liz6298

does anyone know anything about the social life at the school?

does the small size take away from interesting parties and activities on campus and nearby? Is it fairly quiet, or busy/exciting?

allthosethings

The social scene at Bennington is very lively, active, and varied. There are always things going on around campus, from crazy theme parties, which is one of Bennington's claims to fame, to assorted student performances. There are amazingly talented people here, so the student work is usually pretty great. Bands come through all the time, and there are certainly many opportunities for outdoor activities-skiing, horseback riding and hiking.

There are some fun Bennington traditional events like Rollerama (a roller skating party on our giant dance floor) Midnight breakfast during finals, Prom, and the Snow Ball.

There are also always small parties in people's rooms, people going out to dinner, or to bars, in town. Lots of people go to Williamstown for the great ethnic restaurants and the art theater. Both North Adams and Williamstown have great museums-MASSMoCA and The Clark.

I am generally a city person, but I have never felt a shortage of things to do. In fact it is more of a problem trying to decide what to go to and what to miss.

I hope this is helpful, let me know if there is anything more specific that you would like to know about.

educated

My daughter goes to Bennington and always seems to have TOO much to do. There are movies, plays, lectures, bands and of course the theme parties. As far as off campus goes, there is a college van that will take you in to town, but to take full advantage of what the area has to offer, it is very helpful to have a car. Many people on campus do and I have never heard anyone complain about not being able to get around.

The social feeling seems to be very friendly, inclusive, and supportive, one of the advantages of a small school!

whome?

I have been lurking around cc for a year or so but never felt the desire to write in before. I am a freshman at Bennington and we, according to professors and upperclasspeople, have a very upbeat, school spirit sort of class and, yeah, I guess I fit in to that.
So far Bennington has been really cool. I love my classes, but even more, just the feeling on campus. Everyone is very friendly and there are so many really interesting people here (and I mean that in a good way!)
I actually just want to second what other people said about there being a lot to do here. I have not felt the need to go off campus at all yet. I have heard that by junior year it starts to feel a little small, and people start taking more road trips to Boston, Montreal and New York. Also, by that time most people are 21 and so their world gets bigger by being able to go out to more bars in the area. Many people seem to go abroad for at least a semester too. I am really not too worried about it, right now I have no desire to go any where, not even for a weekend, because I don't want to miss any of the campus events.