Smith College Top Questions

The student body is diverse but there can be some tension that come with this. As well, the student body can be a bit over reactive and quick to protest for many different events.

I think African and African-American students feel out of place since there are a lack of them on campus. The ones that are here generally friend each other. Personally, I think that group of students are friendlier than others on campus. Dining at Smith consists inside of houses. Most people eat with their housemates. Students are generally from the New England area, or the north. Most of them are financially set from their parents. Some students even brag about how much money their parents give them. It's quite obnoxious.

Racial: DENIAL about racial problems at Smith. As a woman of color, I find this place to be incredibly unsupportive of it's students. Especially, after racial incidents occur. Unity Orgs: I find they lack financial support to accommodate the needs of students from minority backgrounds. Sometimes these organizations can be exclusive to a particular ethnic group and or race. socio-economic: Class is not widely discussed, but you can definitely feel sense the economic disparities amongst students. Most students wear: It all depends, most people where jeans and something simple on top. Others decide to show their best outfits everyday. Politically active: I find that students are NOT as active as then can be. The Smith Democrats are very active and so is the Amnesty International chapter, but I still think most students seem very apathetic. Financial Background: Although the administration states that many students are on financial aid, I find there are many wealthy students on campus. Very important to note: Little is done to create awareness around students with disabilities (physical or mental). I highly suggest students to take note of this.

If you are uncomfortable with homosexuals and are uncomfortable with the human body you might have a little bit of trouble adjusting at first. People are very open here and it can get a little crazy at events such as convocation when people might go without much on in the clothing department. Smith students are from all over the world and country and off all ethnicities. There are pretty much organizations for all types of people, whether you want to be involved with groups for your ethnicity, sexual orientation, hobbies, etc.

Smith has a very different student body, it can be frustrating trying to figure out what is PC.

There are a lot of different kinds of people at Smith. This is wonderful, as the town I'm from is predominantly white and Catholic. You'll meet people from many areas of the world, with different races, religions, and sexual orientations. It's so nice to have such a diverse population, and you learn a lot being friends with so many different people. Most of the time everyone gets along, and there really aren't any racial or LGBT problems on campus. Most people who come to Smith can fit in just fine, though if you're Republican, you might have a little trouble. The amount of liberals on campus is not even funny, but people generally won't get in a fight with you if you have different ideals.

Everybody here is different and really friendly. It's easy to get to know people - just join a club, go to pre-orientation, get involved. You can be yourself here. For instance, if you look around a classroom, some of the students are wearing pajamas, some are dressed up everyday, others do their own thing. There's no pressure!

I've always loved that most Smithies actually get dressed to go to class, not just add flip flops to their pajamas and head out the door. It makes campus actually feel like a community and not just one gigantic outdoor high school. It's like living in an actual neighborhood or community.

I feel that our campus is very diverse, but that we are also clustered into groups on campus. At lunch, people of the same ethnicity and race generally sit with each other and it's kind of initmidating. I'm all for being around people that are like you, but sometimes, I feel like it is a private club based on your culture and where you come from.

There is a great international student program. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. The school has it's cliques, but most all get along and live in harmony. I absolutely love the diversity.