Haverford College Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

Jane

My classmates are a group of primarily white, upper middle and upper class kids mostly from the northeastern United States; many of them are Quakers, many of them are hardworking, many of them are kind of uptight, and a good few try not to take themselves/their work too seriously.

Jessie

Meg is a junior Psychology major at Haverford College.

Lauren

I don't like to make generalizations but I'm going to do it to describe, if possible, if we averaged all Haverford students into one person. This one person would be slightly more female than male and be mostly white, but one third of color. The amalgam student would probably be moderately liberal in terms of political views. Haverperson would be confused about religion, but most of the time would be atheist or agnostic but with serious respect for the Quakers. Haverperson would wear jeans and a t-shirt to class and only really dress up on the weekend. For this reason, you're going to have a hard time telling Haverperson's socio-economic class. He/She would be involved in two or three clubs and probably still get emails from a club that he or she signed up for but has no time to attend. He or she would probably chose to party every other weekend, but the Haverperson knows that he or she will be respected if he or she choses to drink or not to drink, as long as he or she doesn't go overboard. I hope that this is understandable and helpful!

Stephanie

very liberal college. Lots of clubs and activites dealing with racial and sexual diversity. Wide range of social classes as well, though a majority are pretty well off. Financial aid isn't super great, but that's about to change, and with that change the makeup of the student body will as well (i expect). most students are politically aware. students are very casual - no one really dresses up. very down to earth. people go to dinner in their pajamas. no one is really pretentious or preepy. there's a joke that haverford's student body isn't very attractive so anyone who is considered cute at haverford is average int he real world, anyone hot is above average in the real world and anyone ugly must be actually repulsive. there is NO dating scene at haverford - everyone laments this fact.

Anna

Haverford is generally really open-minded and accepting. However, in terms of truly being open, that's another story. As a member of the LGBT community at Haverford, I never faced any blatant homophobia. However, there seemed to be a lack of complete support. People were tolerant of my sexual orientation, but didn't go out of their way to fully support me. I did find my own communities of support-- SAGA (sexuality and gender alliance) meetings, COQw (community of queer women), the women's frisbee team, and my own circle of friends (made up of queer and straight friends alike.) So, people can find support- they just have to look for it. SAGA hosts several events throughout the year, and helps make Haverford more aware of issues in the LGBT community, but I do wish people went out of their way to be more supportive of the LGBT issues and community. In terms of race and class issues, as I mentioned above, there is a lot of underground tension. People are not blatantly racist, but instead people tend to avoid talking about issues related to race or class. I helped found a group called The Alliance, that provides a safe space for people to talk about issues surrounding diversity, and there are several other groups on campus that discuss issues around race. However, outside of these private meeting spaces, race discussion hardly occurs (except if a big incident occurs), and if it does occur, it's hardly ever between groups of people of differing racial backgrounds. Class as an issue, is a huge problem on campus. Haverford is a mostly upper-middle-class school with students mostly from NJ/NY/CT, with a lot of people from privileged backgrounds, but because (as with other issues) Haverford students don't like making people feel uncomfortable, they avoid talking about class. As a result, tensions surrounding class issues lie under the surface at Haverford, with not many discussions surrounding class occurring. However, I found that in the more socially-active communities on campus, people recognized the importance for dialogue and were more willing to engage in discussions surrounding these more controversial issues. I found this on the frisbee team, as well as with the women with whom I did Women In Action (a women's support and activist group on campus), and among a lot of the people involved in the other activist groups on campus. So, it's just a matter, once again, of finding awareness and support for talking about these issues. In general, while Haverfordians can be uncomfortable talking about controversial issues, they seem to care about the world as a whole, and want to do their part to make it better. People often end up doing non-profit work when they graduate, and don't seem to care about making a lot of money. Every summer, numerous people travel to countries around the world to participate in non-profit service, too. People at Haverford care about being socially responsible not only at Haverford, but beyond Haverford, too. While we joke at Haverford about being stuck in the "Haverbubble" and being separate from the wide world-- in this safe, tiny bubble of intellectual, nice people-- people do seem to care about politics, and being accepting. People tend to be liberal as a whole. As a liberal on campus, I felt really comfortable being liberal, but I've heard that conservatives feel a lot less comfortable being conservative on campus. We joke that it's easier to come out as gay than as republican. I knew a few republicans, so they do exist in the open!-- but the "out" republicans were few in number. The others must have kept it more quiet. It also definitely depends on the social circle, as I was not friends with a lot of varsity athletes, but knew of more conservatives on some of the varsity teams, than the communities of which I was a part. I should also acknowledge, however, that though I wasn't friends with a ton of varsity athletes, I did have a few friends on some varsity teams. There was constant debate the whole time I was at Haverford about the significance of the divide between the artists and athletes. I think there is a general divide between the communities, (and I'm completely generalizing here) not only in terms of the interests, but in the style (the artists tended to dress in a more hipster fashion, the athletes tended to be preppier), and in general socializing style (the artists tended to go to concerts, while the athletes tended to host larger frat-style parties). However, it is possible to have friends in different communities, and just because someone is an artist or an athlete (obviously) doesn't mean that they person falls into these stereotypes.

Tori

Good people. Solidly in class, out, and on the weekends, GOOD PEOPLE.

Andrew

What kind of student would feel out of place at Haverford? That's a good question to ask, and it's actually one of the most hotly debated issues at Haverford. I think the most alienated group at Haverford is the political conservatives. As people, they fit in just fine. I'm pretty good friends with three and a fourth is definitely a "Havercelebrity" (...Haverford has its own vocabulary). But in political debates they are usually shot down and they're dissatisfied with that. Hopefully that will change in the future.

Jeff

Most of the students are white, but I also think most of them are welcoming of differences. There is a lot of homogeneity in the school: mostly white, middle class, from the east (New Jersey, Maryland/DC). As someone who fits into these categories, I'm probably not a great judge, but I think most people are accepting of everybody else, although devout Christians and Republicans are most likely to attract disparaging remarks (even, I hear, from some professors).

Laura

Haverford students are definitely left-leaning, intelligent, athletic and laid-back. The school is more athletic than I thought it would be but in the typical Haverford way everyone is interested in taking care of themselves and living a balanced lifestyle. People tend to come from a large range of socio-economic backgrounds, although the dominant culture seems to be fairly wealthy. There are lots of affinity groups that receive support from students on campus.

Charlie

The student body is very open and accepting of different people. Quirky, geeky, and normal nice people are all appreciated.

Alex

Too many jocks. Not enough pretty people.

Royce

Most people are interesting, there is not very diverse student body, most people are from the east coast around Philadelphia, students like to volunteer, people dress very laid back in athletic clothes are whatever they found at the top of their laundry pile, people aren't very politically active but are active in issues about awareness and the enviroment.

Alex

Haverford is suprisingly diverse. Like most private institutions, it has ground to cover yet, but it is trying very hard. There is a significant LGBTQ population, mostly gay men because the gay women tend to go to Bryn Mawr (all girl school). Almost one-third of the student population consists of students of color. I would say that most students are wealthy, but Haverford has a need-blind admission policy and a surprising number of students are on financial aid. Haverford is very definitely a liberal school and a Republican is likely to feel very uncomfortable. People mix pretty freely.

Monica

Haverford's student body includes people from every walk of life. For such a small college there are a lot of international students. No matter your interests you will be able to find other people who are into the same things as you are.

Jen

Conservative views are generally not welcome at Haverford, though most students are willing to engage in genuine exchanges of views and hear people out. Like other small prestigious liberal arts schools, Haverford is not very diverse! This is simply the nature of higher education and hard to avoid. Most students are white and privileged and had good high school educations. Among these kinds of schools though I would say that Haverford is generally less pretentious. Most students dress casually. Different types of students interact most during Customs Week in which people living together freshman year do a lot of bonding activites.

Mark

Haverford is a diverse community that as any good community must struggles to understand all of its members and build through "trust, concern, and respect" (a catch phrase of the Honor Code) a place where all may thrive. That being said, things happen because the commuity os made of humans and quite a diverse group. Regular open discussion ranging from class, race, gender, sexuality, academics-literature philosophy, science, art and to some degree politics (though to be completely honest this is something that has been lacking for some time but is getting a big boost from the Presidential elections). It is more liberal as it is a college, but maybe not as liberal as many think.In addition, there is certainly a conservative presence that mostly tries to balance things. Students try to all blend into the middle class mold, and mostly wear t-shirts and jeans to class, with some exceptions. The over whelming middle class idea though gets shattered since the economic diversity is one of the biggest differences and maybe biggest issues facing the college. This issue is the least talked about and most avoid, with every assuming things for the most part are equal for people here. However, this is true of higher education and the country as a whole. Haverford has a big price tage and does a decent job of giving out aid, it actually is getting even better at this, but when you are here it is easy to tell for many students where students come from and from what type of socio-economic background due to thing sliek clothes but also who has to work and who needs extra help because maybe they weren't as prepared in high school. This idea of educational differences though is something few people want to actually recognize. The school, however, does provide for students to go help inner city students a mentors and tutors. Community service is pretty big here, though the types and amount varies greatly from student to student.

Charlie

Half weird, half normal.

Mandy

Most kids here come from either Philly, New York, DC, or Jersey. There are a lot of kids from other places though, it just seems that kids are predominantly from that area. Other than that, it seems like students here have really diverse upbringings and backgrounds--financially, racially, even in life experiences. Students here whatever they want to wear, there really is no norm. It's generally whatever that student feels like wearing. It really is a pretty easy-going atmosphere and a really accepting community. Kids here are really politically active, usually coming from the left.

Cameron

All of my friends believe that they'll find a way to make some money some day without having to sell their souls. We would rather not think about ever having to choose between money and happiness (it's a distinction we make), so we mostly just think about happiness. My friends are from Gettysburg, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Ohio, Maine, Lebanon, Romania... It's a cliche, but I have learned a lot from the life experiences of my friends. Haverford <3s Michelle Obama. What a hottie.

Megan

There are many religious groups here, and a fair amount of socioeconomic diversity, as well as ethnic diversity, although people still tend to form groups of friends, often based on racial divides. Students wear whatever they want to class, although the tendency is more to dress down than to dress up, although some people, like myself, enjoy being inventive about dressing each day, other people come in their pajamas or throw on whatever is comfortable and nearby (this is certainty facilitated by the fact that all the classrooms are close to the dorms, the apartments are farthest away and it can take 10-15 minutes, but most dorms are within five minutes of the classrooms. So many people role out of bed 10 minutes before their first class. It is the most difficult to be on the campus if you are a conservative, especially with an accent, but all types of politics and people are present here, although the republican/conservative types are a minority. In general the population tries to be very open, aware, and very PC, although I do not always appreciate this, since I just want some people to say what they really think instead of being worried that they will be offensive. There are slightly more females here than males, and Bryn Mawr (all girl) is nearby, so woot if you are a bisexual female. There is a fairly extensive athlete/average college student population here, but the student population tends to be rather artistic and and "alternative"- I felt much more natural at the Harry Potter costume christmas party, than the typical lacrosse team hosted one, with pop music, crowd dancing, and lots of girls in makeup. I particularly enjoy the monthly student run pen mic night, and I think that it exemplifies the artistic and alternativeness of the student body.

Davo

NO COMMENT.

Alison

The Haverford student body is incredibly diverse. The word diverse is thrown around a lot nowadays, but in this case I am speaking most specifically about the vast differences in experiences, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses and personalities of the student body. I would say that everyone I have met here is friendly and smart, but that is where general similarities end. Everyone here has something very unique about them, and everyone brings new ideas and experiences to the table. Although Haverford is a very expensive school, there are a lot of kids on scholarship so it doesn't have the snobby feel that other schools have. Students are generally "down to earth" and very accepting and understanding, coming from all backgrounds economically, geographically, politically, sexually...I would say that the feel of the campus is liberal but mostly due to the mutual respect between all members of the diverse community.

Patrice

No student would feel out of place. The community is very accepting. Different types of students interact but there are alot of students who are antisocial. Predominantly left.

Annie

First and foremost, you should know that Haverford is definitely a liberal campus--in every sense of the word. I'd say that conservatives generally feel a little like their sentiments about politics get brushed under the rug, if not thrown into the firepit. That isn't to say that stimulating political discussions don't thrive on campus, however. Haverford students often care a lot (or say they care a lot) about changing the world, and therefore go into nonprofits after graduating, at least at the beginning. Nobody really ever talks about how rich they are (or aren't), though it's true that the majority of the campus is from intellectual (and therefore middle-upper-middle class) backgrounds, but there isn't really any socioeconomic status element to social life here at Haverford. The campus is predominately white, but I guess that it's like that at most liberal arts colleges. Haverford could do with more racial diversity, however. There doesn't seem to be a big racial divide as far as I can tell, but it would be great to have more visual diversity nonetheless. Students, if they are religious, are usually not overt about it--or at least are aware of the fact that there are many non-religious people on campus. I don't think that students feel persecuted for being religious, although as a very loosely religious person myself, I can't speak for them. Students are, for the most part, pretty athletic and active. The most visible evidence of this is the men's track team, which takes up an entire table of the dining center. There aren't any frats or sororities, so one might say that the "frat scene" role is taken up by the athletic teams, however not nearly to the same scale--and it is often the athletes who are stigmatized, not the ones who are doing the stigmatizing. I'd say that the Haverford student body is friendly, and not very clique-oriented, for the most part. Everyone is genuinely nice and very few people want to start up arguments with others. Haverfordians prefer intellectual debates to social status battles.

Jess

Usually very lovable. Conservatives and republicans will feel very out of place at Haverford. Tends to be very aware of social justice, out to make a difference in the world. Haverford grads don't make much money because too many go on to work in NGOs or do pro bono work, etc. Often white middle upper class, although diversity both national and international is competitive with other colleges of Haverford's tier.

Sally

there is a lack of diversity right now i feel, that they are trying to work on everyone is laid back and people wear whatever they like. everything from sweatpants to tights and skirts. there is really no cliques except maybe some sports teams, but even everyone knows others faces and there is no disdain between people or groups. they dont really exist. people interact pretty well, although there are some custom groups who stick together, but people are always open to meet people and are bound to, with small classes. very left-leaning, be aware, republicans! there are a good amount who dont care about politics, but most have some thought on it.

Torry

The campus is decently diverse, but the vast majority is middle-class white people. In my opinion, that doesn't stop interactions with other cultures and I have plenty of "ethnic" friends. I don't really consider them as different until they start talking about their home country or something. Anyone would be welcomed on campus and there are plenty of strange students who fit right in. Most of the campus is pretty liberal, though there are a few Republicans who tend to make themselves heard. There are no fraternities or sororities, but several of the sports teams seem to take over that role. A large percentage of the campus is somehow involved in varsity athletics and almost everyone else at least does something active.

Walker

There's been a recent effort to attempt to increase diversity awareness on campus. Each group of Freshman has an upperclassman who tells them about multicultural events on campus and helps them deal with problems relating to multiculturalism. People here are pretty casual - t-shirts, polos, and sweatshirts are the norm. Rarely do people get too dressed up for anything. Most Haverford students come from Middle-Class backgrounds, although our geographical diversity is noticeable. A small faction of students are politically active, but nearly all students are politically aware. The campus is very left-wing. Students don't talk about money unless it's a joke about how they'll get their philosophy degree then spend the rest of their life without a job, living in a cardboard box.

Molly

Haverford has only one dining center, and so in it one can find a slice of the student body. Often, teams will sit together after practice, but groups tend to interact. People are dressed in anything from pajamas to skirts or dresses. Everyone is comfortable in their own skin, there is no need to put on a front. Everyone is genuine and nerdy.

Louis

Class is very informal, lots of pajamas etc. There's the "phantom 500" that's rumored to only study in their rooms and go to class, so they're never seen around campus. Otherwise, people are very, very nice. People are very approachable, even complete strangers. That was one of the more surprising things about the school - everyone is so nice. Most kids are from the east coast, but there are a surprising number of west coasters too.

Harper

The student body is varied and outspoken about many different issues. However, there are certain unifying trends. For instance, the population is overwhelmingly liberal. Conservative members of the community are practically frowned upon and socially outcast. Most students wear comfortable, semi-nice clothing on a daily basis. Maybe one day out of the week the girls will wear a dress and some nice shoes and the guys will wear a nice button down and some slacks, just because they feel like it. Ultimately, I think people wear what makes them feel good and what fits their personality, of which there are many types on our campus. Different types of students interact (for the most part- I'm excluding the sports teams. They keep largely to themselves and their groups of significant others, who almost always come from other sports teams anyway).

Andy

Haverford students are all very diverse and come from many backgrounds. One of the main issues with diversity is definitely political diversity since almost all students are democrats. A nice thing about Haverford is that all students interact. There are always the athletes who tend to form groups but most athletes have other friends as well. Students at Haverford are definitely not worried about getting jobs in which they will earn a lot of money, but rather getting jobs that will make them happy.

Carson

Students here are liberal. Quite frankly, if I were republican, I'd be terrified to come out of the closet about it here. Despite the remarkable level of tolerance for racial, religious, sexual, and economic differences, there is very little respect for the conservative point of view.

Jo

I personally come from a stable household that used to be poor. Both my parents are immigrants to the US and we went from living in an apartment in the bad part of the city to owning our own home in an all right part of the city in my lifetime. There are kids here who pay the whole tuition without breaking the bank and others who get the whole thing paid for because they can't afford to give out a dime. I'm in the middle and hang out with both sides. The way i see it is its all in the company you keep, if your big on the whole race thing then have a bunch of friends that are your race and you'll feel fine.

Janna

Students are extremely chilled out. We know how to work, and we know when it is absolutely necessary to STOP working and play some ultimate frisbee. Arbitrary social boundaries (high-school style) are looser, but not absent; however, they are less based on physical appearance and personal style, and more on personality. Smart kids, nice kids-- we could use more alternative personalities though. It gets a bit country club from time to time.

Blake

Boring. Disjointed. Awkward. There are a small percentage of very interesting people who got duped into coming to Haverford. They stick together and struggle to have a normal college experience, living with one another and venturing into Philadelphia whenever possible. It isn't easy.

Kendra

Most students wear Haverford clothes, like things that say Haverford in some form. Dining Tables: Boy Track Team Girl and Boy Ultimate Frisbee Team Custom Groups Random People that met somehow A lot of sport teams eat together because they finish practice and just eat together.

Jamie

There are groups on campus to represent everyone. We have students of color, women of color, a sexuality and gender alliance, jewish groups, christian groups, latino/a groups, and groups that are not affiliated with any of these categories. Haverford goes out of it's way to make everyone feel comfortable. Students here express themselves freely. I don't see many people wear pajamas to class (I think out of respect for the professor), but students wear everything from sweatpants to jeans and sneakers to dresses and high heels. Most Haverford students are from the Northeast and we don't really know what financial backgrounds are most prevalent. That is something else that is just not spoken about. Students here love their politics, especially with the primary and the upcoming election. People here are very liberal and conservatism is not really well represented here at all.

Liz

Haverford is very welcoming of LGBT and other minority groups on campus. There are a lot of organizations and also outreach/awareness events for such groups. As for socio-economic position, most people at Haverford are very privileged to come from the backgrounds that they are. That said, Haverford is not a place where people are at all showey with their money and I've never felt uncomfortable as a person who is here on financial aid. I looked at other schools where everyone wore the trendiest clothes and had the new Louis Vuitton bag, but that's just not what Haverford is like. The general disposition here is a relaxed one, so even though lots of people have plenty of money, it's not a segregating factor at all. I would also say that a lot of different types of students interact; it's too small a school not to.

Emma

The student body has ongoing conversations about anything from diversity on the campus to what was on last night’s menu. I believe that we have a fairly diverse campus, as far as race, religion, LGBT, socio-economic, etc. are concerned because of how small we are. I’m in contact with people outside of my own “categories” all the time. Funny question – most students wear whatever is comfortable, although some tend to wear high heels and mini-skirts, which I don’t understand. Half the time I wear sweatpants and sweatshirts, half the time I wear “normal” clothes. If there were four tables of students in the dining hall, this is what it would look like: one table would be the track/cross-country men, one table would be the rest of the athletes (all races, religions, etc.), another table would be the very shy/awkward nerds, and another table would be the rest of the cool people that aren’t at the sports table (including all the Puerto Ricans). We have lots of people from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, lots from Asia and India, and some people from Africa. We have students from all financial backgrounds because we have need-based financial aid. We are politically aware and active (in fact, today Hilary Clinton came to campaign here at Haverford, and two days ago Michelle Obama was here doing the same thing!). Not many students talk about how much they’ll earn one day, but we all know it’s important, unfortunately.

Sarah

I expected a less homogeneous bunch than I actually found, but there are a fair number of quirky types, preppy types, grungy types, etc. If you're smart and eclectic and think differently and want to make a difference in the world, you would belong here. Most students are actually quite wealthy but it's not intimidating because no one is pretentious - I come from a poorer background and was worried that I would feel out of place, but I don't. Mostly everyone interacts with one another - the issue is more so that people find groups of friends and settle in with them and just forget to try and interact with everyone else, but most people are delighted to sort of "wake up" from that and meet new people, and most people will welcome you into the fold. Everyone's pretty liberal but no one forces their viewpoints on anyone else - I'm more conservative and even though my vegan, Denis-Kucinich-voting friends don't understand it, they don't prosteltyze (sp?)

Daniel

Haverford is trying really hard to become diverse. It is a major focus of the campus and we are achiving it more or less. Four Tables: one has just students eating alone or eating and studying, preferring to not to be bothered. One is composed of sports teams, and the other two are a mix of different friend-groups. Students are generally politically aware but not horribly active. There is a small group who is extremely politically active. The campus is predominatly left, though there are individuals who are in the center and if you look really long and hard, you will see some of us who are conservative.

Jeffrey

Student body is very open and accepting, unless you are a proponent of conservative ideals. Cigar clubs, business clubs, republicans and the like may find themselves suppressed here. Communication is encouraged under the honor code and students are very willing to confront each other when faced with problems. Many students come from the east coast and California. Students all eat together in one dining center. By senior year you will recognize many faces.

Emily

The student body is really diverse, in my opinion. There's a place for everybody. Different types of students definitely interact! I would consider myself slightly off-beat and quirky, and some of my closest friends are typical jocks, nerds, alternative kids, intellectuals, partiers, etc. "There are four tables of students in the dining hall..." pshh, what kind of question is that?! People eat with their friends, and there aren't set "groups" of friends. Students hang out with whoever they want to hang out with. Politically, this campus is almost entirely left. No surprise there.

Ricky

I find that when it comes to diversity, Haverford claims to be diverse but this isn't the case. A good friend of mine is the only latino male in our graduating class. Haverford claims to foster diversity and pursue social justice however this is just an idealized slogan. When it comes to tackling difficult issues concerning race and class Haverford students, staff and administrators for the most part shut down. Last year, a group of mostly black female students decided to bring up issues of race on campus to the greater community. They sponsored school-wide forums and discussions however the community proved to be apathetic. When it comes to seriously tackling the issues, people refuse to come out of their shells. It seems people are incapable of saying what they mean and meaning what they say.

David

Being poor or, in some cases, black or hispanic would make some students feel out of place at Haverford. Most students either dress up, in polos and fancy, plaid shorts, or dress down, sweats. Most people can interact with any social group but there are definite boundaries and it takes special people to break them. Most Haverford students are rich and liberal. A lot of students come from the NJ/NY area.

Ben

I am a Christian, and I am some experience with Christian Fellowships. My fellowship, is not very organized and on the liberal side. It would not fit under the typical term Evangelical because it is too liberal.

Stella

Haverford students are a neurotic bunch, but easy going and unpretentious. Again, after going to classes at Upenn, I have a new appreciation for the lack of ostentation on Haverford's campus. If anything, we have swung in the other direction: if would be almost unspeakably taboo for someone to brag about how much money they have or how much they hope to earn. There are relatively few outright assholes, though there are some.

Hannah

I realize this isn't very helpful, but everyone here is pretty "normal." There's a huge mix of people, personalities, backgrounds, orientations, and interests, and I think it's safe to say that everyone fits in. It's really hard to label us. There's not really a "type" that wouldn't fit in here, although if you are close-minded, super-conservative, or lazy and unwilling to bring it all in the classroom, Haverford may not be the place for you. People are pretty laid back. Everyone wears their Haverford clothes all the time- because everyone has an account at the bookstore that's part of tuition, you can buy sweatshirts, pants, t shirts, etc. without having to spend "real money." Even on weekends dress is pretty casual. If you want to go to formals or wear heels all the time, Haverford's social scene isn't for you. Haverfordians are pretty open when it comes to talking about tough issues like class, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender. The Customs Program includes intensive discussions throughout the year addressing these issues.

Torry

In terms of "diversity" I think Haverford is not necessarily the MOST diverse place but is a very accepting environment. LGBT students seem to be widely accepted on campus. While race has recently been raised as an issue because it is not very frequently talked about, I don't think that students of color necessarily feel uncomfortable on campus. However, I obviously cannot speak for everyone. It seems to me that all sorts of students interact, and that cliquiness is not usually an issue. Haverford students are generally liberal (bordering hippie-ish in lifestyle, at times)and (again generally) very community-service oriented. Many students (I'd say a greater proportion than the general population) are even so committed to helping others that they might be classified as self-sacrificing. While I am someone who has happily engaged in a lot of community service because it is fulfilling and fun for me, I do think there is pressure at Haverford to be a "good person" and to be active in the community, both on-campus and globally. While success in most places in the world is defined by money and job position, I think success at Haverford is more defined by how much one has done to help others. Haverford students rarely seem to talk about how much they will earn in the future, and I think this is because they don't care (or feel pressure to not care). Haverford is definitely a very casual campus- students wear jeans or sweats to class usually. While this makes for a relaxed atmosphere, I do feel that a more conservative, professional-feeling student would feel out of place. A lot of Haverford students come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Next most common seems to be Maryland, Virgina, and New England. There are also students from the West Coast, some from the Midwest (Illinois, Ohio) and fewer from the South and the middle of the country.