Just chiming in - my daughter who is a freshman at Oberlin College is having a fantastic time - the academics are rigorous she finds her courses interesting. She has made new friends and found kindred souls and feels that she belongs. There are lots of things to do apart from the academics - lots of concerts and shows, and all sorts of activities that keep a geeky, somewhat socially awkward and brilliant child happy. It is absolutely not a school where everyone gets drunk all the time. The lack of sororities and fraternities was actually a big draw for her.
The kids seem intellectually engaged. It is truly a haven for those kids who may have not found their place socially in high school and felt different, who are highly creative and unique. Many of them congregate at Oberlin and are elated to find each other. The town itself is very safe and has quite a few lovely coffee shops, restaurants and funky stores.