Smith: The Big Picture
Smith is a very open and welcoming environment. You will meet people from all over the world and people who are incredibly different from anyone you've ever met. It's a good size where you make close friends and see them in passing, but not so small that you know everyone and feel like you're back in high school. Northampton is a great place to go to college with lots of artsy stores and good restaurants. It has good bars too for when you're over 21.
Smith Academic Life
Smith has mostly small classes where the professors learn everyone's names and participation is strongly encouraged or required. The classes are tough and involve a lot of work outside of the classroom, but they are also very good and you will learn a lot. First year seminars are very unique, including one that I took called Lions: Science and Science Fiction. I'm a biochemistry major, so I've mixed and matched with lots of sciences and really like the science departments here.
Smith's Student Body
Smith has a semi-diverse campus. There are people from all over the world and all different races, religions, sexualities, and socio-economic classes, but the majority is still white middle/upper class. It is kind of cliquey between races and other groups, but all groups still intermingle. I have close friends who can fit into almost every group on campus. Most students here are very liberal and I think it is a difficult environment for conservative students because the campus is very politically aware and active.
Smith Student Activities + Social Life
Smith has an organization for everyone and if you can't find the perfect one for you, then you can make it. The houses are like organizations in themselves, with traditions, events, and community. Most people in my house leave their doors open for visitors and don't even lock their doors when they leave because it is a very safe and trusting environment. I made all of my closest friends in my house. There are also lots of parties on and off campus on weekends, especially in the 5-college area. People often go to Amherst or Umass parties to meet guys and the guys come to our parties to meet us. If you want to drink, there are bars, the pub on campus, and parties with free beer. If you don't want to drink, there are many other activities every weekend as well and those listed with alcohol are fun even if you don't drink.
Smith Naked Truth
This is for Talbot House!!!
