<p>This message is directed towards current/past students, possibly Justin who I have seen throughout the Lafayette blogs. I was wondering what social life was like and how it reflects the student body as a whole. Is there a lack of diversity amongst the students?
Also, I know that Lafayette is in a small town (easton), but is there anything to do in the surrounding area. And lastly, I've heard that frat parties dominate all forms of social life. I cannot decide if this is necessarily a bad thing, probably because i don't know exactly what occurs at such a party. Any insight into my concerns and questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, steven.</p>
<p>Also in addition to my above post, is it true that the student body is primarily conservative in its views?? thanks again, steven</p>
<p>Steven,</p>
<p>I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to respond to your posts. I was up to my eyeballs in work this past week!</p>
<p>I assume you've gained much of your information on Lafayette (and the others schools you show interest in) from college guidebooks? Please be careful about taking that sort of "insider information" at face value. Outside companies (The Princeton Review, for instance) make blanket statements about colleges, usually with little backing.</p>
<p>With that said...</p>
<p>What exactly do you want to know about the social life? The term "social life" is quite broad. Also, are you asking me to draw conclusions about the student body based on how we socialize? I'm more than happy to address your question; I just need a little clarification.</p>
<p>There is definitely a lack of ethnic diversity on campus. Any college guidebook will tell you that we're 80% white. Personally, I see diversity all throughout campus. There's geographic diversity, (with about 6% of our population from outside the U.S.), religious diversity, and certainly socio-economic diversity. Every student brings a new perspective to class discussions based on diverse beliefs and personal convictions.</p>
<p>Easton is not that small of a town! It has a population of about 30,000. Downtown, there's great ethnic cuisine, small family-owned shops of all sorts, farmers markets on weekends, and more on the way as billions of tax dollars are being put to work. You can read more about upcoming plans to revitalize the city here: Lafayette</a> Alumni News Magazine - Summer 2006.</p>
<p>Up on "College Hill," there are a number of modern shopping centers with Wal-Marts, various food stores, movie theaters, big chain restaurants, etc. all within a short driving distance, and our free shuttle service runs to these locations regularly.</p>
<p>I've said it before, and I'll say it again: fraternities and sororities do not dominate the social scene. Only 1/3 of students are involved (more than at some colleges, less than at many others). Our reputation as a "party school" has followed us through the decades, even though the social scene has changed drastically over the past 40-50 years. We used to be a "frat school," but those times have long since passed. Yes, the Greek houses do hold social events (some with alcohol, some without), and yes, some students do attend them, but that's just one part of what Lafayette is all about.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>
[quote]
Is there a lack of diversity amongst the students?
[/quote]
Probably...lots of upper/upper mid class white Americans, lol. However there is enough diversity to make friends from any background. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, I know that Lafayette is in a small town (easton), but is there anything to do in the surrounding area.
[/quote]
As I've experienced, Wal-Mart/Giants trips and trips to the movie theater are pretty much all there is to do unless you have a car. Of course, Manhattan is 1.3 hrs from here, so you can always take a bus there. </p>
<p>
[quote]
And lastly, I've heard that frat parties dominate all forms of social life.
[/quote]
Definitely not. If you want to go to the frat parties you are free to choose to. Otherwise, there are so many other things to do on campus you might as well forget about them. Personally I've only been to a frat party once, and left because I didn't see the point of it lol. Been going to random stuff since. But no, it's not like you will be secluded if you're not in a frat or sorority.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also in addition to my above post, is it true that the student body is primarily conservative in its views??
[/quote]
As far as I've seen, no. I may be wrong.</p>
<p>Thank you Justin, your long and detailed response is very appreciated.
How do you feel about Lafayette's size. Does its reasonably small undergraduate population seem small, or do you find yourself meeting new and interesting people throughout your years.
Also, I touched on it in my second post, but yea most of the information I have is from such guidebooks. What do you observe and feel the political climate on campus to be (liberal, conservative, intense, supportive?) Thanks again.</p>
<p>Steven,</p>
<p>I think the size is perfect...that's why I decided to attend Lafayette!</p>
<p>My high school had about 1,200 students total. Lafayette is about twice the size. I knew I wanted a school where I'd be more than an identification number, where professors would actually get to know my name. I'm always meeting new people through my classes and extracurriculars, but I still run into more familiar friends on a somewhat regular basis.</p>
<p>If I was forced to classify the political climate on campus, I'd say it is slightly more conservative. With that said, I have friends from both ends of the political spectrum in addition to those who choose not to get involved. Lafayette is no Reed, but we're certainly no Brigham Young...get my drift?</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>What is with reed and byu?</p>
<p>mohak,</p>
<p>Reed is recognized for its more liberal student body, and Brigham Young is known for its more conservative student body. Both are fine institutions...I was only using them as the basis of my comparison.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>