Amherst: The Big Picture
When I tell people I go to Amherst they are either extremely impressed or have no idea what I'm talking about. I tend to spend most of my time studying. There is always homework to be done. I wish I had more time to enjoy all the great speakers that come to the school but there always seems to be something to do that night. As much as people might complain about this school, though, I get the feeling they wouldn't want to be anywhere else; much like people complain about their nagging parents, but at the end of the day they love them to death.
Amherst Academic Life
Because Amherst is so small there is no reason to not know your teachers and for your teachers to not know you. Amherst even has a fund where students can take their teachers out to dinner. Classes are so small that participation is necessary for all the students. Students are hard working but never competitive. I love the open curriculum because I can take the classes that I want--the problem is, there are so many interesting classes that I never know how I'm going to pick just four a semester!
Amherst's Student Body
Amherst students are from all over the country--and world. There are lots of students from New York, California, and Boston area however, and they show their pride. Particularly when it comes to sports. Amherst does a great job bringing in diversity but once all these diverse students get here unfortunately often they hang out with like people.
Amherst Student Activities + Social Life
Most common groups are social and supportive groups like Black Student Union or the Asian Students Association. Most people leave their dorm rooms open, it's a pretty trusting environment. My closest friends are from my first year orientation trip or from my dorm first year. Most people work (very very) hard and play hard. People usually go out Thursday-Sunday but the heaviest night is Saturday. Although there are some couples and dating is entirely possible, Amherst has more of a hook up culture. This can become quite old quickly due to the size of the school.
