Amherst, drinking, and sub-free dorms

evitajr1
Sat, 15 Apr 2006 22:57:37 +0000

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.