sarazlig

Hey guys! I got into Amherst and am really interested in it; it seems like a really mellow but rigorous school with lots of friendly people. But I do have a question about (as the subject says) drinking and sub-free dorms at Amherst.

So here's the deal. I don't really have a problem with drinking, per se. It doesn't really interest me recreationally, but conceivably it might someday, I suppose. But I don't want to have people vomiting all over my dorm or stumbling around drunk in the hallways at all hours of the night or anything like that. (Does that happen at Amherst or am I being melodramatic?)

So... this seems to suggest that a sub-free dorm would be the place for me, yeah? But I also worry about sub-free dorms for a couple reasons.

First of all, I kind of worry that everyone in sub-free is, well, the same. I also worry that everyone in sub-free is really introverted and stereotypically "nerdy" or whatever (although I am a self-proclaimed nerd, so maybe that is not a negative thing!) Is this the case at Amherst? I am pretty sure that this isn't true, but I just wanted to check.

The other thing is, is there a big stigma against sub-free people on campus? Do people from sub-free hang out with other people, too, or is there like a big sub-free clique with an iron wall around it?

And then, just, generally, how pervasive IS drinking at Amherst? Are the rumors true or is it pretty much as common as it is at other schools?

Thanks so much for reading all this! I really don't mean to sound paranoid or snooty or anything like that. And thanks in advance for the responses

evitajr1

As a parent of an Amherst frosh, I didn't get involved in the decision. We didn't have sub-free housing when i went to college, and I did end up having to take care of roommates. D heard those stories. D chose sub-free for the very reasons that you stated. She didn't want to have to clean up after a roommate. From what I heard, some dorms are more "social" than others. However, with over 20% of the kids choosing sub-free, and the number going up every year it seems, there seems to be no stigma. D has friends from her floor with whom she is very close, but also has friends with whom she is close from non sub-free dorms. She doesn't go to many parties, yet always has something to do and places to go. But her studies keep her very busy and she just doesn't understand how students can go out and party a lot and keep up. D is conservative in lifestyle, (a stickler for the rules) but I met her friends, and wouldn't consider any of them "nerds." (And I know nerds - I am a teacher.) And just being bright doesn't make one a nerd. Her friends all seem to be personable, bright, and socially adept. A couple have steady boyfriends, and are active in various groups on campus. With the size of the campus and classes, you will quickly meet people who are like you, so not to worry. D is very happy with her choice of sub-free this year.

sarazlig

Thanks, evitajr--that's exactly what I was hoping was the case! I didn't realize how many kids chose sub-free, but this definitely makes me feel better. I'm getting really excited about Amherst, and I can't wait for my visit next weekend!!!!!

allureNY86

Hey~ I live in subfree housing. I laughed when you said you were worried that everyone is really introverted/nerdy. I think that is almost the opposite case. Take North, for instance, a fully subfree dorm. I went there one night last semester, because I had a lot of reading for an advanced psych class and thought I would find quiet there, but no. The people there are quite outgoing and personable. And in my experience at Amherst, I haven't met any nerds in the negative sense. Sure, there are bright kids here, but I don't consider that nerdy. And some have their quirks. But they aren't socially inept.

I don't feel a big stigma against subfree people. Maybe other Amherst students can chime in. I mean, it's fine. People do their own thing.

Drinking's pervasiveness... basically, if you want it, you can get it. If you don't, you won't, but you may hear party noises. It is just as common as it is at other schools. Except maybe a school like Brigham Young. But there's a drinking scene at every school.

ahobbitinside

I live in North, the fully sub-free dorm this year, and I love it. There is a great variety of people here, and though there are one or two more antisocial types, overall I think you'd find we're not that much different from people of other dorms.

North residents do get accused of being a little cliquey, which is somewhat true. We have a really nice dorm community (I almost want to say the closest out of all the freshmen dorms), and even our own "table" in Val. Some nights the common rooms are so filled with people socializing that it's hard to study or do anything. However, I think almost everyone here has friends outside of the dorm as well, and we frequently have non-North visitors.

Don't think just because it's sub-free people won't drink though. They're just less likely to do it or do it in more moderation. However, I'd say a noticeable percentage of our residents do go out to drink from time to time, and we have had a couple of drunken cases. However, it's definitely a lot rarer than it would be elsewhere. The RC's tend to look the other way on stuff like this, but they are very serious about no substances in the dorm, which was my main reason for living here.

Are you visiting? If you are, I'd suggest just stopping by and seeing it for yourself. You should also check out the non-subfree dorms too or talk to people who live there to get their side of the story.