<p>I heard that DU used to have the reputation of being kind of a party school. Does anyone know if that's still true? How serious are the students about their academics? I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.</p>
<p>I’ve been thinking about whether to even reply to this, just because the whole “party school” issue on CC can be tedious. 
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<p>But, since nobody reads this forum and since your son is thinking of going there, why not? Also, keep in mind I’m a parent and probably only know the “tip of the iceberg.” </p>
<p>I can say that the DU you are thinking of from when we were college age has gone the way of the UMiami we knew back when it was Sun Tan U. Doesn’t exist. </p>
<p>On the other hand, there are big parties at DU and some are pretty wild…Just like at any University. Actually, I believe this is the case on most campuses. I think if you want to spend your time partying at DU, you can. I also think most students are there to get a degree, as well. I think it probably depends on the kid.</p>
<p>I’d put my D in the medium range for liking a party. Not too into drunkenness but loves dancing and being out a couple of nights a week. She also studies very hard all week long, as well, and has gotten involved in several organizations which take up a bit of her time. I wouldn’t send a kid there if they wanted to stay in all the time and didn’t want to get out a little bit. But, at the same time, there is so much to do with the city and the mountains nearby, I’d think a kid who wanted to do things other than go to a party (My D, for example), would have to have a serious lack of imagination not to be able to find stuff.</p>
<p>I guess my sense of it is that it is a lot of fun, but a lot of work…not unlike the other schools my D could have gone to. Ymmv.</p>
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<p>Poetgrl, Thanks for the input; it was very helpful. I realize the party school question can be “tedious”, but I believe it is important. There really are some schools where partying is so out-of-control that many students are unable to successfully balance their academics with their social lives. Sad, but true. I’m very glad to hear that DU doesn’t seem to fall into that catagory.</p>
<p>Students at DU who party too much aren’t at DU for too long. The academics are excellent and serious, and the quarter system can be very intense. There is no slack in the system,</p>
<p>I think a lot of people translate the fact that students will often head to the mountains for a weekend into a belief that they are wastrel entitled brats without any braincells between the ears. Yet it’s no different than students from Philly or elsewhere in the northeast heading to NY for a weekend. And seriously,most students don’t hit the mountains more than a few times during the winter because it’s expensive, it’s time consuming…and there is too much to do on campus and in Denver.</p>
<p>Most students at DU like to have a good time…when they are finished with their work. My son is a junior at DU and takes his academics very seriously. He studies A LOT. he is also president of his fraternity, loves a good party, is involved in certain extracurriculars and charitable work that he has been involved in for years. he is both academically motivated and extremely social. And so are most of his friends</p>
<p>boysx3, Thanks for the info. It sounds like a great school. We can’t wait to see it when we visit next month!</p>
<p>found this old thread…any additional comments? You can find a party if you want…</p>
<p>As others have said: To call DU a party school belies the fact that it is a small school with strong academics, but make no mistake; students at DU know how to have a good time…and while there exist frat parties and intoxicants, having fun for many means hiking, cycling, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding as well as exploring the great city of Denver</p>
<p>ldavis–yes, you can always find a party if you want to…</p>
<p>What you will also find is that most students will know that they want to go to the party, and so they will get their work done first. The quarter system can be very unforgiving of poor time management…with ten week quarters, there is little time to dig out of a deep hole.</p>
<p>successful students plan their work, and work their plan–and that means they also have time to hang out, explore, play sports, go skiing, and party.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. Balance is the key ;)</p>
<p>Lavish, are you applying this fall?</p>
<p>just found out that my old neighbor’s daughter applied to DU…she was impressed because she went to a huge party–had a great time–and, while she was frequently offered alcohol, no one pressured her to drink.</p>