Amherst College
- Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

There is not much in Amherst outside of the College. Amherst is the epitome of a college town. Main Street is right next the College, and there you’ll find CVS, Starbucks, Fleet Bank, as well as various local shops. The people are, by and large, nice to a degree that stupefies most students from New York City, and you can’t walk down the street without a complete stranger nodding and saying hello. The place visibly caters to both UMass and Amherst students. Testimonials to this are the numerous restaurants and pubs on Main Street, and the various sales and special offers that every business owner puts out on the store window. In September, they hang signs that say “Welcome students!!!!!!,” complete with all the exclamation points.

Northampton is a 30-minute free bus ride away. It’s a town bigger than Amherst and, as such, it is bubblier and livelier. The selection of bars and general hangouts is broader in Northampton than in Amherst, and there are also dance clubs for those who like to get down every once in a while. All in all, Amherst students will generally opt to stay on campus on weekends for two main reasons. First, the drinking age is 21, and Massachusetts cops take the law nitpickingly seriously. Second, and more importantly, the best parties usually happen at the College. Students from Smith and Holyoke (which are, and just simply stating facts, all-girl schools) flock over here for parties, and there is usually is a respectable representation of UMass students, as well. Amherst seniors do go out to bars in town, but the fact remains that nobody ever comes to Amherst because of the town itself.

Amherst Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Most RecentMost PopularHighest Grades

Local Atmosphere at Amherst College

Caribou924

'12

Neuroscience

4.2

A-

Amherst College

Very safe college town with lots of restaurants. Convenience store is present but prices are high. Must take a bus in order to get to the grocery store and mall. Not many attractions of interest in the immediate area but thankfully there are plenty of options on campus.

Dec 26, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Amherst College

bleemsz

'13

Philosophy

4.6

A

Cute Small Town Right Next to Campus

Amherst is a great little town, with lots of restaurants and a CVS, but that's about it, along with a few banks and a tiny movie theatre. But it's a walk away from campus

Apr 14, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Amherst College

AmhCA

'12

Amherst College is unique because...

Amherst College is unique because it is in a relatively rural/suburban area but is also within 10 miles of four other colleges (UMass, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire). The town of Amherst is relatively small, but it offers all the amenities of a college town: great food (try Antonio's, Fresh Side, and Chez Albert), a couple of bars, and various convenience stores. Although the location of Amherst may, at first glance, seem random or unappealing, it is quite nice to be amidst the beautiful hills and fresh air of western Massachusetts, while being also being close enough to Boston and New York City for a weekend trip.

Mar 04, 2009

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 6

Next

Last

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts