So, this is college...

Introduction
First, I'd like to be frank: I did not want to come to St. Lawrence University. Now I know what that sounds like, but actually my original opinion was based on a bunch of stereotypes and my own vision of what the campus would be like. It was also because my father was convinced I would love it, since he had gone to school at Clarkson and was sure that the North Country was a great place to go spend 'the best four years of my life.' I had never actually been to St. Lawrence nor had I taken the time to look at the school could offer. All I knew was that all the preppies from New York State flocked here to do whatever rich, college kids do. However, when I actually gave SLU a chance I was so surprised! I feel in love with SLU after only a night of being here, for reasons that I'll get to later. But I will admit, there are a lot of upper middle class kids who tote around Vera Bradley (I mean, it's sold in the bookstore!) and some that only care about the weekend. But there are a great amount of people that get involved, do their work and care about the community, as well as party and have a good time. Anyone could come, but let's be honest: it's a predominately white college in upstate New York. I would tell anyone who is interested to come up and give it a look: after a few hours here, you'll be able to tell if you think you could fit in and have a good time here.

Campus Life and Social Life
Social life is constricted here, because Canton isn't at all a bustling metropolis. While that can be a down side, I also see it as an upside: when you go out and about, you see people you know. Safety isn't too much of an issue here, seeing as we're in the middle of no where. And the parties are centered in many familiar places: the dorms, the townhouses, the Tick Tock, a theme/greek house or one of the few off campus houses like 30 main or west street. There isn't too much variability, but everyone loves to go to the Ticker on the weekend. You have to like it for what it is. Upperclassmen also go to the Hoot Owl, a town bar for anyone who is 21. There are people who go out every night, and even I have gotten used to seeing people drunk or high wondering around the dorms on a Tuesday or Wednesday, etc. The big nights are Thursday's and Saturday's here, Friday's are usually overrated. Almost everyone goes out on these nights and parties hard. In the winter, sometimes it's the only thing to do. Some of our sports teams are pretty good here, but few people really follow it. The hockey team (div. 1) seems to have a smaller crowd than I imagined. But everyone gets together to watch the Clarkson vs. SLU games. There are a ton of clubs here, and tons of people are involved. I find that if a person is involved in one thing, chances are that they are involved in a few others too. Of course, there are a bunch of people who don't do anything at all, but it seems to even out. There is something for everyone though, if you want it. The Greek scene has slowed down a lot over the past 10ish years, and even in past couple years we've lost frats. There is only one frat left now. However, there is supposed to be another coming back in the fall of '09. The one frat here gets a lot of crap for being said to be 'sketchy.' They do throw a few good parties throughout the year though. Theme houses provide a bunch of parties too, so subsidize this a bit. There are four sororities, each with their own reputation. They're there for girls if they want it, and a bunch join. To my understanding, that can be another great way to get involved and boost your social life. Really, Greek life is another sub-culture to SLU. I've found that enjoying your time here is all choice; if you want to meet people and have fun, just join a few clubs or play some inter-murals. This is college, and no one is going to hold your hand or make you get involved. You need to do it yourself. Academics
I have found the academics here to be challenging, depending on the course. In some classes, I've found that there is much more reading, writing and the teachers expect more out of you than high school. Others can seem like boring time wasters, especially the first year program and seminar in my opinion, where they try to cover far too much material for one course. Sciences are hardcore here, so be ready if you want to do that, especially Biology. The teachers are very helpful though, and most departments have strong teachers as well as a few weak ones. Ask around to upperclassmen, they'll know what's up. TA's never teach classes and are there just for help, which is nice. The workload can be demanding at times, but it's what expected from college. SLU has good opportunities for those who want to put forth the effort, and great connections for after college. Getting a decent grade and just getting by is not too hard here, but getting above that can be a challenge.

Student Body
Coming to St. Lawrence can be all about growth, and the student body shows that. On my admissions visit, I saw a lot of involved, fun, friendly people here. I also have found there to be a good amount of diversity in the personalities of people during my year at SLU, which is fun. There is always something to do or not to do and people are down for doing either. Some people visibly have money in their families, but I am always impressed to find out how little that matters to some people. There are people that you would never know are wealthy and vice vera, just because they are simply just a cool person to be around. However, I do see those seemingly superficial and/or unmotivated people who are here just to have a good time. While I will say that a large population of the student body drinks and has a good time, it's what people do after that which defines which category they fit into. Really, it's all about choice: if you want your life to revolve all around the weekend, you can find people like that here. If you want to get involved, meet a ton of people and do some things that you'll be proud of at the end of the day, you can find those people here too.

In Closing...
I really was convinced that I'd hate it here, but over the past year I've gotten involved, met a ton of new people and had the time of my life. At the end of my freshman year, I have nothing but good things to say about SLU, even about the somewhat negative aspects. Give it a try! I don't think you'll regret it.