Northwestern University Top Questions

Northwestern has a variety of activities and student initiatives that anyone can get involved in. There are activities for every interest, and if there is not, then someone is liable to create something for others to get involved in. School spirit is not that prevalent, and sports are not what Northwestern is known for. Socially, students are always willing to meet new people and usually go out on a typical Friday or Saturday night. However, many students also do homework or study. Frats are a big deal on campus, and orchestrate much of the social life on weekends for people who are into that. The dating scene is virtually nonexistant - people seem so involved in whatever they are doing on campus that they give off the impression that there is no time for dating or a serious relationship. A lot of upperclassmen go into Chicago on the weekends to bars and restaurants.

The most popular social outlets for students on campus are fraternities and sororities. There are more than ten frats and sororities on campus and about 1/3 of NU students are Greek. There are tons of groups on campus, ranging from Darfur-awareness groups to religious groups like Hillel. Theater and the performing arts are huge on campus and on any given weekend there is always a performance, concert or show to attend. Athletics exist, but the major sports like basketball and football usually end with an NU defeat. DM is probably the biggest event on campus, one that draws togther the entire campus.

There is always something to do on campus, whether it be seeing an A Capella group, a theater production, a stand up comedy show or a modern dance production. Nearly every weekend provides amply opportunity for interaction as well as participation. At the same time, Greek life is very central to campus activity outside of special activities like those mentioned above. There are few parties. The parties that do exist, are heavily regulated by the university as far as alcohol goes. Therefore, the social life can be lacking, but only if you are not active. No matter what you want to do on campus, the opportunity is there.

There is usually something going on every weekend. whether it is a student performance or play. And of course there always is Chicago which has lots to do.

The most prevalent social groups on campus would probably be frats and sororities. Sorority rush is probably the most terrifying, heartbreaking process freshmen girls could be put through. Northwestern has a "top three" consisting of Theta, Tri Delt and Kappa. Though this year Kappa's pledge class sucked and they didn't make quota so it's probably more like a "top two" now. Girls walk into rush expecting to get into those houses and the reality is 3/4 of them won't get a "top" house. At Northwestern athletic events are sometimes popular, but are constantly dissapointing. People only really go to football and men's basketball games, and we almost never win. On a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking I go out to dinner and a movie with a girlfriend or order in and hang out with my boyfriend.

I am involved in Boomshaka, a Stompesque dance/rhythm team on campus. They are very dedicated and rock. In my dorm students leave their doors open, which I really appreciate. The dating scene is quite non-existent... a lot of my closest friends are from my dorm. On a Tuesday at 2 am.. I am studying. People love to party... Monday night Keg, Thursday night Deuce, and the weekends are crazy. Greek life is quite popular, like 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of campus is involved in Greek life. Last weekend I hung out with Boomshaka. On a Saturday night, you can go to the movies, go down to Chicago, having a girl night in your dorm, go to a coffee shop .. lots of stuff.

greek like is pretty big here, but you dont HAVE to be a part of it to have a social life. it's probably more crucial for guys than girls to be in a frat. there are lots of events on campus...theatre, dance, lectures, concerts

Fraternities and sororities are very important at Northwestern. About 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student population is a member of a frat or sorority, and it feels like more. Greek life here isn't intense or intimidating at all, it's basically just a low-key organization that provides you with some parties and a place to live.

I think fraternities/sororities are extremely important on Northwestern's campus. Because close to half of the students are Greek, the system creates a bond. Joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I made this year, especially because I didn't come to Northwestern thinking that I wanted to rush. I met so many girls that I wouldn't have met otherwise, especially because I live South Campus.

The most popular thing to do on campus is Dance Marathon, which is a huge philanthropic event held every spring, although the preparation takes the entire school year. Most people do that at least once. The other popular thing to do is participate in research. Every department has research opportunities, so take advantage of those. You can work directly with professors and maybe even get your name published. About 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the campus is Greek, but you don't need to go Greek by any means to have a huge social network and go to parties. Dorm life is definitely the way to go at least the first year; leave your door open and meet people. There are always going to be those stereotypical nerds you can't talk to, but there's lots of outgoing people who like to work hard, and then play hard. Dating scene is not as bad as people make it out to be. I met my boyfriend of four and half years now in my dorm, and many people I know are getting married to people they met while at NU. There's not a lot to do at NU on the weekends that doesn't involve drinking, so if you're not into drinking, find some friends who like to do something else, like going downtown Chicago or hanging out in downtown Evanston.