eating, watching tv, studying, or just hanging out in the living room. Different personalities will be at home in different types of houses- those who demand a "haven" in which they can relax or work without interruption may prefer Cutter and Ziskind houses or those on Green street. More artsy, cultural types may prefer Lower and Upper Elm, close to downtown Northampton. The Quad is most loved by gregarious students who don't mind being kept up late by a house party, of which the Quad houses traditionally throw the best. Many athletic students live in this area of campus as well because there is a small gym in one of the houses, and tea (normally on Friday afternoons) is moved to Sundays to accommodate practice schedules. Center Campus is close to academic buildings and perhaps more quiet than the Elm sections. If you want to jump out of bed and be at your class in three minutes, Center Campus is ideally placed, and it is also near the library and Campus Center where you can buy a slice of pizza or a salad to sustain a late-night study session after the dining halls are closed.

lots of orgs, parties pick up after a few weeks. essentially there is something for everyone; whether you are quiet or like a huge party.

Smith has over 200 clubs and activities to choose from. I am involved in the Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. One of the reasons I love Smith is that I can be in all three groups and still have time for my studies. There are also many lectures and speakers, and they are generally well attended. Theatre, dance, and music concerts happen regularly and are also well attended. Smith does not have a ton of spirit at its sporting events, however. The social scene is another story. Many people are not impressed with the party policy and go off campus to have fun. I usually hang out in my house with my friends, talking or watching movies. Many students are also frustrated with the dating scene, because there are not many guys at a women's college.

Eh. I like the house I live in. Outside of that though, I think you need to get off campus to do things.

Smith parties suck. They're not well attended, the music isn't good, and overall they're no fun. Most people have small parties with close friends. It's common for people not to drink, or not to drink much. The dating scene is obviously rough if you only date men, but pretty great for the rest of us!

Social life at Smith is great. There are movie showing every weekend, lots of lectures/symposium (all are very interesting!) There are some parties at Smith, but they aren't so crazy that they can be heard all over campus. Generally in my house, people leave their doors open or unlocked. There's a lot of trust involved, but it's great knowing that I don't have to be concerned. A lot of things in the area are available at discount for Smith students (such as free rides on the bus system!)