Having trouble adjusting

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<p>I am a freshman in the M&T program at Penn who came to the school hoping to find a group of kids that was very academically focused and wasn't big on things like frat parties. Don't get me wrong. I know that Penn has been deemed the "Social Ivy" and that a large portion of the campus is in some way affliated with Greek life. However, I really thought there would be an easily visible group of students who kind of wanted to avoid drinking/heavy partying.</p>

<p>Now, I have only been on campus four days, but it really seems like everyone at Penn is heavily invested in Greek life. Moreover, it seems like these events are the times when people really start to form relationships. At the normal Penn sponsored activities, everyone just goes from person to person asking standard questions that they really don't mean a whole ton. It seems like cliches are already forming and that people are becoming annoyed when other people try to enter into circles at NSO parties or w/e. </p>

<p>So, am I just being paranoid here? I am a very academic guy, but I had quite a few friends back in HS. Will a highly school-based culture rise up when classes start? Also, is it likely that the partying kinda levels off when everything at Penn gets going?</p>

<p>Cliches are forming indeed.</p>

<p>How can somebody be academically focused when, from what I understand, classes are yet to start? I’m sure you’ll find the likes of you after the first class, as you’ll be able to see more clearly who nerds it up and keep the partying down.</p>

<p>P.S. You don’t have to drink heavily at social functions to enjoy them. One drink, by the way, won’t do you any harm; on the contrary, it might make you less inhibited. IMHO of course.</p>

<p>Warning: you may get 54980754905 posters coming in here with the “OMGZ! UGH-NOTHA ONE OF D33Z THR@DZ1111111 USEZ DA SURCH FXN111!!1!!!”</p>

<p>Join a club! Seriously, I guarantee you there’s prob. like a study-group or a group of people who like to focus on their work like you. You just have to look around & find the right people!</p>

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<p>Thanks, Nostradamus. Stop spamming. Some of us have expert opinions to impart here.</p>

<p>Anyway, OP, stop worrying. Classes haven’t even started yet, so people haven’t even settled into their routines. Things are pretty hectic at the moment, but you will soon be able to find people you would like to associate with.</p>