The students are great, teamwork is encouraged (I've heard from transfers that it is to a unique degree), there are a lot of ambitious people but nobody is too competitive. There are a million things to do, in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and events. It is true, however, that going to school with a bunch of smart ambitious people makes you question your abilities and it's harder to be at the top of the curve here, but I love it here nevertheless.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Science classes are pretty hard, and intro classes honestly aren't as interesting as upper level ones (in bio, at least). Social science courses are great, rigor varies from department to department.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I actually really like how freshmen all eat in the same dhall, you make friends there before you move into the Houses, so you'll have friends outside of them. House life is great, Quincy HoCo hosts great events, Deb (the House Master) is crazy but really fun.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Meal plan is unlimited, and dining halls double as social spaces. The freshman dining hall is cool and historical, as well as conveniently located, the food isn't as good there as the Houses, but it's not bad. The food gets better the less central the dhall. HUDS is really responsive to feedback and the workers are usually really friendly and helpful. The food, in comparison to other colleges, is mostly average (with both really good and bad days), but there is always something to eat �¢���� if not in the main options at least at the grill.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There are always college-sponsored events to go to, plus plenty of parties for me at least, though if you like to party during the week you're out of luck. Harvard Square is a pretty lively place, and you can get to Boston using public transport quickly and easily. I probably go to Boston once or twice a month, though my roommate never went there (besides the airport) until sophomore year. Boston also has cool events, museums, parks, etc. There are lots of concerts in the area. Harvard also has museums and stuff if you are into that, as well as student theatre and musical/dance performances. There are a million and one extracurriculars that are great.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
So, I am on practically full financial aid, so this is skewed, but I really love my experience here. Also if you are on significant financial aid, they'll help you get a winter coat, and pay for 5 event tickets a semester. There are plenty of free, fun things, and you probably won't use them for much more than formals and the occasional show, but it's great that it's there.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I've enjoyed 90% of what I've enjoyed, and the main problem with the extracurricular scene here is that there are too many cool possibilities.
The students are great, teamwork is encouraged (I've heard from transfers that it is to a unique degree), there are a lot of ambitious people but nobody is too competitive. There are a million things to do, in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and events. It is true, however, that going to school with a bunch of smart ambitious people makes you question your abilities and it's harder to be at the top of the curve here, but I love it here nevertheless.
Science classes are pretty hard, and intro classes honestly aren't as interesting as upper level ones (in bio, at least). Social science courses are great, rigor varies from department to department.
I actually really like how freshmen all eat in the same dhall, you make friends there before you move into the Houses, so you'll have friends outside of them. House life is great, Quincy HoCo hosts great events, Deb (the House Master) is crazy but really fun.
Meal plan is unlimited, and dining halls double as social spaces. The freshman dining hall is cool and historical, as well as conveniently located, the food isn't as good there as the Houses, but it's not bad. The food gets better the less central the dhall. HUDS is really responsive to feedback and the workers are usually really friendly and helpful. The food, in comparison to other colleges, is mostly average (with both really good and bad days), but there is always something to eat �¢���� if not in the main options at least at the grill.
There are always college-sponsored events to go to, plus plenty of parties for me at least, though if you like to party during the week you're out of luck. Harvard Square is a pretty lively place, and you can get to Boston using public transport quickly and easily. I probably go to Boston once or twice a month, though my roommate never went there (besides the airport) until sophomore year. Boston also has cool events, museums, parks, etc. There are lots of concerts in the area. Harvard also has museums and stuff if you are into that, as well as student theatre and musical/dance performances. There are a million and one extracurriculars that are great.
So, I am on practically full financial aid, so this is skewed, but I really love my experience here. Also if you are on significant financial aid, they'll help you get a winter coat, and pay for 5 event tickets a semester. There are plenty of free, fun things, and you probably won't use them for much more than formals and the occasional show, but it's great that it's there.
I've enjoyed 90% of what I've enjoyed, and the main problem with the extracurricular scene here is that there are too many cool possibilities.