Hi everyone!
I was recently accepted to Colgate as class of '22 and will most likely be attending in the fall, but I had a couple of questions.
For those who go to Colgate, have gone to Colgate, or know anything about Colgate, what is the social life like? Is it inclusive, or is it cliquey? What is there to do in the town of Hamilton? What is it like in general? Are students very friendly?
Also, is there a shuttle or some mode of transportation from Colgate to Boston, MA?
Thanks!
Would like to hear about these issues too. Would a kid from SW, not preppy, not hippy, just regular nice kid, fit in?? Thanks!
Hi! I’m a current first year here at Colgate. Congrats on your acceptance to the class of '22! I think the social life is very inclusive here. Of course there are “friend groups” but everyone is friendly and I would not use the word “cliquey” to describe the social seen at all. I personally have friends from all aspects of my life on campus including friends from my residence hall, friends from my classes, friends from my FSEM (first year seminar), etc. Students are very friendly in my experience. The town of Hamilton is small but has a lot of character. There are shuttles on weekends to the near by mall in Syracuse, about 45 minutes away but students tend to stay on campus to cheer on sports teams, sleep in, do laundry, watch movies, and maybe get some homework done in free time.
On fall break, Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring break there is a bus that leaves from campus for Boston.
Hope this helps!
That’s very helpful, thanks so much!! @blackhawks25
I agree that blackhawk25’s answer is helpful as it is current and covers the bases.
As an alumnus and frequent visitor to campus I would add that students LIKE to stay on campus since there is so much to do and so little time to do it. And the academics are demanding and fulfilling, so much so that you will never choose to waste time as you might have done in high school.
By the way, why not start exploring those semester-away options for which Colgate is renowned. Over 2/3 of students take a semester away, generally junior year.
That said, if you have friends at Hamilton College, Syracuse and Cornell, the drives will take about 30, 45 and 90 minutes respectively.
Enjoy those 4 years and welcome to our community.
Go ‘gate!
Current student who is not interested ‘party culture’ though I am in greek life and love it (fundraising events, weekend trips etc.) Another great part about colgate is how easy it is to get funding for your interests and passions. There is a ski club that takes trips every weekend and is completely paid for (lift tickets, rentals, transportation). Over the summer, you can apply for funding and they directly deposit money into your bank account so you can pursue your interests (4k domestic and 6k international). I have been abroad 3 times with colgate to big cities and did not pay a single dime (and as much as I love the small town vibes, Hamilton can get old). On the weekend, there are farmer markets downtown and when its nice you can go kayaking on lake moraine. If you’re into outdoorsy stuff, the OE club has trips almost every weekend where they take students hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc. Debate club has (free!) trips to London, Mexico etc. There’s stuff for everyone, you just have to look and get engaged!