Oberlin College Top Questions

The best thing about Oberlin is the attention you can get from the professors because of its small size. The faculty is incredibly helpful. It's a very small place and theres not a whole lot to do around there. That can actually be helpful though academically. It is incredibly liberal though. Many of the people are accepting but there are a few that arent open to people who arent liberal in their views-could be either good or bad depending on preference.

Best thing? Definitely the friends I've found; I'd change the weather if I could; size-wise its about right for what I wanted; I spend most of my time on campus in my dorm with friends or at the Science Library; no college town whatsoever, which is unfortunate; there's not nearly enough school pride;

best thing: everyone is "real"---don't hide anything, aren't fake, and are the nicest people you will ever meet one thing i'd change: wish it were by the beach size: just right---small is good for the most part reactions: people think imust be a liberal lesbian. my time: library, or hanging out with friends at the sco or the feve, definetly a small college town Oberlin's administration: it varies across departments, but overall, the professors really care about the students and helping them learn

Oberlin provides a well rounded academic experience in a comfortable setting. However, I hope that the College employs its resources to better prepare students for life after Oberlin and maybe instates new practices to acheive this goal. Sometimes Oberlin can feel like high school, but after Oberlin one realizes how nice it was to easily see and be with close friends. Most people are very impressed by the name Oberlin in the real world- while in Oberlin the majority of my time was spent at the Art Museum- Art Building, occasionally the gym. I am from Oberlin, and I do wish the College would work harder to bridge a serious relationship. Oberlin's administration could use some serious closer examination. The biggest recent controversy on campus that I heard about ironically enough involved an Oberlin police officer and a number of african american students. I think situations like this leave students with a sense of less college/town pride. Oberlin is an unusual place, or atleast most people believe and feel this way about Oberlin College and the town. My most memorable experience at Oberlin was September 11th. A campus full of New Yorkers, the tragity was felt hundreds of miles from Manhattan.

I think that the best aspect of Oberlin is the dedication by faculty, staff, and other students to allow one to succeed. Not only are the professors readily available and eager to help a student in need, the administration monitors closely a students progess. Not only is there free tutoring and help sessions lead by students who have successfully completed a course, there are plenty of avenues to help people as far as counciling and what not. I think the size of Oberlin allows one to be recognized and viewed as a person, not just a face in the crowd or a student ID number. Most people say that I'm going to a mainly "gay" school when I tell them where I'm going or they have never heard of the school. I think a main problem at Oberlin is the way that athletes are looked down upon by other students. "Dumb jock" is a term that I hear more often than not which does not actually portray the Oberlin student-athlete. Each athlete had to go through the same admissions process as every other student, and I feel that most athletes are better students because they have to not only manage their classes and study time, but also have to manage practice and games, enabling them to organize their time better.

The best thing about Oberlin is that it is a good school, and College in general is pretty sweet; Oberlin satisfies these needs. If I could change anything about Oberlin, I might take it out of Ohio. The weather is not great and Oberlin is kind of a small town. But there is some cool stuff here, like a movie theater right in town and places to eat. As far as dining halls go everyone complains about them but they are actually pretty good. There always things to do on campus from parties to bowling.

The best thing about Oberlin is the size, some people don't like how small it is but I love it. You can walk everywhere and always see someone you know, but despite the size theres still always something to do. I would change how politcally correct everyone seems to be, to a point its necessary but sometimes it feels so forced and unnatural, like people are just reciting what they're told they should say instead of what they really want to. Most people react with surprise when I tell them I go to Oberlin, I'm a generally conservative person and people are shocked that I would go to "such a progessive school." Most of the time I try to tell them that theres so much more to Oberlin than just the stereotyped political affiliation, but still that's what people think of first. Being on the Football team I spend most of my time on North Campus, in Philips or the science library. Unfortunatly theres not a whole lot of school pride, I think a lot of the people here don't have a very high regard for the sports teams because of the way cliques organize themselves in high school, so overall theres a lack of pride but if you do spend time with the athletic teams they have pride amongst themselves. As far as I can tell the administration at Oberlin is alright, President Krislov has been really involved in athletics, especially compared to the last president so I'm told.

-Many people haven't heard of Oberlin, but those in intellectual circles have heard of it and think very highly of Oberlin and Oberlin students. -"What college town?" -- it's a bit small, but there's enough happening on campus to keep me busy & entertained. -There's a good amount of school pride. -The conservatory of music is amazing and so many great concerts & performances occur here. -I spend the majority of my time in my room or at the gym!

The best thing about Oberlin would have to be the people. They come from all over the world and have so many different experiences. I love learning about how someone grew up on a commune or in a big city like New York. Unfortunately, Oberlin brags about being liberal, but it's very close-minded. Anyone that is not a vegetarian Democrat gets ridiculed and putdown by the students, as well as the faculty.

The best thing about Oberlin is the freedom you have. From class work to outside activities you can choose your path and basically what you do everyday. No right or wrong way exists on this campus. Oberlin has a perfect school size, because you do see the same faces often, but having 2,800 students and a campus broken down between north and south allows you to meet a few new people everyday. Oberlin has the perfect college town complete with small shops, a couple bars, and plenty of restaurants both chains and family owned. Unfortunately, the students on campus do not have much school pride. The new administration at Oberlin makes a concious effort to make the school better both socially and academically. They want the rankings of this school to rise even higher and most importantly make the students even happier. The president has a hands on approach to the process, you can see him teaching class, participating in a dance class, out at the stores downtown, reading at Dr. Suess day at the public library, and taking in a football game.

Best thing about Oberlin is the diversity that is here. Im from a very rural community that is 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white and everyone dresses the same to conform to society. But here everyone does their own thing which is really cool. Also the family and friends you develop here.

The best thing about Oberlin is the desire that students have to learn. Every student is engaged; it is completely normal for kids to continue a classroom discussion while walking out the door. The campus is a great size; bigger than most liberal arts schools with a completely personal feel and strong connection to faculty members.

The best thing about Oberlin College is it allows you to be you. It allows you to figure out what you want to be and who you want to be. I would change the way athletics are viewed. Athletics are a positive, not a negative. I like the size of Oberlin because you meet a lot of different people. Bigger schools allow you to make small groups of friends but Oberlin allows you to interact with more people, while learning more about a person as well. A lot of people react in a favorable way when I tell them about Oberlin College. its very well known academically, but then you also have the close-minded people who believe its a "gay" campus. I'd say I spend most of my time on campus out and about. I have classes, workouts, work, meetings, so I'm all over the place. I'm a gym rat, so we'll say that. Its definitely a college town. Its a part of Oberlin and everything is within walking distance, which makes it great. Oberlin College's administration try to do the best they can and they do a great job. Oberlin is known for getting people out in 4 years and they certainly do. The biggest recent controversy would have to be the presidential race. Nothing crazy has happened but politics are especially big on a campus where people speak out, no matter the cause. There is a lot of school pride academically. Athletically it has been on the rise in the past few years, but until we can get the entire campus to see athletics as a positive, it's still in question. Oberlin is an unusual place because of the people who make it up. Its very diverse and you meet people from everywhere and all walks of life. Its very different then what the movies portray. I'll always remember my experiences playing football on Saturdays, going out that night and living it up. Most frequent student complaints would be parties. There are always parties, but you just gotta know where to look, if not, it can be pretty boring sometimes.

The best thing about Oberlin is the people. There are so many characters here. Also, music's a huge deal here. It's incredible to be surrounded by so many talented and passionate musicians. The one thing I'd change is the apathetic trend that's taken over the school. Back in Oberlin's golden age (the 60's and 70's), people were extremely active in politics, volunteerism, etc etc. Now you've just got a growing number of cigarette-smoking, sit-around-and-do-nothing hipsters. The size is PERFECT. When I tell them I go to Oberlin, they either say "Oh....Where's that?" or "Wow! That's a terrific school! How progressive!" I spend most of my time either in my dorm with my amazing hallmates or comfortably studying in Mudd Library. College town. Oberlin's administration's okay. They aren't as efficient as I would like but they eventually get the job done. There are also some policies, specifically campus dining policies, that are pretty much irrational. There's plenty of school pride. Overall, people are very proud to be Obies. I think I've only met one person here who seemed upset and wanted to transfer. There are also plenty of things that are unusual about Oberlin but I think that's the appeal. Campus Dining gets most of the complaints I'd say.

Mmm well, I could definitely write a novel in this category, and I am a freshman. But for lack of time, energy, and concentration I will answer the "big picture" question in small parts. The best thing about this school is you can truly be Whoever and Whatever you want to be. Define your life, yourself, your goals, your dreams and you can make it work here. Not only that but you will be both appreciated and encouraged to be that individual here. If I had to change one thing it would be my freshman dorm room. Obviously, this is a given. But it's small and I want the lap of luxury, hey, I dream big and freshman get screwed in the housing lottery. I spend most of my time on campus in one of three places (it's pretty evenly divided). Numero uno - my room. Numero dos - my classes. And numero tres - the gym. The town is such a blessing in disguise. Upon first glance the town of Oberlin, which is basically puzzle pieced right into the school, seems small and unexciting. But it truly has everything I need/want/have time to enjoy. In terms of food there are like, 6 pizza places, 4 Chinese places, and various other culturally diverse and mainstream dining options. There are Great shops to by interesting gifts, books, art supplies, pet kittens, find vintage clothes, get your nails done, hair cut, and find that purple lip gloss you've always wanted. There is the cutest old-fashioned theater which plays a new and popular movie every week (alcohol is easily smuggled in and usually consumed here) where students enjoy a little taste of life outside the bubble. And if you get sick of the small town atmosphere Cleveland is easily accessible and there you're heart will be content. Oberlin also has a few drug marts and a grocery store if you need them. The administration: well, I haven't had my fair share of experience with everyone yet but I have good things to say thus far. Everyone is incredibly intelligent, helpful and willing to help you succeed in life. What more could you ask for. The new president is a great guy who has made a point of becoming Super involved in the short time that we've known him and is also very open to listening to what students want and need. Administrative members are accessible and easy going. They have their days but they seem to love it here and that definitely shows. The biggest recent controversy on campus dealt with the treatment of students, school policy enforcement, by campus security. A few students were apprehended after a party in a manner which was seen by some as harsh, even unethical, and this caused a big stir across the campus. School pride almost goes unspoken here. We know that we're from a well respected school, that we've helped mold that respect and earn a good reputation so we are proud to say we go to Oberlin. There is definitely a wide array of excellent Oberlin parifinelia and not a day goes by without a number of your friends sporting some great Oberlin sweatshirts. As far as unusual things about Oberlin, that list can get pretty extensive. But the unusual things are definitely positive. We have co-op living, tgif (the best way to spend your friday), gender-neutral bathrooms, self-designed majors, no (class specific) 1st year curriculum requirements, really crazy-cool and very nice people who will teach you more than your wildest dreams could reveal, and professors who make legitimate analogies between ferris buellers day off and your subject matter. From my Freshman year I will always remember going to my first organ pump concert at 12am and laying on the stage of Finney chapel with a hundred or so other students in darkness and silence, feeling the vibrations of a gigantic organ through the floor beneath me. It's unreal. As for complaints, I mean, No One wants to write that 10 page midterm or miss dinner to practice Bach for 5 hours.

There is no school pride for any athletic teams here at school. At least not from a majority of the school. I know many of the teams at the school have not had winning seasons in a very long time, but I believe part of this reason is because there is no support from outside the athletic department for any sports teams. One example is the recent fire in the rec center. It took over 1 year to reconstruct just one locker room and the weight room. This was a project that probably should've taken only about 8-10 months. Since there was no backing from the rest of the school it took longer. The same thing goes for this recent problem in Jones Fieldhouse. We probably will not be able to see any improvments, allowed back in, or see a new fieldhouse in the time I am here. The fieldhouse has been down a little over about a month now and no work has even begun on it. They have only assessed the damage, but not begun to repair it. In my opinion, it does not take 3 weeks just to assess it. I believe work should have already begun and a plan made to either repair Jones or create a new fieldhouse.

The best thing is that everyone is open-minded so it's easy to feel comfortable being yourself here. Also, most people are genuinely excited about learning, and that makes it fun to be here and talk to people. Which brings me to the thing I'd change- I wish people were more extroverted here. It's not true that everyone is awkward, but it can be difficult to initiate friendships with people. I really like the size- it feels big when you start but by the time you're a senior, often when you meet a new person you realize you're somehow connected to them or have met them before. People's reactions to telling them you go to Oberlin: Either they've never heard of it, or they've only heard of the Conservatory and ask you what instrument you play, or they know someone who's gone here and offer kudos on going to an awesome school. I spend a lot of time in my dorm- my friends here are like my second family. The college town is basically one street with a few restaurants and small shops. There is 1 bar, and the closest hard liquor store is basically driving distance, or quite a long walk (though you can buy beer and such at one of the shops in town which is much closer). The administration is going through some major changes right now, but in the time I've been here the biggest complaint is that the college sucks at handling money. It seems like there's never enough of it even though it costs an arm and a leg to go here. I feel like there's not a lot of controversy because we're all very liberal. But, race/ethnic relations can get a little touchy because some of us are very PC and some of us are very not. There is not a lot of school pride and people are very anti-traditional, which can be a drag sometimes. Oberlin students would rather discuss what could be improved about our school than what they love about the way it is. Everything about Oberlin is unusual! Don't miss Drag Ball, the biggest event on campus, held every spring.

The best thing about Oberlin is spring! Oberlin is beautiful in spring and because it is such a stark contrast to our winters, everyone is outside having fun and studying. It's just the best place to be! I would move Oberlin to California if I could change one thing! It's too cold here for me during the winter! Oberlin is a little bit small sometimes, it'd be nice to have a larger variety of parties to choose from on a weekend night, but in terms of class sizes, Oberlin is just right! If people are not musicians, they tend to not know about Oberlin when I say that I go here, but musicians are always really impressed. Those that do know about Oberlin are really impressed as well! Where I spend most of my time on campus depends on the season. During the early fall and spring, I try to stay outside as much as possible, mostly in Wilder Bowl or on South or North Quad, whereas during the winter I try to stay indoors, either in the Conservatory, my co-op or my dorm. Oberlin is definately a college town! We have really cute local businesses and a really cheap one theater movie theater! But a lot of students tend to stay in the campus part of town. I think for the most part Oberlin's administration is pretty good. But I'm not into bureacracy, so I don't spend too much time with administrators. But they aren't perfect, no school's administration is. I think the biggest recent controversy on campus is very subjective. For me it had to do with the issue of safe spaces in our cooperative association, but I know that not every felt it was such a big issue. There is school pride in the sense that we like Oberlin and we are proud to go here, but there isn't much pride in terms of "school spirit" and sports support. The most unusual thing about Oberlin is that we have albino squirrels that live in Tappan Square! They are amazing. I'll always remember my first La Alianza Latina meeting. Just seeing how many different types of latinos there are on campus, even though our numbers aren't very high, made me feel more comfortable as a latina on campus. The most frequent student complaints are about the cold, that there aren't enough parties, and that they have to study a lot.

What's the best thing about Oberlin? The conservatory of music, and the efforts the school puts into the sustainable development. · Name one thing you'd change. Oberlin city in itself, because it just doesn't fit the college goals at all, and seems very different and apart from the oberlin college. Only Gibson's and the Feve should remain unchanged here. I would see a starbucks here · Is your school too large, too small, or just right? I would like to see it bigger, with more connections between North and South campus, and more beautiful buildings than there is already, with more departments. · How do people react when you tell them you go to Oberlin? They are impressed and congratulate me. · Where do you spend most of your time on campus? Wilder bowl, The conservatory of music. · College town, or "what college town?" "what college town?" · What's your opinion of Oberlin's administration? It is still more efficient than in my country, but it simply has gotten worse and worse for the past three years: huge lack of coordination between offices, slowness and difficulties to do things easily. · What was the biggest recent controversy on campus? Problems with the Oberlin city Police: racial issues between student and some officers from the police department, and now people trust less the police than safety and security (on campus)...But i don't know enough in details. · Is there a lot of school pride? Not really...a decent amount. But actually, there is a lot of transferring (leaving oberlin), which is sad... · Is there anything unusual about Oberlin? Yes: its student,among many other things... · What's one experience you'll always remember? TGIF, dragball party, offcampus parties. · What are the most frequent student complaints? There's nothing going on in Oberlin, it's too cold here...

The Oberlin student body is a collection of the 2800 most quality people that could be gathered into one place. Everyone is intelligent, driven, capable, and immensely creative. The faculty is often overworked, but has a sincere interest in the students. As a junior, having gone abroad and come back, this place feels tiny. I spend most of my time at the library. The downtown is one block long, and the college area is very segregated from the non-college community. The administration has recently undergone huge changes in personnel, and I am optimistic about the direction of their future leadership. They know what they are doing, and though students often see problems rather than the situations that underlie them, the administration makes an earnest and concerted effort to maintain the excellence of Oberlin. The recent biggest controversy on campus was an increase in the student activity fee, but a controversy that I think was weightier was the faculty cuts prompted by the Strategic Plan. There is school pride, but it is atypical; it is intellectual and academic pride, the celebration of perspicacious and informed activism. Oberlin is unusual in the social dynamics of the student body; a huge majority of students are socially awkward, and people have bizarre modes of social functioning. There are cliques. I will always remember my freshman orientation, having a dance party in my co-op kitchen while making pesto and then eating it outside.