<p>I'm a prospective student very interested in Hamilton. I have done some research on the college, and I've found that many sites/ people have suggested that the social scene revolves around the Greek scene and/or drinking. Can any students weigh in on this? I'm really interested in the college, and I'd appreciate any input. </p>
<p>I’d say the culture revolves around drinking in general much more so than Greek life. I’m not Greek, and I don’t find that to be a hindrance at all to my social experience at Hamilton. Being Greek at Hamilton is much less defining than it is at other schools- finding out someone is Greek is more of a ‘fun fact’ than anything else. </p>
<p>Freshman year it might feel like the Greeks control your nightlife, but that’s mostly because freshman have a harder time getting alcohol and will go where it is, and that’s often the school-wide advertised parties that are often hosted by Greek associations (but other orgs can host them). Most parties I go to, though, are much smaller and more relaxed. A lot of Hamilton kids will get together with their friends and a 30 rack and have a great night playing cards against humanity and casual beer pong.</p>
<p>Really, what your social life is depends on your friends. If you like the Greek life, go for it. If you don’t, well, I really don’t feel like their existence impacts my life at all. And if you’re not interested in drinking at all- that’s where you may feel much more alone at times because college culture in general is very vocal about drinking. But you really don’t have to. I have friends that don’t drink, and they are perfectly content hanging out with us while we have a beer or two. There are nights where I choose not to drink. Granted, a fair warning: most of my friends who started out dry began drinking here and there by the end of sophomore year. If you’re really not interested in drinking, you should know that the population of non-drinkers shrinks over the years.</p>
<p>Thanks! @adalkia</p>
<p>Completely agree with adalkia. Hamilton is one of the last few LACs with greek life. That being said, those who are in frats/sororities love it. There are some big changes happening with greek life (rushing, pledging, etc.), freshmen housing, and off-campus housing. So, the social scene is in flux.That being said, alcohol is a big part of the social scene. The campus does put on non-alcoholic events, but these are not widely attended. Short story: Hamilton’s night life is what you make of it. If you want to go to a party with 600 people and a live band, we have that. If you want to go to an “acoustic coffee house” we have that. If you want to stay in and watch a movie with friends…the academic buildings are open, so feel free to use the big screens, you can even use the auditorium(s) if they aren’t in use. Hamilton is about the people. The nightlife isn’t the best, but the people are. It’s just central NY is a little more fun if you’re buzzed. </p>
<p>check out bowdoin. LAC with no greek life.</p>
<p>@collegebound752 Bowdoin is actually at the top of my list! </p>
<p>@abc1230 That put things more in perspective. Thanks!</p>
<p>@2015snl, I’ll be a freshman at Bowdoin in a week so let me know if you have any questions!</p>