10 People You’ll Always Run Into At Emerson College

There are stereotypes all around the world. They look us in the face and mirror every day. Emerson College is no exception. Just like every college in the country, we have our quirks and what we’re known for; hipsters and art snobs. But that’s still a bit too broad, especially for a multifaceted student body of about 4,000 undergrads. But, with that in mind, here’s 10 people you’ll always run into at Emerson College.

1. The Comedy Major

Just like every major, there is no distinct characteristic or quality despite wanting to hold that career in that industry. But, each one does hold a bad reputation for something. And, for some reason, comedy majors are known for being a bit extra.

They seem like very nice people and sometimes they are, but often times they also take their craft too seriously, making bad jokes every time they open their mouths. I’ve only met a handful of people that don’t. I didn’t even notice this until it was pointed out to me, but it’s a thing.

2. The Sports Comm. Major / Athlete

These are a bit more obvious to spot. These two categories tend to mix together, roaming around campus in their purple and yellow Emerson Lions gear daily. Sure, they probably own other clothes, but their general appearance is that they don’t wear it that often (the baseball, basketball, and volleyball teams specifically). Between early practices and classes,, I’m sure part of it’s just convenience, but you’ve been warned.

They’re also part of the few on campus who pay attention to Emerson sports, so if you’re into those, don’t expect to have conversations with random Emersonians about any sports really unless they’re in uniform. Sorry.

3. The Journalist

Journalists are never in their rooms. Whether running into them in the Boston Common or the Boston Public Garden with a tripod and camera in tow, praying on the deer to separate from the pack of people, or in front of the Dining Center waiting for students to exit, they’re always investigating a story. They’re part of The Berkley Beacon or WERS, controlling the news on campus with a diligent hand.

There’s no way you’ll graduate without meeting one or being asked to be interviewed. It’s just not possible.

4. The Activist

At Emerson, this is pretty much everyone. We have a reputation of being chest-beating liberals, already having two or three protests under our belt from the 2017-2018 year, not including large student involvement in national movements such as the March for Our Lives and Second Women’s March.

But, I guess it makes sense coming from an art school. Everyone is very in touch with their passions, choosing to pursue one as a career despite its lower wage and lack of dependability.

5. The Film Guy

There’s always one trying to pitch you their screenplay or ranting about some “film G-d” you’ve never heard of. This one is known outside of Emerson College to the point where it makes up half the stereotypes about Emerson students. It has a steady understanding on the school’s student meme page and actually isn’t that uncommon.

Being a VMA major, this is what one thinks of and although that’s not at all the whole picture, there’s enough inside jokes among themselves that don’t translate towards other minds.

6. The Performing Arts Major

Emerson has a HUGE broadway fanbase. WERS plays broadway musicals all day Saturday, able to be heard through the outside speakers of the Ansin building and local businesses that use it because the lack of commercials.

They’re seen to be over-the-top and extroverted, always part of a character, needing to project their voices and take on wild personalities as a way of survival within their field.

If you live in the Paramount Building or have been to an Emerson production, odds are you know one. They’re everywhere.

7. The Smoker

This goes for Boston in general. I didn’t realize how many people still smoked until coming to Boston.

Now, smoking is not permitted in buildings, but when walking outside you could throw a pencil in any random directing and hit someone holding a cigarette. They hang out around the corners of Boylston Place and under every awning between Piano Row and Barnes and Noble. If you don’t know one, then you’ve seen one or haven’t left your dorm because you’re dying. Urban Dictionary agrees.

8. The Weed Dealer

I didn’t think this was a thing until an odd story of mine matched with more than a few friends.

I was having a delightful conversation with someone in the elevator when their friend asked them how the commute was dampening business. It took me a second to realize they were talking about weed, but definitely were, saying the only thing that made it worth it was smoking a bowl of it with them in their dorms, joking that he used his meal swipes more by staying on campus longer.  My jaw dropped to the floor and I walked into my dorm, eyes wide, thinking “I just met a drug dealer. That was real.”

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So, if you don’t have one, like me and four of my friends with similar stories, you may still run into one. It’s legal in Massachusetts, despite not being allowed on campus, so it’s bound to happen.

9. The Poly-Comm. or Comm. Disorders Major

I’m sorry, are you lost?

Most of the Political Communications majors are coming from other majors that seeped politics into their interests after breathing the Emerson Collge air, but didn’t want to leave (ex. Journalism, Comm. studies, etc.). It’s the same with the Communication Disorders major. We’re not exactly known for our science curriculum.

I mean, I’m sure they’re great, but not many people come here first-off specifically for Poly Comm. or Comm. Disorders.

So, before the end of your Emerson College experience, you will run into someone who maybe you didn’t originally know as one of these majors, but instead changed their mind. The plus side is that along their journey, you didn’t have to say goodbye.

10. The Liberal

This is basically the stereotypical title for all Emerson College students. Art students, as another stereotype, tend to be more in touch with themselves and the community, outcasts or untraditional thinkers; liberal.

Now, there are Republicans and Libertarians and Socialists (up the wazoo) at Emerson, but liberal is our real general mother call. So, if you honestly haven’t run into anything else on this list (you obviously haven’t been looking or been out of your dorm ever), then at least there’s that.

Do you know any other Emerson College stereotypes? Tell us in the comments!