<p>Just wanted to hear from parents of current students about how lively the campus is on weekends. Those of us whose kids are applying from out of state want to make sure all the folks that live closer don’t disappear on the weekends, leaving a ghost-town behind. </p>
<p>The latest posted Common Data Set (for students admitted in fall of 2011) says 80% of freshman live on campus, and 56% of all undergraduates.</p>
<p>I’ll try to answer your question. My son did come home often on the weekends his first year, but that was just his personality. By the second and now third year, he always stays there on weekends, and just comes home occasionally to do laundry. I believe that most kids in the dorms stay on the weekends. The school does a good job helping students adjust, with the freshman seminar, and offers a lot of activities especially for freshman, including some weekend trips. That being said, I would say that the school has a quieter vibe. It is not a party school and doesn’t offer as many activities as larger schools. But that is what we liked about it. I think it really has to do with your son or daughters personality. If they join groups, or play sports, or like hanging out with friends, and want a safe, beautiful, suburban environment, they will like it. Don’t discount the “safe” part. Lots of schools look good on the websites, but when you look at crime stats for the area, you wouldn’t want your kids there. The weather is perfect. The classes are challenging, and the professors have been very good. If your kids get bored easily, and want nightclubs, parties, and a lot to entertain them, it might not be right. I would really try to visit if you can, and they let you do an overnight stay.</p>
<p>Thanks very much, mom91202, for your detailed answer. That’s very helpful. We visited on a Sunday in February and it was extremely quiet. I think we saw about 4 students the entire time. </p>
<p>I’d definitely want my kid to do an overnight to see if he’d like the vibe there.</p>
<p>Any one considering cal lu should do the overnight. My DD was lukewarm about going here until she did the overnight which made her fall in love with the place. She is now a sophomore and loves it still.</p>