An alternative learning environment for creative open minded students. The divisional system requires self motivation and direction but can be very rewarding. Faculty and staff are for the most part very understanding and enthusiastic about student work.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Talk to your professors, take classes that sound interesting. Hampshire works best for students who's interest won't fit into a neat box so experiment as much as you can with inter-disciplinary work. One of the best pieces of advice a professor gave me was don't try and force connection right away. Go deep enough into your individual fields of study and the connections will make themselves.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
This is largely up to the student. Getting evaluations instead of quantitative grades makes me personally want to try and do better, there is no limit to my growth. But it is also possible to just skate by and take 'easy' courses and do the minimal work load. Student designed tracks means you have to know yourself and the level of work you can/will do.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Lived in Dakin my first year and was super great friends with everyone I lived with. When it was warm outside I'd come back from class to all my friends hanging out in the quad where we set up some hammocks. When it was cold we'd all sprawl out in the hallways talking and laughing. Majority single rooms is always a plus. I love the co-ed bathrooms, it just made more sense. Now I live in the Enfield mods (little apartment things), my mod-mates are great and my double room is big and warm. The housing lottery is bizarre and stressful but I got out of that by finding an RA mod through posting a self-ad on facebook. As a second year the likelihood of getting a mod with your friends is very slim though. And if you get one of the greenich mods that don't face the sun I've heard they're not the best. People don't always respect smoking policies and I'd say the majority of hampshire students smoke.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Expensive but I always found something to eat, not sure about people with dietary restrictions though. I have a kitchen now, I didn't do this but if you can afford it I highly recommend getting a co-op from the farm. The dining commons uses all farm and local food I think. There are pick your own fields on the farm and apple trees all over campus in the fall which feels like a real luxury.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Parties are fun if it's your friends' but there is not a lot of just show up open house style parties. If they aren't registered they'll get shut down pretty quick. If you like a more chill brand of fun, there's plenty though. I love going for walks in the Hampshire woods. There are lots of old art projects and secret structures to find.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Easter Keg Hunt. Tour de Franzia. The Spiral Staircase. The resevoir.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Nerds! Passionate people! Liberals!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
So many! OPRA sponsors tons of cheap outdoor activities. Lots of fun clubs and pretty easy to make your own.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Illegal in all the 5-colleges except UMass. We're pretty happy about it.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
An alternative learning environment for creative open minded students. The divisional system requires self motivation and direction but can be very rewarding. Faculty and staff are for the most part very understanding and enthusiastic about student work.
Talk to your professors, take classes that sound interesting. Hampshire works best for students who's interest won't fit into a neat box so experiment as much as you can with inter-disciplinary work. One of the best pieces of advice a professor gave me was don't try and force connection right away. Go deep enough into your individual fields of study and the connections will make themselves.
This is largely up to the student. Getting evaluations instead of quantitative grades makes me personally want to try and do better, there is no limit to my growth. But it is also possible to just skate by and take 'easy' courses and do the minimal work load. Student designed tracks means you have to know yourself and the level of work you can/will do.
Lived in Dakin my first year and was super great friends with everyone I lived with. When it was warm outside I'd come back from class to all my friends hanging out in the quad where we set up some hammocks. When it was cold we'd all sprawl out in the hallways talking and laughing. Majority single rooms is always a plus. I love the co-ed bathrooms, it just made more sense. Now I live in the Enfield mods (little apartment things), my mod-mates are great and my double room is big and warm. The housing lottery is bizarre and stressful but I got out of that by finding an RA mod through posting a self-ad on facebook. As a second year the likelihood of getting a mod with your friends is very slim though. And if you get one of the greenich mods that don't face the sun I've heard they're not the best. People don't always respect smoking policies and I'd say the majority of hampshire students smoke.
Expensive but I always found something to eat, not sure about people with dietary restrictions though. I have a kitchen now, I didn't do this but if you can afford it I highly recommend getting a co-op from the farm. The dining commons uses all farm and local food I think. There are pick your own fields on the farm and apple trees all over campus in the fall which feels like a real luxury.
Parties are fun if it's your friends' but there is not a lot of just show up open house style parties. If they aren't registered they'll get shut down pretty quick. If you like a more chill brand of fun, there's plenty though. I love going for walks in the Hampshire woods. There are lots of old art projects and secret structures to find.
Easter Keg Hunt. Tour de Franzia. The Spiral Staircase. The resevoir.
Nerds! Passionate people! Liberals!
So many! OPRA sponsors tons of cheap outdoor activities. Lots of fun clubs and pretty easy to make your own.
Illegal in all the 5-colleges except UMass. We're pretty happy about it.
White CisHeteropatriarchy is everywhere