<p>Hi this is Saranya from India and I got into Mt.Holyoke through ED. This is just to say hi.
Just wondering how cold does it get there? Coming from India which is extremely hot, the winter sounds scary.</p>
<p>Hi Saranya, congratulations for being accepted at Mount Holyoke. The winters in western Massachusetts can be a challenge. To get a sense of temperature ranges during the year check out <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/MA/Chicopee.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.wunderground.com/US/MA/Chicopee.html</a>
They have a Detailed History and Climate feature that allows you to learn what the temperature for any specific day. The bottom line is in winter dress warmly.</p>
<p>I second Alan! It's a beautiful area throughout the year but some of those January mornings....bring long underwear and thick mittens!</p>
<p>Do you guys go to Boston often? I heard its a beautiful place. If so how do you get there and importantly how expensive or cheap is it?</p>
<p>Also Indians hows the food ... how are you people managing?</p>
<p>Boston and New York City are equadistant from MHC (about 2 hours each) depending on who's driving ;) They are wonderful cities and we prolly went there maybe once or twice a semester. Most of my life centered around the 5 college valley which was always full of fun (student-discounted) concerts, plays, performances etc.
As for Indian food, I know of at least two or three places in North Hampton and Amherst, and I think there was also a smaller one opening up in South Hadley. There are a LOT of international students at MHC and the dining menu trys to be sensitive to this by incorporating a good number of international dishes (Indian, Chinese, German etc.) It prolly won't be the home cooked paneer naan you may crave, but it's a good start... As Ikneedhelp mentioned on the "admitted students" post (page 6) the best thing about MHC dining is the sense of community. Some of my best memories are laughing so hard I almost cried during meals with my friends!</p>
<p>Boston is 2 hrs from MHC driving normally. No way you could reach NYC in 2hrs. 3 1/2 hours to NYC if you are lucky!</p>
<p>Hey guys thanks a lot for your help, Im really looking forward to MHC.
Im quite confused about what I should bring, stuff I should not buy in my country, stuff I should buy in my country. Can any of you please give me an email id of an international student so that I can get started on my hunt for stuff. Preferably a student from a hot tropical country would really help ... I have not the slightest idea about living in the cold.. so I could take the help.
Well, thanks a lot again.</p>
<p>When you first arrive at Mount Holyoke, you will be OK with jeans, T-shirts, and a light jacket and sport shoes. After two or three weeks, you will soon be needing heavy jacket, sweaters, and boots that can stand up to rain and snow, scarves and mittens and hat. You could get these things with a shopping trip into Springfield or Boston. But if you have a credit card, you could also order them online via Land's End, for example. Bring things from home that have sentimental value to you. You'll be happier carrying less with you and buying what you need once you see for yourself that you really do need it and are not just guessing.</p>
<p>"two or three weeks" (gasp!)</p>
<p>I meant do some of the shopping in the first three weeks to be prepared. Generally, it won't snow before mid-November and you'll need the warm stuff until the end of March. October is a gorgeous month at MHC--especailly if you are from a country without changing leaves in the Fall. If your caught without enough warm stuff at first, you can certainly buy a couple of MHC sweatshirts and rain gear on campus!</p>
<p>welcome to the mount holyoke community! i'm a current student, so if you have any further questions, feel free to fire away. </p>
<p>the winters up in south hadley aren't bad, they just last long. i'd reccomend buying a jacket once you get here (as opposed to getting one in india - it's a waste of space to lug a huge winter jacket halfway across the world). </p>
<p>none of the indian restaurants in the area are great, but there are people who cook indian food on campus.</p>
<p>boston can cost up to 40 dollars to visit...there's tons of stuff to do in the valley, though.</p>
<p>Is Mt. Holyoke loooking for any unique skills ? How can I stand out in the crowd? I Am looking at admission for 2007.</p>
<p>For any college, it doesn't help to trump up a skill or interest that is not really "you". Consider your interests and abilities and look for a way to demonstrate what you are really good at or delve into what deeply concerns you--look for opportunities to get involved in your community or to learn more about whatever fascinates you. The most important qualities at MHC and all selective colleges are curiosity , perseverance, and concern for others. You can stand out because no one else can be YOU.</p>
<p>if you need any more questions answered, try mhc.chat, our livejournal community, mhc.dailyjolt.com, or email me at <a href="mailto:bestfootforward@gmail.com">bestfootforward@gmail.com</a></p>
<p>good luck:)</p>
<p>hey risha: show mhc that youre a burgeoning leader and that youre a serious student but know how to have fun.</p>