Oberlin stereotypes

Colleges and Universities A-Z Oberlin College
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<p>During my college search, I have read a whole bunch of college guides. As much as I'm trying to disregard all of the stereotypes, reputations, and generalizations that I have read in regards to the Oberlin student body, I still wonder a little if there is any truth, and if so, to what extent, to the following Oberlin stereotypes:
-most people like to stay to themselves
-people try too hard to be "different"
-drug use is more "necessary (I'm not sure that's spelled right-I always have trouble with it :) ) to the social life at Oberlin than it is to the social life at other colleges</p>

<p>Thanks so much. One last thing: I do realize that Oberlin has nearly 3,000 people, and that no stereotype could possibly fit everyone, however I'm just wondering how much truth there is to them. It is certainly possible that these statements are completely invalid!</p>

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<p>There haven't been any current students posting on this board recently, to the best of my knowledge, so you may not get the most accurate answers here.</p>

<p>FWIW, the stereotypes I came away with mostly are somewhat different.</p>

<p>Here are the ones I perceive, from the outside looking in:
-liberal
-politically conscious and politically engaged
-intellectual atmosphere
-excellent academics, taken seriously
-many musicians
-No fraternities
-Relatively less sports emphasis.
- Perhaps a greater proportion of future academics among the student body than the average college.
-Fewer overtly pre-professional types than some schools. Though all the professions will be well represented, eventually.</p>

<p>There are many applicants to Oberlin every year; someone must be finding something good about it, on balance. </p>

<p>So do the students do drugs while they are keeping to themselves? Somewhat unsettling image, that.. but I don't think these two images are very consistent, typically.</p>

<p>I would imagine there are some people there who "try too hard to be different". But maybe some people there genuinely ARE different. And many more aren't, which makes the others stand out more.</p>

<p>Like with all schools, I suggest if one likes what they read about, on balance, and it might be for them, but with a few concerns, then they ought to come and take a look for themselves. If what you read does not strike a chord with you in sufficient measure, don't apply.</p>

<p>FWIW, my daughter goes there, does not "try too hard to be different" in my opinion, did not do drugs (when she got there, anyway, don't know about now, after all I'm her father...), is politically liberal, plays an instrument and is serious about academics. That's one individual. I would guess that if one looks closely they will find a lot of individuals.</p>

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<p>I just got here 2 days ago and I haven't noticed people staying to themselves. In fact, much of the time people are talking with new people and making friends, etc.</p>

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<p>I'm an Oberlin parent too and agree that you'd get the best answer from students, though I don't think you'll find too many here. (I know my son would think it's totally lame that I actually post on these boards...)</p>

<p>For what it's worth, though, I'll give you my impression of these stereotypes.</p>

<p>1.) I've never heard that students like to stay by themselves, and from my observations, it couldn't be further from the truth. My son does spend a lot of time studying and in the library, but he also seems to have quite a social life. When he came home for the summer, he remarked how hard it was for him to not have the easy access to friends that he does at school. The "co-op" scene is Oberlin's rough equivalent of fraternities and sororities. (Minus the antics and exclusivity) and these are very social.
2.) As far as trying hard to be different -- that wouldn't surprise me if there were some kids like that. But i think college students everywhere try to carve out an identity for themselves and, initially at least, that can lead to interesting behavior.
3.) Like most colleges and universities, there is a drug scene and a drinking scene for the kids who choose it. But I don't get the impression there's anymore of this at oberlin than anywhere else. In fact, kids at oberlin are incredibly tolerant of all sorts of behaviors -- and a substance-free lifestyle is certainly included in that category.</p>

<p>I would suggest you visit the school and try to look beyond the stereotypes. Oberlin is a really special place, but it's not for everyone. Those students who it IS for absolutely love the place -- my son included. (He's a pretty serious creative intellectual type who likes to have fun, but is also pretty directed academically. )</p>

<p>hope this helps</p>

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<p>I remember at my own college there was a group of "artsy types"- mostly attending the College of Art & Architecture. There was a dorm that they mostly lived in. The residents of that dorm did have the reputation of being a bit different, and maybe trying to be too.</p>

<p>Oberlin probably has a higher proportion of artsy types than my college did.</p>

<p>So it wouldn't surprise me if some "artsy-type behavior", whatever that is, was represented in some measure on campus. Which is different than suggesting it is all-dominant.</p>

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<p>Another parent chiming in here. I just returned from dropping my freshman son off. Here is my take:</p>

<p>People keeping to themselves - that is not what I have seen or heard from other students we know who have attended. I will say that my experience with music students (and Oberlin has a top notch conservatory) is that they MAY have a tendency to isolate themselves because they spend so much time in isolation practicing. Highly social people are often not drawn to music because it does mean you spend a lot of time alone. So it may be that you are hearing that comment from conservatory students. Also, Oberlin is academically intense and students need to take time to study. </p>

<p>People try too hard to be different - A different perspective on that is that maybe people don't feel a need to conform and feel free to really BE different. My son is not particularly different on the outside, but I think he sometimes thinks or does things that seem very out of the ordinary for a boy his age. He doesn't try to be different, he just is. And maybe being at Oberlin will allow that part of him to flourish.</p>

<p>Drugs - As others have said, they are everywhere. I have experience with other campuses with drug reputations. At all of them, drugs are present, but the hype is more than the reality and students are not pressured to partake if they don't want to. And that fact is, that students who abuse drugs or alcohol on a regular basis are going to eventually run into academic trouble at a school like Oberlin. The academic scene is a reality check for most kids who are indulging.</p>

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<p>As a current student I think that monydad summed it up pretty nicely. The school tends to rally around non-traditional athletics like ultimate (frisbee), rugby (we only have a women's team), field hockey (our most successful varsity sport), etc. Even so there isn't a huge sports following on campus. While the school is generally liberal, there is a small but strong conservative group on campus. Last year they hosted a conference with a number of Conservative speakers including Oberlin grad Michelle Malkin of Fox News. As for drugs...they're here if you want them. Pot is around but there is no pressure at all to use it. There are also hard drugs on campus, however I have never actually seen any of them. This isn't because I'm particularly introverted either as I am an active member the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association and tend to hang out with the hippie types you might expect to be using a bunch. In my experience there are very few people on campus who let anything get in the way of their academics be it drugs, alcohol, sports, or anything else. Folks here love to have a good time and there's always a party going on if it isn't finals or midterms, but most people realize that they're paying a crap load to go here and can't afford to waste it.</p>

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<p>Does anyone sum up the character of Oberlin; I'm really curious, for maybe I will go there.</p>

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<p>buccaneer, see Oberlin</a> Blogs -- no one "sums up" Oberlin, but you can get a sense of what the students are like from reading their blogs.</p>

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<p>Does Oberlin have any substance free DORMS? I think they have substance-free housing, but first year students can't live in houses, can they?</p>

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<p>Substance free housing is a dorm. Barnard Hall.</p>

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<p>Dittos to fanatic517. Also, normal dorms, especially mixed-year dorms, aren't exactly crazy-party-city all the time. You don't need to drink to have fun.</p>