Smith College Top Questions

People mostly turn out for what they or their friends are involved in. There is no particular org or sport that is a favorite with the school, I don't think. People will turn out to see Basketball maybe and the Asian orgs do really great things, shows, dinners, speakers. We do have a lot of great speakers though the turn out isn't overwhelming. Getting people involved in your particular project, conference, performance etc takes huge recruitment efforts and is usually your biggest hurdle in planning something. As for social life at Smith, there are different areas of Smith that all have their own personalities and most of the stereotypes aren't far off from the truth. The quad is more social, green street is dead quiet etc. From my experience living in the quad, doors are definitely left open, you can find action on any night of the week going on somewhere, and weekends are definitely party filled. There's a lot of alcohol, smoking etc, but I know that on other parts of campus and in different houses it is completely different. I think that Smith caters to all temperaments. If your straight, dating happens if you have a boyfriend already or you go out to other campuses and find one (which isn't as easy as it may sound). If you're gay, you're in luck because you probably just found the largest dating pool within a half mile radius you will ever be in for the rest of your life. My closest friends are from my house. If i'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday its because I'm finishing homework or I can't block out the sound of the music from my next door neighbors. (Certain random walls are unsettlingly thin and when you're in your room you can hear everything in the hall- though not the other way around.) There are too many traditions to count though they're declining in import and awe. Smith pretty much is just one big sorority and it definitely has its fair share of drama though luckily I have an excellent capacity for ignoring and avoiding it. A Saturday night of not drinking might consist of a movie in town, music at a coffee shop, a concert at one of the incredibly sweet music venues in town, going out to dinner, going to a Smith party sober- which I don't recommend, venturing out to one of the other colleges for some sort of party something, and if you're really adventurous getting on a greyhound bus for Boston or New York. Off campus mostly means town, which is small but quaint with lots of coffee shops and restaurants. Some people will go to the other campuses or Amherst just to get away from Smith.

I don't know what are the most popular, there are so many clubs and teams it seems like you can be on what ever you want to be. I'm on the swim team which is great and has wonderful team unity. I've been on teams before but never one that felt so supportive and like a family. I'm also involved with best buddies a small org but everyone wants to be there and works their butts off for it. In my house everyone leaves there doors open but in the Quad it's different. Athletic events are pretty popular but so are lectures and guest speakers. If your into girls no problem dating, other wise have fun at UMASS or Amherst. Really if you want to date, you'll find someone though some Smithies get creative with internet dating. I met my closest friends the first week and we've been friends since, at one of the orientation programs. People vary in how much they party green street not alot, quad every weekend, you have a choice and everyone respects it.

There's plenty to do off campus and there are school sponsored parties every weekend. Usually on weeknights there's an event or speaker or club meeting but most students study during the week and go out on weekends. The housing system makes it so easy to get to know people and to find a support system. Houses usually host parties, teas, community service projects, and trips and we get some great speakers and concerts on campus.

there are house parties nearly every weekend on the quad: 3 hours of dj, dancing, and free beer (21+ of course). naturally, there aren't a ton of guys around, but you get used to it, and if you want them around, they're only a bus ride away at umass, amherst, or hampshire. there are tons of smith traditions - celebration, quad riots, mountain day, etc. - that are really fun. the house communities are amazing.

Students in dorm, or at least in my dorm leave their room open. i think this really depends on the student's own preference. There is always something to do here at smith, it really just comes down to whether you take advantage of the planned things or not. the partying depends on the house you live in, some houses are more louder and tend to party more then other houses.

There is something for everyone on campus. And if there isn't something you're looking for, it's easy to create yourself. There are parties, there are social awareness demonstrations, there are dance performances, there are guest speakers, there's everything. And if you get tired of being on campus, four other school are just a short bus ride away.

the only quad parties that are worth it are morrow and gardiner. spring and winter weekends are a lot of fun senior banquet is ridiculous we still have afternoon tea on sundays and candlelight dinners on friday drinking occurs whenever you want it to occur

Social life is kinda nuts, but great. i mean if you are able to get off campus some it helps, just depends on what type of scene you like, but you can find it in the Valley I'd say.

Smith tries to have an active social life but it could be better. We have wonderful guest speakers and for the most part, there is always something to do either on campus or at the other four colleges. Since, it is a women's college, there isn't enough men on campus, which isn't entirely a bad thing.

I am heavily involved with choir. I always have been (even since before college.) I was in the first year choir my first year and last year I was in Glee Club and Chamber Choir. This year, just Glee Club. Accappella groups are very popular on campus, too. It usually works out that our closest friends live in our house because there is a very strong Smith community on campus. If I am not hanging out with friends on my free time, I play guitar, read or watch TV.