Mount Holyoke College
- Local Atmosphere

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Since the College’s immediate setting is suburban, when students think of places to go and do something, they often think beyond South Hadley. As a result, the local area is not confined to a single city, but, instead, spans a section of towns in western Massachusetts known as the Pioneer Valley, which is a great area for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. The Skinner Mountain Range runs right through the Five College area and is easily accessible via the free bus. Amherst and Northampton provide pockets of culture that cater to college students, and you can always attend an event held at one of the other Five Colleges. Students tend to stay on campus and create their own fun or take advantage of the free bus known as the “PVTA” to travel between schools and find something to do in the valley.

There is certainly a rural charm in this part of the state, but for those hungry for city life, Northampton and Amherst are ready and willing to satisfy. Of course, it’s not Boston, but it is a place rich with history, a place where a drive of less than an hour will bring you to the heart of farmland. Even if you don’t develop a taste for rural life, you will develop a knack for discovering and appreciating the little things, such as a night in the Thirsty Mind, the coffeehouse across the street; dinner at Johnny’s, a restaurant in the Village Commons; or even a late-night movie with friends in the cozy and quiet Tower Theatres.

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Local Atmosphere at Mount Holyoke College

willi23l

English '14

3.5

B

Slow and Dead

Mount Holyoke is located in a town where most businesses close at 9. There are few places that stay open a little later, however if you want a little more excitement, you have to go about two towns over into Amherst.

Mar 30, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Mount Holyoke College

marya303

Pre-Medicine Studies '15

2.3

C

Entertainment Is There If You Go Looking

South Hadley is awful, but the five college area provides things to do if you're willing to search for them.

Dec 28, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Mount Holyoke College

roncop827

Mathematics & Statistics '14

2.3

C

If You Have a Car, You're Set

Being that I'm from NYC, the local atmosphere of Mount Holyoke (in South Hadley, aka the middle of no where) is a bit dry. Most social events are in campus and there are some off campus but the city buses that run through our campus and nearby towns aren't frequent enough. But like I said, if you have car, you'll be fine... that is until gas prices go up.

Dec 10, 2011

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Photos of Mount Holyoke College's Local Atmosphere

Blanchard at Sunset

Photo by MithFith

Blanchard at Sunset A look at the Blanchard Campus Center at sunset.

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Photo by MithFith

Mount Holyoke College

Photo by mille24c

Mount Holyoke College This is the welcoming gate of the College.

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Creighton

Photo by rocio093

Creighton A look at Creighton Hall, a residence hall, on Mount Holyoke's campus.

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Photo by rocio093

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