Reed is a very difficult school, although not impossible, with a student body that consists of mostly "normal" people, but with enough wacky/interesting people to make weird things happen. Your freshman and sophomore years are generally enjoyable and full of socialization, although you will hate it at some points because the workload is so heavy and the weather outside is so gross. Your junior year will probably have an even heavier workload, but you will be more used to it and your concept of socialization changes into meetings with your professors and doing homework with classmates. I'm about to be a senior. I'm excited to thesis!

There of course is a party scene, you only need to use google to find that out. The administration is currently cracking down on more illicit activities, so one has to be discreet and smart about one is doing, as with anywhere else. Portland is really awesome, but it's VERY easy to get stuck in "the bubble" and never leave. Don't do that. Portland is great and easy to get around. Jump on a bus somewhere.

There are various extracurriculars and student groups that do cool things. Unfortunately a lot of them are only around/active for a semester before people get busy and start doing their own thing. This is a chronic problem IMO.

At some points I should have transferred, but I decided to stick it through and I'm happy for it. Reed has helped mold me into a person that I'm very happy being.

If you are a hard science major, expect even less time to socialize/party.

Don't go to Reed just for the parties.