<p>What is there to do at Deerfield on the weekends? Since it's in such a rural location, is "weekend fun" in any way limited? Also, how is the food there? Is there a lot of variety?</p>
<p>One of the parents said the food at DA was exceptional. I will take it a step further. Can any enrolled students there comment on the sit down dinners. Do you really get to know upperclassmen well and what value have they provided you that is tangible?</p>
<p>I know you said student replies, but my kids don’t post here. My son attends a school that has sit down meals (long time lurker, just joined). It has not only been great to get to know other students but also faculty members that you might not otherwise. A lot of times you know the kids in your classes, your sports team and your dorm hall. Sit down meals expand that.</p>
<p>For me as a parent, I like that it is more like family dinner at home than cafe style drop in meals are.</p>
<p>As for weekends, Deerfield is close to a downtown with movies, and restaurants and about 20 minutes from a mall.</p>
<p>Also a parent…I think the kids have too much hw for cc.</p>
<p>DA always has weekend activities. This past weekend it was a foriegn film fest and a Valentine’s dance. The fitness center and Greer (student center) are open. There is always Friday night intramural hockey, Sunday Yoga, and of course just hanging with friends. DA is in the “5 college” area so often there is often a trip to Northampton where there are restaurants, shops, coffee houses, bookstores, movie theatre, etc.</p>
<p>My DA students love the sit-down meal tradition. Tables are mixed (by grade, sex, day and boarder, etc.) so it is a great way to meet new people. It eliminates the need to find a friend to go with you to the dining hall so you don’t have to sit alone. You almost always have one person at the table that you already know well from the dorms, class or ECs. Also is a great chance to get to know faculty members outside of class, and to learn to make conversation with people you do not know. Many students feel it keeps the cliques down and, along with the dress code, is part of what defines DA as different from other schools.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the great feedback. How long do the sit down dinners take? If you have a lot of homework does it get in the way?</p>
<p>i dont think it would particularly “get in the way” becuase EVERYONE is there. like even teachers. so the teachers expect you to start hw at a certain time.</p>
<p>At my son’s school, the sit down dinners are 30-45 minutes. I sometimes wonder how they eat that fast!</p>