Big Drinking School

papillion09 · 11-03-2008, 09:10 AM

I heard that students at Colgate drink a lot. Is it because the school is in a small town and there aren't many other things to do? Well, I was just wondering how much of it is really true.

ColdWind · 11-03-2008, 10:56 AM

Yes and yes.

DadofB&G · 11-03-2008, 11:59 AM

Kids drink at Colgate. They drink at a lot of schools. No, let me revise that. They drink at ALL schools.

D goes to a lot of parties. There is drinking. She drinks, but not much because she has a bit of an allergic reaction to alcohol. And she has fun.

Don't let the drinking business color your feelings about Colgate too much.

ColdWind · 11-03-2008, 12:09 PM

I agree with the above post that students drink at most schools. Best advice I can think of is either carry bottled water with you to parties so that you can socialize without feeling awkward, or only drink light (lite) beer. Stay away from shots of liquor.

lydia08 · 11-04-2008, 12:15 AM

There's a lot to do on campus if you don't drink, as well as "substance free" housing. If you don't mind parties but don't want to drink, there's no pressure at all to drink if you don't want to. There are plenty of options for anyone, no matter what their preference for alcohol.

Honestly, compared to some of the stories I've heard from my friends at other top schools in New England, Colgate can be downright tame...

intothewild470 · 11-13-2008, 02:29 PM

Let's be honest people. Colgate IS a big drinking school, mainly because of the fact that Hamilton, although quite a charming little town (actually downtown Hamilton is comprised of 2 streets), does not have much to offer. If you care about good academics and professors, and won't be bothered by the school-wide obsession with alcohol, then by all means come here. but if you are looking for more diversity in your social life, and you don't want to choose between going to the same frats and parties every night and being locked away in a dorm room watching movies with other like-minded individuals, then don't come here.

Colgate IS a great university, academically speaking. but, if you don't drink, there are NOT as many other options as admissions likes to proclaim. Yes, they hold midnight movies at the theater and free movies in the Love auditorium at 7 and 10, but other than that, nothing else goes on. And as far a "substance free" housing goes, it virtually does not exist.

But don't let anyone change your idea about a school, come see for yourself. Talk to people, and if you fit in with the student body you'll be fine. But if you're looking for diversity, look somewhere else because that (although admissions will say the contrary) is virtually nonexistent in many aspects of life at Colgate.

if you go to **************.com I believe that one person puts it perfectly: "Two types of students will be happy at Colgate. The first type is the affluent jocky caucasian who wishes to get a respected degree while partying as much as possible with people in a fraternity centric atmosphere. The second type is the totally devoted student who does not mind having a very limited social life for 4 years."

intothewild470 · 11-13-2008, 06:30 PM

looking back at what I wrote, I didn't mean to have a case of sour grapes.

A Colgate education will open many doors for you - there are soo many opportunities here for success. Also, many of the professors here are wonderful and have truly affected me in a positive way. I just strongly dislike the social scene. Then again, there are many people here who really like it. It all depends on YOU.

lydia08 · 11-13-2008, 07:24 PM

Some people may have the experience that you either drink or are bored out of your mind, depending on their social circle. However, having lived both in substance free and non-substance free housing and knowing many people that drink and many that don't (and having done both myself), I know that you can have a good time regardless of your drinking habits and that sub free housing does exist. They may not be as visible, but there are parties without alcohol, game nights, movies, concerts, sports games, etc.

Also, for those that don't want to drink but don't mind being around those that do, you're welcome at any parties, in my experience. People may offer you a drink, but I have never seen anyone put pressure on anyone else to drink. It may be difficult for people who rely on alcohol to have a good time to imagine having fun at a party with no booze, but it is surprisingly easy if you actually like the people you're hanging out with. Even if you do drink, you don't have to go to frat parties or bars in town... there are definitely options.

morrismm · 11-13-2008, 07:57 PM

So what exactly does a big city school offer that Colgate does not? From my experience and understanding, most college students interact with their other college students. What do they do? Party, join clubs/ volunteer groups, sports, student government, etc. These are all readily available at Colgate.

What do you get from a big city. More choice of--

restaraurnt---yes
museums's --yes (I' sure college students go weekly, no monthly, errr, maybe never)
shopping--of course, that is why I am paying the big bucks
broadway--no, but I can be involved in my school's theater
concerts--schools often have, at lower cost, but less choice
speakers--colleges, even small town ones, often have the best, most interesting at no cost

My S has had amazing experiences (I believe not achievable at a big city school because it was not his major where majors get first/only choice.) at Colgate as a member of an extracurricular group. My niece, non-sorority, not big drinker, grad of a big city very elite hs loves Colgate.

Kate@Gate13 · 11-18-2008, 08:32 AM

Also, just to add to morrismm, my roommate went to NYC on Sunday with her English class. They went to MOMA and the Whitney, and on Friday night I saw Jon Stewart (1.5 hours of stand-up...incredible!) and that was organized through Colgate Activities Board (CAB).

And obviously there will be more restaurants in a big city, but in Hamilton we have sushi, Chinese, Mexican, wholefoods, Italian, two+pizza places, a local sub/sandwich place, and three "really nice" restaurants, plus the coffee shop. This weekend there was also free Indian food from a Syracuse restaurant for "Bangrha" night at the Creative Arts House. My point is, variety and choices are definitely here!