<p>Hi! So I know that my academics would make Oberlin a good fit but I'm worried that Oberlin might be too "hippyish" for me. I come from a liberal, middle class family and I wholly support and partake in political activism as well as environmental causes. However, I am not so interested in partial nudity, marijuana, and pushing cultural barriers because it is "cool" or with no real purpose. The previous things were mentioned on a student and faculty blog and I am wondering if they are an accurate representation of life at Oberlin. I am considering visiting but it is a long drive so I want to be very interested before I visit. Thanks!</p>
<p>There are people who smoke marijuana, but there are just as many, if not more, that don’t. There are people who push cultural barriers, but I don’t think most students would be pleased if they were just doing it to be cool, and it would be fairly obvious if they weren’t very educated about their cause. I’m not really sure about the partial nudity though, unless crop tops count? The only event I can think of with partial nudity was Safer Sex Night, that was cancelled, so I wouldn’t worry about that one very much. I know it’s a long drive, but I think you would fit enough that it would be worth a visit. Stay overnight if you can and you will get a pretty good feel if Oberlin is too “hippyish” for you. </p>
<p>Your background sounds like my background before I went there. You will find that there are plenty of students there just like you. There will be many who have different viewpoints or interests. You should have an open mind, because you will run into many people who question the status quo. It is no. 1, an academic institution, with plenty of bright educators and students. It is an intellectual environment, with students trying to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills after encountering brilliant professors and peers, who serve as examples and mentors.</p>
<p>There are also many parties and social events, and most of the students are happy. They also try to help the ones who may not be so happy. </p>
<p>I share your concerns: I am liberal but worry that Oberlin might be a bit too trust-fundy and overly PC. And maybe more crunchy, tattoo-y and gauge-y than I’d like (I’m not that), which tends to mean that the kids have lots of cash (which I don’t have)…</p>
<p>If you visit Oberlin and sit in on a class or two, you will learn that there is a wide variety of students, including students of all social categories and classes. Don’t fall victim to stereotyping.</p>
<p>Oberlin has always prided itself in taking students of all socio-economic conditions, and providing appropriate financial assistance. As for PC, if being against racism, homophobia, and sexism is PC, then Oberlin is guilty.</p>
<p>My son’s take on it after his visit was that the students were all very similar to each other. It seems like a place that either really fits you to a T or just doesn’t. You should definitely visit. </p>
<p>Whether a student is a 280 pound tackle on the football team or a hippy, they are similar in that they enjoy and are open to intellectual things. They want to attend class and learn much in their fields of study, as well about the world, and how they can make a difference. They are tolerant of different people and other points of view as long as those points of view are rational. Like other college students they want to have fun too, and have it, but the school is not for people who party every night of the week.</p>