I’m deciding between Cuse and U Buffalo for Communications (obviously Cuse dominates here). Cuse is about double the price for me compared to Buffalo, so Buffalo gets a point for that. However, my family is willing to send me to Cuse anyway since I feel extremely passionate about what I want to major in (and minor in!). I’m almost set for Cuse, but there’s one thing stopping me: the social environment.
I feel like I would fit in a lot better at Buffalo because it seems like it’s more diverse (which I love), and I feel like there are so many activities to participate in to find a sense of community. I also got into the Honors College, which is a perk (or is it really THAT big of a deal?). With Syracuse, I’ve been getting the impression that it’s dominated by Greek life and parties, which I’m not too thrilled about. It’s not that I hate any of those two things, but because it appears to dominate the social life at Cuse, I’m afraid that I’ll be pressured to rush and party and feel left out and isolated if I don’t. Is this true? Should I choose Buffalo just because of this? Or will the money I spend to go to Cuse be worth it even if I don’t participate in Greek life? On a broader note, what makes or breaks the college experience: the education received or the social environment?
What percentage of students join Greek life at Syracuse?
Hello,
I applied and have been accepted into UB’s Honor College and Syracuse U as well (studying Finance/Bus. Administration). I grew up being familiar with the two colleges, and I would say that you can go to SU without taking part in frat life. I think there is plenty of opportunity outside of fraternities, such as their Living/Learning Communities for social engagement. As for diversity, I would say that SU has a similar diversity as UB from my rough estimates. I don’t personally know how fraternities function at SU, but at some schools there are frats just dedicated to things like service, and the party scene isn’t as bad. Moreover, only 30% of SU students join frats/sororities, so you wouldn’t be alone. Best of luck with your choice.
My S is a sophomore at Cuse and loves it. Neither he or his roommate participate in Greek life. Some of his friends have joined frats and sororities but most have not. He has had no trouble finding things to do, and really enjoys attending the sporting events.
Have you made a decision yet? I’m kind of in the same situation (I got into Newhouse too but am not sure if I would really fit in at Syracuse as a whole and so I am now between Syracuse and University of Oregon, which is pretty similar to Boulder). I’d love to know which one you chose and why.
My son will be attending Syracuse in the fall and had the same concern. He is not interested in Greek life at all and is not into the party scene. He plans on getting involved in the Marching Band and Pep Band, and felt like there are plenty of ways to be social and involved without joining a frat. I think that there are definitely a diverse group of students there, so you would be able to find your “people”.