University of Oregon Top Questions

The stereotype of students at my school is that we are "Jocks" and more concerned with athletics instead of academics. This stereotype is not accurate; for example, I am an accounting student and am much more focused on my academic performance than on my school's athletic performance.

I would definitely say that students at the University of Oregon are proactive, bold, and outspoken. Most students care about political issues, campus activity, and the global environment so there are always activity on campus which is both great and distracting. At times there will be people protesting for one issue or another and it makes them earn the "hippie" or "peace-protestor" stereotype. Other stereotypes range from sorority girls, frat guys, hipsters, and social activists. We really do have a wide range of people at this university and that's what makes it great. However, I would admit that one stereotype we are missing is the jock one. Even though our football team is known nationwide, the presence of athletes isn't prevalent on campus so I personally have never experienced it.

There are a number of common stereotypes about the University of Oregon student body. The first is that everyone in Eugene, and therefore everyone at UO smokes pot, and is a 'hippy'. Like with most stereotypes, there is certainly some truth to this, but it's overly exaggerated. A fairly large portion of the student body smokes. However, I haven't experienced any pressure for me to smoke, nor have I noticed much 'typical stoner behavior' on campus. Additionally, by next year, the whole campus will be smoke free (including cigarettes, obviously). As to the hippy part of it, there is a certain liberal feel to Eugene, and the UO. We have a great recycling and compost program, and each new building on campus is more sustainable than the last. So, it is obvious that the student body, and the University care about the environment. As for the no bathing, dreadlocks sort of business, that isn't seen much among the student body. Now, if you go downtown, that's a different story. Other common stereotypes are that the University of Oregon students tend to be preppy, and that there is a really big Greek party scene. Again, partial truths. Most of the students here tend to be fairly clean cut. Not necessarily preppy, but you don't see many 'goths' or 'punks' on campus. One great thing about this campus is that it is very open and accepting, and the stereotypes really don't matter all that much. As for Greek life and party scenes, it is a choice. There is plenty if you want to be a part of it, and if you don't, it's easy to avoid. (It all centers in a few square blocks off campus, so if you don't want to be a party-person, you can just not live in that few blocks).