St. Olaf College
- Local Atmosphere

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Northfield, Minn., is an unusual town. It’s about a 35-minute drive away from Minneapolis, so all the amenities of cosmopolitan urbanity are accessible but never an unwelcome distraction. Do not get the impression, however, that Northfield is some sparse little cow town. The warmly welcomed presence of two nationally ranked private liberal arts schools sets this rural Minnesota city far apart from its kin. After all, it is not every small town that boasts a yoga studio, Zen center, and arts guild. Northfield can be briefly summed up as quaint, but in a hip way.

There is a Target and a Cub Foods within a 10-minute drive from campus, but most of the stores in town are locally owned small businesses. Division Street, the main line of Northfield, is just a 15-minute stroll down the Hill. There you’ll find casual restaurants, antique stores, coffee houses, bars, a tattoo parlor, a used clothing store, and most of the other types of shops one would expect in a typical college town. Nevertheless, many people can feel claustrophobic in such a small town, and students who prefer the boundless potential of a metropolitan environment may end up feeling stifled by Northfield.

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Local Atmosphere at St. Olaf College

corny

Psychology & Counseling '15

3.8

B+

Nice People but Not Much Activity

Northfield is a very cute town, but there is not a whole lot going on. There are a couple bars and a few great restaurants, but not a great nightlife. The town does have a few events throughout the year that are fun to attend and the locals love college kids (there are 2 colleges in this tiny town so I would hope so!). It's a welcoming town full of great people if you look for them.

May 08, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at St. Olaf College

B7

Social Work and Youth Services '15

3.5

B

Up on the Hill

St. Olaf sits on its own little sheltered island above everyone else. It almost seems like an oasis from the lackluster appeal of town. "Going to Target!" is probably the only exciting thing someone would say about the town of Northfield.

Feb 04, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at St. Olaf College

rose29

English '15

3.5

B

Northfield Is Small

Northfield is a quintessential small midwest town, quaint and charming, but limited. For a town the size of Northfield it's great to have two excellent liberal arts college, and the students help liven up the town. But, the size of Northfield means most students stay on-campus in the "St. Olaf Bubble."

Dec 04, 2011

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