<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, does the partying from NSO kinda level off when everything at Penn gets going?</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, 28% of students are involved in Greek life, though I agree many times it seems like a MUCH larger percentage. It’s easy for Greek life to appear to dominate the social scene, especially because they are main (and generous and usually inclusive) sources of parties and alcohol. NSO is especially crazy because it’s known for being the time when upperclassmen can party hard for multiple days in a row before having any responsibilities, and the first opportunity for hoards of freshman to get a taste of college partying/alcohol. Sometimes I’m amazed at just how many people are out partying in the crazy environment these parties have (sauna-like dance floors with people packed like sardines), but then I remember, I’m out here too, so it’s just as well. It should quiet down pretty soon, though there is always partying going on.</p>
<p>That being said, I know people come into college with the aim of not drinking and partying, but I wouldn’t completely shun it. Be open to new experiences. NSO is a perfect time to do it because you’re with a pack of people and nobody really know each other yet. Sometimes some social lubrication does help form relationships. I know it’s hard at the beginning when you meet people but everybody is just not that open or you don’t seem to click. It’s a big change coming from high school where you knew people for 4 or more years and knew LOTS of people well because you saw them every day. Better relationships will probably come from clubs, classes, activities, etc. because those are people who share your interests. </p>
<p>And make no mistake, you’ll be working hard for those A’s. People here do know how to work hard and play hard. Some people work hard and only work (and they’re probably your biggest competition). Some people don’t work hard and play really hard. There is an entire spectrum of people, and you will be amazed by your classmates. It takes time to become accustomed to it all, but it will happen.</p>
<p>Haha yeah…I’m in NSO right now. I think a faculty member said that during the first three days of NSO, there were more than 10 cases of alcohol poisoning and at least one car accident. :P</p>
<p>I’m a soph in M&T and had the exact same feeling… there are people like this at penn but you have to look to find them. Join clubs and make friends in your classes. You can make a lot of close friends that way because you spend lots of time together, especially in engineering and wharton.</p>