Dickinson College
Reviews

You Need a Car.

There's no real way to get out of town without one. That said, Carlisle is very walkable/bikeable.

Not a Lot, but Present

There are only a handful of frats and sororities on campus but they try there best to be an active part on campus. Dickinson is VERY strict towards greek (sometimes biased against it). But, on the other hand that makes hazing minimal (very minimal, if there is any at all) but the greeks still party and have fun!

Not Terrible

Police are fairly strict about drinking, but they don't get angry unless you are completely trashed. Otherwise you probably won't get caught. However, if you do get completely wasted you can be sent to the hospital or jail!

Party Hardy or Hardly Party

For a small school, there are a surprising number of parties on campus, mostly held on weekends. Frat parties are hard for freshman guys to get into, unless they surround themselves with multiple lady escorts. Although most students drink, there are some that don't, but there isn't much for them to do. There is a bar scene, but its not very prominent - really only for people who are 21+ or have a fake ID.

Study Abroad Difficulties

Contrary to what you are told on tours, it can be quite difficult to study abroad at Dickinson. When I was touring the school, I was told that it was common for students to study for a year and a half, this was my plan because I was attending the school more or less for financial aid. Evidently, this is not true. When I applied for study abroad programs, I was discouraged from studying for a year and a half and was even discouraged from splitting a year between two programs. I found that while applying, I was left alone to do all of the work on my own and the majority of my questions were never really answered, leaving me to "go it alone" for the majority of the process.

They're Working on It.

While many of the students here fit into the upper-class white prep-school stereotype, you'll find all sorts here at Dickinson. While lacking a true Goth/grunge scene, most other typical stereotypes can be found here. There is also an ever-increasing international and minority population, and those who are here have a big presence on campus. There are many student groups dedicated to ethnicity and promoting diversity as well.

Inefficient Transportation

There is barely any sort of efficient transportation to Harrisburg (Where the train station and the bus station are). A cab can cost you up to $80!

DPS is not tolerant if they catch...

DPS is not tolerant if they catch you drinking underage. It is possible to still partake of the alcohol scene if you’re underage; you just have to find the right spots to go to and the right ways to get to and from the location. Definitely don’t walk home if you are too drunk not to walk straight.

Public transportation is pretty...

Public transportation is pretty terrible in Carlisle. The nearest train station is about 30 minutes away in Harrisburg, and the nearest airport is about the same distance. There aren't really any accessible buses around Carlisle, either. The College has shuttle services, but it's usually best if you have a car. And, most people here are wealthy enough that they do have their own cars.

We have bikes! And we there vans...

We have bikes! And we there vans to get to where you need to go. But, Dickinson is right downtown, so it's usually not a problem getting anywhere.

Economically, everyone seems...

Economically, everyone seems rather well off, but few people seem to take their education for granted. Ethnically, it is very diverse with tons of foreign students. Ideologically, the school has a wide spectrum of different groups with different opinions, just not politically. There are the environmentalists, artsy students, etc. Politically, it seems to tilt liberal handily.

Freshman can't bring a car, but...

Freshman can't bring a car, but honestly, campus is so small that you can walk everywhere. As far as parking goes, student parking lots are all on the outskirts of campus, so driving your car to class actually would make you walk more than it would to just walk to class. But, there are plenty of spots if you want your car on campus so that you can go into Harrisburg or somewhere else.

Drugs are an absolute no-no, and...

Drugs are an absolute no-no, and drinking is pretty strictly enforced, especially on campus. However, if you're quiet, you clean up after yourself, and no one pukes in the hallway, you're probably okay.

Nearly everything is in walking...

Nearly everything is in walking distance, so there is no public transportation. But, you can call for a cab if you really need it.

There are quite a few...

There are quite a few international students, but they mostly associate amongst themselves. Everyone else is a preppy, upper-middle class white kid who wears J.Crew.

Dickinson police crack down on...

Dickinson police crack down on drugs but is pretty lenient when dealing with alcohol. However, they are quick to interrupt some parties.

Greek life is great on campus. Not...

Greek life is great on campus. Not everyone is head over heels about it, but the people who do rush end up having a great time with it. Some of the Greeks are the smartest people in the school, and there are many community service activities that go along with being Greek. The parties are also a blast. In the end, Greek life does not take up the social scene, and if you choose not to do it, that is fine—there are other social scenes.

It's very easy to get around...

It's very easy to get around campus, so there is no real need for a car. However, if you have one, it is nice.

It doesn't exist at all. The cabs...

It doesn't exist at all. The cabs are quite reliable, though, but they obviously cost a good amount of money.

Parking is fine. Freshmen aren't...

Parking is fine. Freshmen aren't allowed cars, although there are always a handful that use Carlisle Borough street parking all the time and spend their evenings moving their cars to avoid tickets. Cars are only necessary if you think you'll be leaving Carlisle often, because otherwise, it's not a bad town for walking and biking, especially if it's not too cold.

The campus is relatively...

The campus is relatively monochromatic, especially socioeconomically. However, the College is making strides to bring in a more diverse student body.

Computer terminals are ubiquitous...

Computer terminals are ubiquitous on campus. I can't go anywhere without the ability to check my e-mail, which my professors exploit to send last-minute messages about coursework, changes to class meetings, and the like. With an equal distribution of Macs and PCs, the computer options on campus aim to please all audiences.

Having your own computer is always...

Having your own computer is always a good idea but you will be able to make do without, as well. The library has laptops to borrow, and there is usually a computer in the library or Microroom if you look hard enough. Things get busy around finals, but even then, you should be able to find a computer.

I'm not a huge partier, but that...

I'm not a huge partier, but that scene does seem to be mostly dominated by Greek life and its rivals, such as the Frisbee team. Any time I've ever wanted to go out, there hasn't been a lack of keg parties. Town bars are favorites for the 21-and-up crowd because of their kitschy hick appeal.

My professors are highly engaged...

My professors are highly engaged in their research and their teaching. My experience has been that professors always make themselves accessible outside of class, and their comments on written work are the driving force of the curriculum in most departments. Dickinson's strong emphasis on "global education" was very attractive to me, and I was able to study abroad in Toulouse, France, a beautiful city with no other American study abroad program.