<p>Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of applying early decision to Mount Holyoke in November, and though I feel like I know enough about the academic side of the school, I don't really know anything about the social side. I know this is a silly question, and though parties and dating are definitely not my priority, I'd like to think it would be somewhat part of my college experience.. Do girls really have to go "out of their way", like I've heard some people say, to meet guys and go to parties? Do you feel like there is a balance between the academics and social life in Mount Holyoke? How far are the co-ed schools from MoHo like Amherst for example, and how much does the distance of these schools interfere with making them part of your social life throughout your college years? I love the idea of a woman's school but sometimes I fear about this, and though it's obviously not something that wouldn't make me chose it, it does make me think twice. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Hi Kimi,
My daughter graduated in '10 and I cannot begin to tell you how much she appreciates her time at Mount Holyoke. She was just back for her two year reunion and it brought back so many fantastic memories.
My daughter fell in love with Mount Holyoke the moment she put her foot on campus. Once there, she found the blend of self-motivated academic excellence among fellow students as well as their ability to kick back and relax an excellent balance. The words she used to demonstrate that at the time …“the ability to have an intellectual discussion one minute…and talk about shoes the next”…
As you probably know, Mount Holyoke is an easy busride away from Hampshire, Amherst, U Mass and Smith. It’s location and bucolic campus makes for a wonderful environment and strong community. The ability to easily (and at no charge) take a bus to one of the other consortium colleges for activities, classes and parties give students the opportunity to vary their experiences.
My daughter took a number of classes at Amherst and one at UMass (that one had a spring break experience in Argentina as part of the class) and expanded her social “network” by making connections there. She was/is not a big “partier” but is quite social. She was happy to be invited to smaller gatherings and always glad to be able to go “MoHome” at the end of the evening.
I hope this provides a bit of insight…let me know if I can provide anymore information.</p>
<p>I am a current Mount Holyoke student. In terms of balancing social life and academics, there is a broad spectrum among the students on campus. Some students are determined to get a 4.0 and do not go off campus except for off-campus classes, going out to dinner or going to the drug store. Other students have lots of friends at Amherst and go to parties there. Mount Holyoke’s campus is very academic. There is one big party a year called Vegas Night that attracts 5 college students. There are other parties in the student center but they generally aren’t very well attended. There are lots of good concerts in the area especially in Northampton. There are frat parties at Amherst and Umass. I’ve only been out to Amherst College but only because I know people who have friends there. If you want a social life off campus you have to make an effort to get out there.</p>
<p>OP-
You’re right, social life is definitely part of your college experience. At Mount Holyoke, I can honestly say that your social life is what you make of it (I’m a current MHC student). I wouldn’t say that you necessarily have to go out of your way to meet guys (its not a long bus ride). That being said, there obviously aren’t very many guys on campus (you’ll find a few guys from the 5-colleges on campus who are taking classes at MHC). You just take a bus to Amherst (or about a 15-20 minute drive), and you have all the social opportunities of three co-ed colleges open to you.
Most Mount Holyoke students really know how to balance their academics and their social lives. Personally, I work really hard during the week, and budget my time on the weekends, so I can go have fun, and still get everything done.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.</p>
<p>I think that icesk8mom totally got it right! There is something really wonderful about being in an all-women’s environment that makes MHC really special. In my experience, it isn’t very hard to socialize with the opposite sex here. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved on other campus (not just parties!) like joining clubs, going to lectures, taking classes, etc. Everyone is pretty friendly in the Pioneer Valley!</p>