That's over by the Stop N Shop, so it's about a 25 minute walk from campus. Is it walkable? Sure. Would I want to walk it regularly, especially in winter? No. It's just not very convenient.
When I was a student we went to the Stop N SHop pretty rarely (see in other posting my note about Whole Foods/Target/Trader Joe's being on the bus line and thus more convenient), only when we needed to buy groceries because we were staying at school over break with no dining hall. For Pharmacy stuff, I think most students used the CVS pharmacy on Main Street, or brought a semester's worth of supply from home.
Ok, CVS is the convenient pharmacy. I'm studying the Smith health care policy issue vis a vis the policy I have my family on. My D is not on any meds so loading up in Florida and flying a semester's worth into Smith is not an issue! I'm more curious about, let's say she comes down with some non emergency issue and needs to fill an antibio prescription-- our plan pays for it and I know for certain Walgreens works with our provider. I believe CVS does so as well--good. And, thanks.
No prob. As long as she's not super sick, and she doesn't have to go there regularly, I'm sure she could walk to the Walgreens too. Like I said, it's not a million miles away. Worst case scenario: she can get a cab there or get a friend to drive her. Also, they have a pharmacy at the Target at the Hampshire Mall and I think probably at the Walmart too, and she can take the bus there. But yes, CVS is the closest and more convenient pharmacy.
I know Smith is an all-women's school, don't get me wrong. But I don't want to be devoid of opportunities to spend time with those of the XY chromosomes. Is interaction with men ACTULLY possible?
ALSO: Smith vs. Carleton? I am debating the two right now and I would appreciate any and all thoughts.
Location: BC '73, Parent of: USCGA '09; Seton Hall '11; Smith '15
Posts: 2,524
Well I'm no expert in this area but from a distance it seems that there are numerous opportunities for such "interactions" both on campus and at the other schools in the Five College network. There are also males attending classes at Smith and Smithies attending classes at the co-ed colleges. Never fear where there is a will there is a way.
As far as Smith vs. Carleton, I am sure you are aware of the cold and snowy nature of Minnesota. And Northampton is a far more cosmopolitan city than Northfield. Both are fine schools and either would be a good choice.
Two things: it appears that they are putting a convenience store on green street. So, that might help with smaller items one might need (I literally don't know more than this)
and two: YES, you can interact with boys. My first semester I had 3 boys in my classes (to be fair, it's more common in Math courses because Hampshire boys come).
Outside of academics, I have a super close guy friend who goes to UMass. We met here, and hang out all the time. It's totally possible, but you have to seek it out. It won't come knocking at your door
Hello all!
I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about the psychology, English, neuroscience, and Korean majors/courses at Smith. I'm currently planning, as far as women's colleges go, to apply to Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Salem.
I'm also concerned about financial aid/ scholarships at both Smith and Holyoke. Are aid packages usually sufficient? I know I, not my family, could even dream of affording to pay anything close to full tuition.
Location: BC '73, Parent of: USCGA '09; Seton Hall '11; Smith '15
Posts: 2,524
I can only speak to the English Dept. as my d is an English major. It is one of the largest majors on campus and the professors are excellent. One was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize this year(Michael Gorra) and others are highly regarded in their fields. Additionally, there are always visiting authors who teach creative writing. In the past such luminaries as Kurt Vonnegut have taught at Smith.
As far as financial aid, everyone's circumstances are different, so it's tough to comment on your situation. In our case, my d gets very good financial aid, without which she could not attend Smith. We are a middle-class family if that helps. Good luck!
How does this meet financial need thing work? Like, if our EFC is 200, will the FA package cover it all? And will that just be like 30k in loans or is it actually aid? Sorry, I'm new to this concept!!! I'm going to UMass next year and I'm already thinking of transferring. Just not the environment for me. I thought it would be much more studious than it is.
