Hamilton College
Reviews

Open Curriculum

I was attracted to Hamilton for its open curriculum, and I am not disappointed at all. Students are allowed to explore several different avenues of the liberal arts education, without worrying about taking required intro level courses in areas that do not interest them. It is exciting and interesting to select courses that you want to take, and be surrounded by people who actually want to be there.

We're Pretty White...

Hamilton doesn't have a lot of ethnic diversity, and some view this as a problem. However, there is a lot of diversity of thought on campus, which I think is a lot more important than how we look.

Perspective from an Alum

Favorites: adirondack adventure, outing club, little pub, writing program, career center, the glen. If you have a lot of extra-curricular interests (like I did), the possibilities are endless at Hamilton, on top of a great education. Folks complain on this site and elsewhere about the weather in central NY and a lack of fun things to do off campus. But there are so many opportunities to get involved in things on campus and via the school, it's all what you make of it. Also, Hamilton is in the foothills of the Adirondacks, one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Adventures abound.

Pros and Cons

Right off the bat, if I had to do it all over again, I can't say I'd pick Hamilton. I applied early decision based on naivety and never really got a chance to look elsewhere. I think my mind would have changed had I seriously considered other colleges. If you're a wealthy, white New England kid, this is a good school for you. If you're into economics or Chinese it's a good school for you. If you like greek life (w/o your own house), this is a good school for you. But diversity is basically limited to the Black Latino Student Union, dark side hipsters,and light side greeks. Keep that in mind. The opportunities are there, the academics are great, and everyone's nice but middle and working class students, students who went to average or below average public high schools, and (non-Asian) minorities might have difficulty finding a fit. It's not hell, but it's not heaven. (And yeah, the snow is really annoying after December.)

You Will Get What You Need, but Not Much More

Since everyone at Hamilton would be worthy of acedemic scholarship, they don't offer any to incoming freshmen. However, there are ways to get scholarship money once you are on campus. The alumni association is very generous about giving grants and scholarships to students who make a name for themselves on campus, and grants are easy to get within departments once you start working with professors. As far as financial aid to start your acedemic carreer with, Hamilton will meet 100% of your need, but won't give you a penny more than you prove you need.

Not a Place to Find a Spouse...Generally...

The dating scene at Hamilton is not really one of committed relationships. You are more likely to find people hooking up with their friends or strangers, and shrugging it off the next morning. Of course there are the exceptions, but casual sex is the opposite of taboo on this campus, and hookups are much more common than dates. There is a good range in types of boys and girls so far as personalities go, but people tend to clump based on their preppy-ness, hippy-ness, grunge-iness, and other such qualities. So, if you are looking for a "type" in particular, you will know where to find a whole clump of that type of person, as each group kind of has their typical friday night haunts.

Good but Room for Improvement

Hamilton has enough of diversity to be able to publish statistics that aren't embarrassing however it would be nice to see more. There is a good number of international students, a pretty wide range of economic students. Racial diversity is a bit limited. Apathy is more of a problem than diversity for politics and religion. There s also a small but strong LGBT community within the student body

Hamilton's strength is that what diversity it does have is met by high levels of acceptance

GREAT!!

There are tons of ways to get involved in athletics at Hamilton. In generally the student body is very active and students take part in all sorts of activities ranging from very competitive varsity to sports, to more relaxed club sports, to goofing around on the rock-climbing wall.

Campus Safety

Hamilton's campus is very safe. There are emergency calling stations located all throughout campus, but to my knowledge they have never been used. I always feel perfectly safe walking across campus at night!

Places Importance on Ethnicity

Hamilton is the most ethnically diverse school among the NESCAC's, but it's still predominantly Caucasian. However, everyone is very accepting of other cultures and backgrounds. The school goes above and beyond in expanding and improving its activities and programs for students of all backgrounds both ethnic and socioeconomic. The result is a nurturing environment where students become very cultured.

Excellent Condition and Easily Accessible

Everything from the Olympic-sized swimming pool to the observatory is top-of-the-line, in great condition, and is well-maintained. The college certainly does not spare any expense when it comes to facilities and equipment for its students. The really nice study rooms go fast and operate on a first come first served basis, but such is life. The gym has lots of great equipment and plenty of it, not to mention membership is included in the tuition. Many schools charge extra for things like that. My only gripe is that the dorms on the Dark Side of campus look rather ugly, but they are very spacious and nice inside.

Passionate Professors

At Hamilton, you're not just a number. If you reach out to your professors, they will do whatever they can to help you succeed. At Hamilton, the faculty knows its first priority is teaching, not research. The professors here all love what they teach, and it becomes readily apparent in the passion and energy they put into lectures and discussions. Professors see the potential in every one of their students and constantly push them to open their minds and use it. Professors at Hamilton do not treat you as mere students, but as colleagues.

Love this place

Couldn't imagine spending four years anywhere else

Ham-Tech Is Rad!

there is zero core cirriculum - so you can explore all kinds of different subject areas before choosing your major. Everyone here is super friendly and outgoing, and all of the professors are super helpful. Nightlife is fun and everyone is out to have a good time, and the cops rarely crash parties. Definitely a great place to be!

On Campus for the Most Part, but Lively

a lot of frat/sorority parties - all super fun. Some off campus parties, which are a lot of fun too, but a hassle to get back to campus. need to love the dorm party scene to like it

Roomy, Comfortable and (Mostly) Clean

The vast majority of rooms give more than enough space for students; South and Carnegie dormitories on the light side have massive common rooms and ample storage; the typical dark side double has beautiful, huge windows with great views of campus and walk-in closets. The only ways you can really go wrong are Bundy and Dunham - regardless of their general location, they both have the reputation o being seriously grimy.

Hamilton Is Paradise on Earth

I love Hamilton. We have happy, enthusiastic, and friendly students and administration. We also have a streaking team.

Campus Housing

I love the housing on campus. There are 28 residence halls, which gives Hamilton students a great variety of living spaces. You can live with up to 5 roommates in suite-style housing, or with as few as zero roommates in one of the easily-acquired singles. I have been completely satisfied with my housing options, living in two of the older and wonderfully renovated residence halls.

Clinton

Clinton is a charming and quaint town located just town the hill from the college. It has a few good restaurants for when parents visit and also the Indian Cafe, a major student attraction. However, in order to get more than milk and necessities, one would have to drive to New Hartford, which has many shopping areas and services.

Great Outdoor Sports

The weather can be a bit cold in the winter, but you learn to enjoy the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. The campus is an easy walk, so you are never outside for long, and the maintenance department does a really good job of plowing before people wake up for classes.

Understanding but Not Pushovers

Hamilton has a point system which punishes those who commit multiple minor offenses but is not overly strict to people who have no record of policy violations. The college makes a huge effort to keep people safe on campus, even if they have violated college policies. There is no punishment for those who must go to the hospital, so students are encouraged to get help when they need it.

No Need to Bring a Car

Hamilton is a rural school, but it is an easy drive to the Utica train station. No need to bring a car. There is a jitney service that takes students places they need to go off campus, and it runs continually on weekend nights to the bars downtown.

Completely Safe

There is practically no crime on campus. I feel comfortable leaving my computer unguarded in the library because I know that in such a small, tight knit community people would notice if someone tried to steal a computer.

Bring Your Car

Since the college is isolated on a hill, bringing your car is a must. Freshman cannot bring cars, but there are always friends willing to give you a lift. Parking requires a permit and is limited to certain lots, but is not difficult to find. Don't forget the permit, though - you'll probably end up with a ticket.

New Renovations Mean Modern Facilities

Renovations of almost every major facility on campus in recent years means modern technology, beautiful landscaping, and lots of facility resources. The new athletic fieldhouse has an impressive new track, and the gym has won architectural awards and has one of the largest rock walls in the region. The library has a massive selection, and the new study areas and cafes make the campus a comfortable, modern place to study.