<p>Hey, guys. :) I'm highly considering applying to UCSC next fall, and I'm starting my research on the different residential colleges right now. </p>
<p>One of the things I've been seeking in a college in general is an artsy/hipster atmosphere, and Porter sounds like it has it! However, I don't do drugs or drink; I'm not super opposed to perhaps trying marijuana (no drugs harder than that though) and drinking a little, but it's not really my thing...I also dislike the smell of marijuana and wouldn't want to constantly be surrounded by it. Would Porter not be the right choice for me, based on this? Thanks for any advice!</p>
<p>I’m highly allergic to marijuana and have lived at Porter since I transferred last year. Unless you want to believe I’m a ghost, I’m obviously not dead yet ;)</p>
<p>I have quite honestly only smelled it a few times on UCSC’s campus. One of those times was over the summer at College 10. I was extremely ill for a week because of that particular incident. Porter has such a bad reputation because of Porter Meadow. It seems to be the ideal location on campus to do things that are less than legal on a public campus. Unsanctioned events like 4/20 are held there as well and access to the west side of campus is hindered because many of those who come are not affiliated with the college at all. We’re not even allowed to have overnight guests on campus for the days surrounding April 20.</p>
<p>Marijuana exists at all of the residential colleges. Heck, it exists at all colleges period. I’ve personally had more encounters with the smell at UCB than I have at UCSC. You’re more likely to hear about a college with a reputation, though. Some like to use incidents at those with reputations to support the reputation. Many people like to be able to justify their beliefs.</p>
<p>You will find what you are looking for at any college. If you come in looking for marijuana, you’ll find it. It’s all about who you surround yourself with. If your instinct is Porter, then go with Porter. Those who try and tell you it’s constant marijuana clouds 24/7 are blind to all but what they want to see (or in this case: smell).</p>
<p>I love Porter. I had a friend who tried to talk me out of it saying I “wouldn’t fit in.” I ignored him because Porter’s location mattered to me more than anything else. I’m glad I did not listen to his advice because I can’t imagine being anywhere else.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster. Im also a Porter student and do not smoke nor drink. If you want marijuana, you can definitely find it. If you’re not interested, you won’t come across it.</p>
<p>There are people who like art, yes. Our core class is based in writing across the arts, after all, and there are scholarships available for conducting your own art project.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t go so far as to label one college as being any one thing. The campus as an entirety is fairly liberal and fairly green. However, you will find several people who will say one way or the other. My experience is it is such a mix bag that it’s nigh impossible to do so. If you like art, you’ll find it here, though :)</p>
So, from your experience, is the artsy/hipster population thing true there or not so much?</p>