kristifree

NONE. None... None.

South Hadley is literally a ghost town. There's nothing to do, especially if you don't have a car or if you don't feel like using it very often. Thankfully, we have the PVTA - a bus which takes students to the other campuses for free (though getting to Smith is very annoying) - so you can travel to Amherst if you need proof that stores, culture, other humans, brand-name companies, etc. DO STILL EXIST. Long story short: if you're a city girl, stay far away from Mount Holyoke, or get used to isolation, and lots of it. At least you can see the stars every night!

No Greek Life

There is none, but that's okay. The sorts of people who come to MHC are not very interested in joining sororities for the most part. If you're seeking sorority/frat parties, look no further than UMass Amherst - you can just jump onto the PVTA most nights of the week and find one for yourself. At MHC though, you don't have to be in a sorority to build sisterhoods and strong bonds with your classmates.

Not for Everyone, but Superior School

MHC will always have a special place in my heart, whether I transfer at some point or I don't. Coming from a city, I was truly astonished by the overall demeanor of everyone - the students, the professors, other faculty/staff, and administration. This school has an absolutely, unforgettably enormous heart. It is a very happy place - students are truly joyful to be here. Yes, it is a small school. Courses are limited, but there's the immense benefit of the five college consortium - how many colleges can boast such an amazing asset? That's an incredible perk. MHC is very isolated, however. Even Amherst, Northampton and Springfield - and even Worcester (the closest cities) don't offer the sort of culture and incredible experiences that larger cities in the area would (NYC, Boston, Hartford, Providence), and that's hard. You are in a small town. If you're not used to that... it can be an incredibly hard adjustment. MHC is such an amazing school. It is one of the seven sisters, yes, and certainly has well-deserved prestige. However, for some students here, it's too much, and for others, it's too little. Some transfer to schools that are a little less of a challenge, or on the contrary, others transfer to Ivies. MHC is what you make of it, in essence. It can be your home for four years, or a phenomenal launching pad that's bound to give you strength and self-confidence to continue with your studies elsewhere. Either way... it is undoubtedly a solid A.

What Athletics?

I know sports exist here solely because I occasionally read about them in our school paper. I don't think people come here to play sports though. There are plenty of schools in the area where one can do that. School events have dismally low turnouts, I've heard, too. The only plus is we have an okay gym, with very good exercise machines for those who like working out.

None...

You have to go to UMass Amherst for nightlife activities.

None. at Least None That's Visible.

Really, there's little to no drug or alcohol usage here. Don't know where our partying stereotype came from but I can honestly tell you it's a myth. The only time when people are visibly drinking/drunk is Vegas Night... and if anyone smells marijuana it's reported right away. Again, if students here want to do those things they just go elsewhere.

Oh So Dreary

We're right in the midst of the Pioneer Valley... that means it's going to get brutally cold almost on cue just after Halloween. The snow isn't even the biggest concern, it's just the bitter frigidity and wind. You'll be shivering even in your dorms so BRING A COMFORTER... then bring an extra (or two). It's funny to see students from the south suffering so much because they've never experienced such cold weather.

Consortium, Etc.

The 5 College Consortium, the outstanding kindness of the people, the amazing food and all the unique traditions that are followed since most students have such strong spirit.