Franklin & Marshall College Reviews

The computer labs can get crowded,...

The computer labs can get crowded, but most students have their own laptop. It is a Mac campus, so there are no PCs anywhere, but the Macs are very up-to-date. Wi-Fi makes using individual computer really easy.

The security and safety at F&M is...

The security and safety at F&M is awesome. There are always Public Safety officers patrolling the streets, and the Lancaster Police Patrol is highly involved in the safety of the campus community.

The facilities on campus are...

The facilities on campus are state-of-the-art. We have two huge libraries, a beautiful new athletic facility, an additional weight-lifting center, and a centrally located student center. There are food places, study rooms, lecture rooms, art galleries and museums, and community TVs.

The dorms at Franklin & Marshall...

The dorms at Franklin & Marshall College are pretty nice for college housing. All dorms are air conditioned and kept clean. Most have luxury common rooms, study rooms, and lecture rooms attached to them. All dorms are safe and equal—I wouldn't say to avoid any of them!

There are pretty many options for...

There are pretty many options for food on campus. The food is generally pretty good, and most places offer healthy dining options. The dining hall has something for everyone. Local restaurants around campus are also contracted on the college's debit dollars system, so you can eat virtually anywhere you want!

Lancaster is a small city but...

Lancaster is a small city but still has a lot to offer. There are a ton of really good restaurants and a few good bars. Millersville University is quite close, and there is some interaction between the two schools.

There is actually a large variety...

There is actually a large variety of restaurants, pubs, and bars off campus. Most of them are located away from campus, but it may not be more than a 10- to 15-minute walk. I suggest walking because parking is scarce in Lancaster. However, there are also three or four nice restaurants located directly on campus, including Iron Hill and Doc Holiday's.

The food is pretty good. Now that...

The food is pretty good. Now that I live off campus, I really appreciate it, but if you live in the dorms you can get bored of the food. The best bang for your buck is the dining hall, but you can also go to Pandini's or Quiznos. These options often require more than one meal swipe or using debit dollars. The dining hall really makes an effort to cater to students—we now have an entire kosher section. The vegetarian options used to be better, but some of the food—especially the soups—are wonderful!

The bus never came when I waited...

The bus never came when I waited for it freshman year! The shuttles are nice, though.

The weather is cold in the winter...

The weather is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The smell of good old Lancaster County is present often. I'm from Pennsylvania, so the weather was the same as home for me.

I don't know anyone who doesn't...

I don't know anyone who doesn't have a computer, but there are ample computers to use in the libraries.

It is not noticeable, but it is...

It is not noticeable, but it is alive and kicking. I do not do drugs, but if I wanted things like weed or cocaine, I would know where to go. Drinking is the most popular recreational activity.

The parking situation is bad and...

The parking situation is bad and getting worse.

Greek life, though sparse compared...

Greek life, though sparse compared to some colleges, is a large part of F&M. It's not necessary to be in a frat or sorority, but it'll be clear who is a sister or brother and who isn't. Of course, the frats are great for parties on the weekends and always promise a good time Wednesday through Saturday.

The food on campus is great until...

The food on campus is great until the end of the semester when you get sick of eating the same things, and they start to run out of food. Jazzman's is great to grab a small snack or a fresh salad for lunch. Pandini's is a good option for lunch, though it's best to choose for dinner as far as your meal plan allotment goes. The pasta and salads are pretty tasty and prepared right in front of you to your specifications there.

Franklin & Marshall has a mix of...

Franklin & Marshall has a mix of people ranging from the over-priveleged, preppy snobs to pretentious hipsters. Not to say they're all terrible. Most of the people at F&M are very nice and kind, but they're also obsessed with looks and money. Some of the guys aren't too good looking but the girls, they're pretty hot. I don't feel like there is a typical F&M student, but I would describe every single student as an overachiever in some way or another.

Bring an umbrella to Franklin &...

Bring an umbrella to Franklin & Marshall—it rains a lot. Winters are cold, windy, and snowy. The woods are a nice place to go for the summer and spring.

There is a surprising amount of...

There is a surprising amount of good restaurants for such a small city. Additionally, you can get good food for low prices or enjoy fine dining.

Pandini's is the greatest.

There are plenty of computer labs...

There are plenty of computer labs here. There is almost always room any one of them.

Freshmen can't techincally bring...

Freshmen can't techincally bring cars, but they can just park on the street that is literally next to the parking lot. There's not a lot of parking on campus, but you don't really need to drive—everything you can basically walk to.

It is very strict if they catch...

It is very strict if they catch you, which happens pretty rarely. Do not be a repeat offender, learn from your mistakes, and keep your illicit activities off campus and in private.

Parking sucks. Don't bother...

Parking sucks. Don't bother driving to class, everything is close enough to walk.

Aside from the shuttle system that...

Aside from the shuttle system that is only for nighttime use, Lancaster is pretty easy to get around, but not nearly enough students get out into this city. I live in the city and have found some really cool, interesting people. My college experience wouldn't have been the same if I hadn't gotten a break from preppy, white kids for the summer and senior year.

Winters are miserable. They are...

Winters are miserable. They are usually bitter cold and gray, though not with a lot of snow. Early fall and spring are very welcoming. Bring your whole wardrobe.