Oberlin College Top Questions

The stereotypes are not necessarily true of everyone. There are those that devote their lives to ending the struggle in Darfur, working towards a free Palestine, tutoring local low income children, etc. almost at the expense of their school work. But this is only a small percentage of the student body. You can, however, find people who are REALLY excited about what they're doing, even if it's not humanitarian work. The best thing about Oberlin is the overwhelming enthusiasm exuded by most of the students towards their life's passion. And we're not fearless. We just try to welcome and accept the unknown.

In certain aspects, but all students are intelligent and incredibly friendly.

Maybe somewhat externally, but I find that I get along with the people I meet at Oberlin more than I get along with anyone else. Of course everyone you meet is generally intelligent (though maybe no socially so). Maybe we get too stuck in our small liberal arts liberal perspectives mindset, but I think we're pretty tolerant of everyone.

The first two - not as a stereotype, no. But there are a fair share of hippies and drug addicts to be found on campus, it just isn't the majority of the Oberlin students. I would say that if you are inclined to become a hippie or already are, you would find an inviting and open reception here, more so than at many other schools. As for the stereotype of Oberlin being extremely liberal, yeah. true.

Yes, but there are many many more people who do not fit these categories

Not wholly.

the musical one and study habits are correct, but to me to hippie idea is very created by the students to project "how hippie" they are.

To a certain extent; Oberlin definitely tends more towards a liberal view of the world, but there are still a multitude of differing opinions on campus, especially with the input from Oberlin Conservatory students. In terms of our "weirdness", Oberlin is a very open and accepting place, so many people do feel free to act and dress differently than they might if they were afraid of being judged. However, there are a lot of people who like to dress and act more "normally"; most people are just about being who they are, and it's nice to know that however you choose to be, you will be accepted. Regarding Oberlin's socially conscious and political atmosphere, it's definitely present and GREAT to be around.

1. Of course not. But then again, I'm one of these ugly, awkward weirdos, right? For real, Obies are beautiful in a very ecclectic and refreshing way. We were all the semi-awkward/oddball ones in our groups of high school friends, so things get weird sometimes when we all get together. As for being pretentious, I don't think Obies are any more so than anyone else. 2. Yes, yes, yes! So true. It's always shocking to interact with non-Obies for the first time after a semester.

Yes they all are but I think that people dont realize that at Oberlin there are definitely those people but there are many types of people too. There are even jocks!

Only partially. It applies to some of the student body, but there's so much more going on at Oberlin.

While progressive hippies make up part of the Oberlin student body, the college draws a variety of individuals: committed musicians, philosophers, political activists, and passionate environmentalists.

Maybe in the past. These days the hippies are dwindling and everybody is becoming a hipster.

sometimes.

It is a weird group of people. Generally really open and accepting- and a little nerdy. Most people are not artists, though. It's oddly a huge science school- something nobody assumes about us.

not all of us are weird. most of us are somewhere in the middle. there are some people who are a little out there, though.

yeah

It is true that there is a large gay population as well as a significant marijuana smoking culture.

Somewhat. There really aren't that many hippies, but there are a lot of socially awkward people and Oberlin is a safe haven for them. You will not find a republican, unless they are in the Conservatory, and we all do support Obama, except for the hard core feminists who support Hillary. They tout buttons saying "bitch is the new black" which is honestly not accepting of all races. The people are very active on campus about the environment, but most of them are misinformed. My friend drives a Hummer which is heresy on the Oberlin campus. Some students thought that they were being activists when they keyed it. That's not really accepting either. There are vegans and vegetarians on campus, but you can usually sense them by their body odor. We're politically active, but since we're in the middle of east bumblefuck Ohio, it doesn't really matter. Actually about 60 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of men are gay in the con, but there aren't many trannies. We are accepting of all genders, races, religions, and gender orientations except heterosexual couples and anyone who is not White. Yeah. That's the truth!!!!

Yes.