Davidson College Top Questions

The most popular team on campus is the basketball team, but this isn't because everyone wants on it as much as because everyone is in awe. At Davidson we have fraternities and eating houses (rather than sororities). The frats bid and pledge and what not while the girls in the eating houses get chosen via computer (most girls get their first choice). These groups are pretty important and the marjority of people are in some sort of house. From what I hear from friends at other schools, our houses are not nearly as intense as those at other schools. There is little if any animosity between houses and if anyone chooses to be independent that is completely accepted. Athletic events, guest speakers and theater things are pretty popular. There are also improve groups and a capella groups, all of which get a lot of attention. People on campus like to over-commit, it's a habbit. Dating here is extremely difficult, although many people are able to do it. I'm not exactly sure why it's so hard. Maybe because everyone knows everyone which can cause rumors. Also because everyone is so busy! If/when I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday I'm doing homework. There are very few Tuesdays or Thursdays that this doesn't happen. Parties happen almost every weekend and most Wed. If people don't go to a party they're usually doing work. If not they'll watch a movie, going to something in the Union or just go to bed (sleep is precious!). Few people go off campus. If they do it's usually to see a movie or go to dinner.

There are many campus activities to choose from. I am a member of Warner Hall Eating House. As a member, the house hosts social activities for me to get to know other students and the house is also involved in charity events. Every weekend the eating houses and fraternities will have parties, but the student union will host alternative activities students can partake in. As a freshman, I met many of my friends on my freshman hall, but otherwise I have met friends by participating in various clubs. The Royal Shakespeare Company also has a residency at Davidson which makes for great plays. The basketball games are the big sporting events on campus.

I am co-capitain of Club Tennis and athletics are definatly big on campus. Our largest student group is Davidson Dance Ensemble (I am a part of it). We are completely student run and choreographed and perform in sold out shows in both fall and spring. It is a great way for anyone (with or without experience) to get involved in dance. I'm also active in Reformed University Fellowship and there are a variety of different religious outlets on campus (but also no pressure to join them). Photography club is a way that I pursue my artistic interests. I leave my door open whenever I'm in the room. Especially on freshman halls, all doors are always open and people just live in and around the hall. I go to every home basketball game--they are VERY popular. My best friends are from my freshmen hall and building, but you meet people everywhere. Thats the benefit of a small school. If I'm awake on 2am on a Tuesday I'm most likely studying...or going to Cookout (a local milkshake place). We dont have sororities, we have eating houses (I am a member of Warner Hall). They operate similarly, but are self selected which reduces the pressure. They are also non-residential. All fraternity and eating house parties are open to the whole campus, so you don't need to be a member to attend. There are plenty of options for non-drinking weekend activities. The Union Board puts on events almost every weekend with things like Casino Night, Paint Your Own Pottery, etc. Also, there is something to be said for just watching a movie every now and then. If you really get bold, you can venture into Charlotte, but usually there is so much going on on campus that it is hard to tear yourself away.

All Davidson students are busy academically and with extra curriculars, but we know how to have fun too. Parties down at the court are always fun. I am in an eating house and it is a great way to meet people and let loose at the end of a stressful work day!

We have great traditions on Patterson Court (our Greek scene). Theme parties are very popular. Basketball games always draw a big crowd, but like I said, its hard to get students to attend anything on a weeknight that doesn't take place in the library. The library is the place to be on a weekday night. Drinking culture is big here, but there are events for non-drinkers I think. We work hard, play hard.

The social life at davidson may be a bit extreme, as most students definately follow a "work hard, play hard" policy THe greek life is pretty laid back, which is nice because frats and eating houses don't control my every action going along with the typical Davidson student image as an overworked and overbooked person, most students are part of a lot of clubs, which is good becuase this means that there are tons of events on campus, even though the school is pretty small

Students here try to do too much. Work takes up a big art of our lives, and when the day is done we do not have a lot left for other stuff. Because of this our extracurricular activities sometimes suffer. There are not enough people that can commit themselves to so many different organizations.

I love being in an eating house on campus. I am in Connor House and love it. The small school feeling is great when going out because you know everyone and everyone is there to watch out for you. I met my closest friends on my freshmen hall.

Dorm doors are always left open. You can leave your stuff everywhere without fear of losing it. Frat and Eating houses are pretty big. Drinking is a big deal. People drink to get obliterated.

A good balance