<p>Chicago comes to mind.</p>
<p>With the exception of the "little partying", Rice sounds like a good match. I can't see why partying would make somebody not friendly (seems the contrary would be true).</p>
<p>from personal experience, UNC chapel hill kids are super friendly. Also, upon visiting Lehigh, Notre Dame, and UDel, the students there not only had a prevalent passion for their school, but were super friendly to newcomers and to each other.</p>
<p>what's wrong with some partying? wherever there are people, there's bound to be * some * partying. it's not as if people are going to drag you to the parties. with that said, i'd say dartmouth. about 90% of their partying is at frats (10% room parties and from what i hear, it's either just pregaming or freshman) so your sleep and studying will not be disturbed.</p>
<p>I just don't like partying and want to go somewhere where that is not the norm for some kids.</p>
<p>Wesleyan seems to fit most of your requirements.</p>
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I just don't like partying and want to go somewhere where that is not the norm for some kids
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<p>If that's the case, I'd say any school ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News and World Report (even though I'd take their rankings with a HUGE grain of salt) would fit your criteria. Let's face it, if you are a world renowned school known for great research and having bright students, chances are the majority of the students are partying every day. Google the top 20 party schools and you will notice almost all of them are large state schools. Most small liberal arts schools and many of the best major research universities have students that are busy doing other things or as you put it don't consider partying to be the norm.</p>
<p>Your phrasing is also confusing. You say "not the norm for some kids". That's basically every school in the country. Currently, Arizona State University is considered to be a huge party school. Does that mean everyone there parties all the time? No. Does it mean everyone drinks? No. Even huge party schools have students that don't partake in the party scene.</p>
<p>I am partial to UNC. OK, they are south of the Mason-Dixon line, but draw many Northerners and Westerners that they now call it home. Good influence from all over the country and you do not usually freeze in the winter. Southern hospitality meets hi-tech.</p>
<p>At any large school you will find clubs or organization with people who share your outlook on life. There are probably over 100 clubs at any of these schools ranging from chess to politics to religion to outdoor activities. </p>
<p>You honestly won't have a problem at ANY univeristy once you begin to affiliate with people like you.</p>
<p>OP: You might have better luck if you name the schools or post on their respective boards. Right now, your question is quite broad, and it encourages suggestions (which you don't seem to need). Also, it's hard to want to write a thoughtful response about a school that may not even be applicable to you. This is important info, though, so good luck finding it. Have you done campus visits? Chatting with students aside from your guide might help you. Spending a night can also give you a feel for things. Even an admitted students day will give you an idea of the 'type' of person attracted to the school. It sounds like you're looking for something pretty specific, and if you get the opportunity, you'll be the best person to make that evaluation.</p>
<p>If you are thinking about Washington, D.C., at all, we thought that the kids at GW were very friendly, at least in comparison to the kids at Georgetown.</p>
<p>Bowdoin has plenty of friendly people! Everyone's so happy.</p>