Amherst College
- Drug Safety

Quick Stats

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Amherst nights—and for some, the days, too—involve respectable amounts of alcohol. Alcohol is not for everyone, and is not used all the time, but for many Amherst students, alcohol consumption is part of a weekly routine. Often time, sports teams have parties after big wins, and these parties are usually attended not only by the athletes, but other students, as well. It’s common to get the lowdown on this weekend’s parties and just go to them and drink, many times for free. Most of the time, this is due to generous seniors who pick up the tab for the poor underclassmen. When you’re a senior, you’ll probably do the same.

Pot is the other popular illegal substance, and, as is the case with alcohol, if you’re into it, there’s no problem getting it. (Even though, unlike alcohol, pot doesn’t come free.) Harder drugs are present but are far less common. It is a near consensus among students that doing hard drugs or too many "light" drugs will inevitably get in the way of academics and other activities. Perhaps here is where this ostensibly lax campus checks itself. Most students seem to be able to prioritize well: “A big paper due in two days means no partying tonight” is the common rule of thumb. It’s mostly an individual decision whether to drink or experiment with light drugs, and there is little active social pressure to do anything. Drinking, although prevalent, doesn’t determine coolness, and in fact, those students who drink frequently and heavily may be chastised by their friends after a while.

Amherst Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Most RecentMost PopularHighest GradesLowest Grades

Drug Safety at Amherst College

klferendo

History '15

4.2

A-

Drugs at Amherst

The college is not extremely strict about drugs, but it does work to restrict underage drinking and use of illegal drugs. It's really not very difficult for anyone wanting to drink or smoke pot to obtain some. Drugs really aren't a nuisance though. Probably the majority of students drink, but usually moderately and for parties. Pot is almost always kept to one's dorm room. There is only very, very mild pressure to drink.

In general, the college is fairly laid back, drugs are available but not a nuisance, and everyone's chill about it.

Jan 19, 2012

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Drug Safety at Amherst College

YJB14

Psychology '14

3.5

B

People Are Usually Pretty Responsible

A large portion of the student body drinks, but most people won't pressure you into doing it yourself. Also, people here respect other peoples' choices not to drink/smoke/etc.

Jan 12, 2012

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Drug Safety at Amherst College

ilanamventura

Political Science and Government '12

3.8

B+

Study Hard, Party Hard (But Only on Weekends)

Most people would not consider Amherst College a "party- school" in the slightest, however, on weekends, there is always a place to go to have fun (which generally involves lots of alcohol). There is a drug scene if you look for it, but its not very outwardly present in most circles. Students care far too much about their grades to party much during the week.

Nov 20, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

What do you think of your school? Register to submit reviews to let others know what it's really like »

First

Previous

Page 1 of 9

Next

Last

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Name the most popular drugs on campus.

How would you describe the drug scene on campus (not including alcohol)?

How would you describe the social drinking scene on campus?

How much access do underage students have to alcohol?

How does peer pressure affect students’ use of drugs and alcohol?