This past weekend (12/7-12/8), since it’s the last before finals begin, there were various winter formals held by the different clubs and teams on campus. So many clubs had formals this weekend, in fact, that I had three in one night.
Now to answer the question: What is a formal? A formal is when a club, team, or group on campus will dress in their nicest outfits–formal of course–and celebrate the end of the semester together. Often times they’ll start the night with a dinner together, then move to a more informal gathering at one of the halls on or nearby campus. Most, if not all, student groups I know of have formals, and they’re a great way to spend the last weekend before impending doom–just kidding, finals aren’t that bad (I hope). Since I’m not a recruited athlete, clubs and club sport teams have been my main way of getting involved around campus, and getting to know cool people too. Not that those are your only options either, there are tons of ways to get involved on campus so finding what’s the most fun and engaging way for you comes naturally.
This weekend I went to both the Ultimate Frisbee and Mock Trial formals and had great times. Awkwardly, they were the same night, and had reservations at the same restaurant at the same time, so balancing both was a challenge. It was amazing to share meals with people I’ve gotten to know over the semester and celebrate all we’ve accomplished. Overall, formals have been some of the most fun activities the groups I’m in have done, and have been an amazing experience that tied a great semester together! If you end up choosing Amherst, or when you arrive for you newly admitted ED students of ’29, (Congrats by the way!) clubs and their social events will be a great thing to look forward to.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to reach out for whatever reason, my email is jdesmond28@amherst.edu