The food was hit or miss for our daughter. Some of that had to do with the number of options, and I believe the new dining hall has addressed some of the layout limitations. Pasta night and her ability to “McGiver” meals are what I remember most… not really too much complaining.
As for social life, here’s the thing that stood out to me: the school takes a very “hands-off” approach to alcohol.
You can’t be annoying/loud, but there was no concern of “being caught” drinking because it just wasn’t something that public safety did. It’s that way at all 3 Tri-Co schools. There used to be “frats”, which were buildings (near the tennis courts… very cool stone and slate) used by groups for parties. No greek life on campus.
There was also something called Pub Night (every Thursday)… in the really cool / large space atop Tarble Hall. They had some sort of process with colored wristbands for drinking, but once inside there was nothing to stop anyone from drinking the beer they provided on-site (not sure who…but there was a keg or two and the kids hung out until it was gone). This shocked our daughter the first time. There is also Worthstock in the spring, which is sort of the last big party before finals.
I think the way Swat handled alcohol worked really well. Most of the drinking was in small groups, on campus, without things getting out of hand. The kids work really hard, and allowing them to blow off steam and socialize as adults made the “party” scene a lot less interesting to them. Our daughter has friends who were then very much into the craft beer scene, and it was more about variety than volume. FWIW…these kids had really good taste and proved useful in getting me some “hard to find” beers over the last 2 years they were there.
The majority of the social life is small groups…6 to 12. If you play a sport, the groups might be a bit larger. Kids move between and among several groups without social pressures, and the groups will merge and split based on what’s going on. As they get older or for special events (ie concerts)…they will head to Philly. Occasionally, they’ll also head over to Haverford/Bryn Mawr.
The students are also very supportive of each other. Our daughter played a sport and sang in the choir…and her friends were always there when we’d attend something. They keep busy when they aren’t studying.