jyi90

What are the people like at Beloit? I hear there is a reputation that they are the "dungeons and dragons"-type of people and not aesthetically pleasing if you catch my drift--this is what I read from other sources sorry to sound narrow-minded

deloar

We visited there a week ago. Didn't get that kind of impression. Saw some different type of dress, but not that much. My D had conversation with 6 students. All very engaging. Focused on education, but different personal styles. She spent about an hour in conversation with the director of the spiritual life program and four students - 3 Christian and 1 Bahai. It was just what my D wanted to hear. Beloit is now her first choice.

I've heard what you are describing and went there expecting it. Didn't find it.

lalady

Beloit students cut across the spectrum with a common interest in learning and and general open-mindedness. While considerably more could be characterized as hippie looking than preppy looking, there are all types at Beloit and all apparently feel welcome. For a small school, there is plenty of variety. My son's friends are quite diverse, and if you are asking about looks in particular, my very opinionated daughter pronounced several of them "hot looking" when she visited him. My son's girlfriend and her friends are quite attractive, too. I wouldn't be concerned about "aesthetics."

carolyn

There is a group called the Beloit Science Fiction Fantasy Association that all live in a dorm together. They could be considered "dungeons and dragons" sorts, but it is a small group, similar to a fraternity, and easy enough to avoid entirely if that's not your thing.

The one commonality among Beloit students is that they are unpretentious. They don't make an overt effort to impress others by flashing the latest fashion styles, putting on make-up every morning, or talking about their trips to the Carribean over spring break. It's just a very laid back kind of place, where who you are inside is more important than how you look outside.

Beloit also has of the friendliest and accepting student bodies my daughter and I came across in 26+ college visits. My daughter has friends ranging from conservative religious types to more "out there" kids with multiple piercings -- and they all seem to get along well with each other. My daughter, by the way, is probably somewhere in the middle. She likes the freedom Beloit gives her to just be herself and not have to work overly hard to fit in or impress others.

That said, I do think that Beloit is probably not right for everyone. Those who are more concerned with how people look on the outside then they are with who people are on the inside would probably be happier elsewhere.

jyi90

oh and the surroundings? i hear beloit the city itself isn't that lively and not great to look at

asdad

My D is not complimentary about the city. She spends most of her time on campus, and never seems to have a problem of having something to do.

carolyn

The city of Beloit is definitely NOT Beloit College's selling point. However, my daughter, like Asdad finds plenty to do on campus, and she finds it easly to head off campus to Madison and Chicago (Madison is about 35 minutes away, Chicago about an hour and a half) when she feels the need for a change of scene or wants more excitement. There is bus service to both, but she mainly goes with friends who have cars.

It sounds like you haven't been able to visit. Are you an international student? If not, I would definitely recommend a visit to see if it is right for you.

asdad

Rockford is about 10 minutes away and is also a destination for shopping, eating, etc.

carolyn

Janesville is also a 10-15 minute drive, and is also a good place for shopping (they have several malls), dining, movies, etc.

jyi90

ah I see, thank you
no I'm not an international student and I would like to visit the campus soon

jyi90

my two primary choices are ithaca and beloit

jyi90

ithaca because it would be a refreshing change to go there--the environment (lots to do there), the energy there; and beloit because the atmosphere is so friendly and the academics is better quality

carolyn

Ithaca and Beloit are very different, in my opinion.

Do visit both schools, and try to stay overnight in the dorms. You will probably know right away which is the right place for you.

Good luck!

jyi90

Thank you!

deloar

When we visited with my D a few weeks ago, I loved the city of Beloit. Cool bookstore which is the colleges, restaurants and stores. But then...I'm a parent.