What Makes Amherst Unique––from a first-year, international student’s perspective

Memorial Hill at sunset

Over the winter break, I went back to Shanghai and met some close friends studying at universities in the U.S. (West & East Coasts), Canada, and Hong Kong. As we all just started our college journey, we shared about our first semester experiences. From these conversations, I’ve summarized some points that made Amherst College unique….Continue Reading What Makes Amherst Unique––from a first-year, international student’s perspective

Adapting to Food at Amherst — An International Student’s Guide

A kitchen counter full of cooking ingredients for International Student Association cooking event

Coming from Vietnam where the things we eat are very different from typical United States dishes, I had a difficult time adapting to food at Amherst. While I’m extremely grateful for the food I get here, I find myself skipping meals a lot because they are just so different from what I’m used to eating…Continue Reading Adapting to Food at Amherst — An International Student’s Guide

Brunch Time!

A photo of the pastry display case at Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters

Hi Friends! I hope everyone has had a good week. Considering the fact that I am actively writing this blog from the Boltwood Inn after having just inhaled a delicious brunch from Coronation Cafe (yogurt parfait and a homemade soft pretzel of course), it felt fitting to update my brunch review series. For those of…Continue Reading Brunch Time!

First Semester Reflection

Hello everyone! With the second semester already in session I’ve been taking some time to reflect on my journey through my first semester as a first-year student. From navigating new academic challenges to adjusting to college life and building a sense of community, these past few months have been a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and…Continue Reading First Semester Reflection

A Day Trip to Boston

Eight girls posing together in front of a Samuel Adams statue in Boston, MA.

Hi readers! Good to see you again! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a fun story of my spontaneous day trip to Boston, Massachusetts. During the fall semester, some fellow Amherst College students and I had a free Saturday in November, which we took as an opportunity to take some time to make our way outside…Continue Reading A Day Trip to Boston

My Favorite Val Hacks

Val Hall

If you’re anything like me—or any other student at Amherst College—you might occasionally find yourself craving a change from the usual Val menu. Even though I’ve only been here for one semester, I’ve already started collecting some of my favorite Val hacks, whether discovered with friends or passed down by upperclassmen. With the new dining…Continue Reading My Favorite Val Hacks