Hamilton College
- Local Atmosphere

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If you are looking for a bustling urban center, Hamilton College is not the school for you. The middle of central New York is predominantly farmland and lacks the excitement of a big city. Some students begin their four years at Hamilton without fully understanding this fact. It has been a problem, especially for first-years who lack the mobility of a car to escape. In the winter, options for entertainment are limited to College-sponsored events. With feet of snow outside, life in a rural setting can quickly become tiresome.

At first glance, this area of the country is economically depressed and uninviting. Parts of the Utica area seem to be in a perpetual state of disrepair, and the remaining skeletal buildings left over from its bustling days of industry can make the city seem like an empty shell in the dead of winter. Many students choose to stay on the Hill or in the village of Clinton for the bulk of their free time. Occasionally, parties and drinking have gotten out of hand, which has earned Hamilton students a poor reputation in the eyes of the local residents. In the past few years, a lot has been done to ease tensions between town and gown. Grumbles surface about alcohol-related incidents and noise, but the relationship between the local community and college is strengthening. That said, most students come to love their surroundings. Utica does have charm; all it takes is a little perseverance and exploration. Limited, enjoyable nightlife does exist in the city: the Stanley Performing Arts Center, and a number of bars, clubs, and cheap ethnic restaurants offer a number of options. Clinton has an exceedingly small number of entertainment venues, but they give the college students looking for a brief respite from the Hill a place to go. Additionally, the campus itself does host events; those students who take advantage of the options presented to them find they have more than enough to keep themselves busy.

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Local Atmosphere at Hamilton College

cantunez

'15

International Studies and Government

1.2

D

Clinton Isn't a Town

Outside of Hamilton the town is dead, it can't be even described as a town since there are only about five local shops. Really nothing fun or interesting going on outside life on the hill.

Dec 22, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Hamilton College

mkweasl

'15

Creative Writing

3.5

B

Not Much to Do in Clinton.

Pretty much all activity happens on campus. A quick ride on the Jitney can take you around to town, Target and the cinemas, but there will always be something going on within campus that there isn't much reason to go into town. Clinton is a quaint New England village, but as mentioned, there really isn't much there.

Aug 28, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Hamilton College

Apathetiq

'12

History

3.1

B-

Not Quite a Town...

There is not much to do around Hamilton without a car. But just down the hill there are a few coffee shops that are particularly friendly to college students. The restaurant scene is lacking, but there is always Indian food and Nolas, the local bistro. Also the liquor store was just renovated and let me tell you it is fantastic. There literally are literally no 'attractions' in the area aside from Turning Stone. Basically if you go off campus it is not for an evening.

Jan 27, 2011

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Photos of Hamilton College's Local Atmosphere

Spring

Photo by Hamilton1

Spring A look at Hamilton's campus in the springtime.

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Entrance

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Entrance The entrance to Hamtilon's campus.

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Root Glen trails

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Root Glen trails A look at some Root Glen trails around campus.

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