I recently was accepted to Lehigh. Initially, I did not think much of the school; however, after looking into it a bit more, I have found that the university has quite a lot to offer. The one thing that did stick out to me though was its reputation as a drinking school. I understand that every college has its alcohol problems and that Lehigh’s may be worse than most other schools, but will someone who doesn’t like to drink or party be able to have an enjoyable experience there?
Congratulations on your first comment on CC. What do you mean that the one thing that did stick out to you was the reputation as a drinking school? Where are you getting that it’s worse than “most” other schools? That’s a lot of schools you’re talking about and comparing it to if you state that it’s worse than most. The one things that sticks out to me is how valuable a degree from Lehigh is because of the demanding academics and well-rounded students. That’s the things I see more than anything. The engineering students from Lehigh are sought after and well-paid, and it isn’t because of drinking, it’s because they’re smart and committed to their academics.
If you’re really serious about this question, then I’m assuming you’ve done all sorts of research into most colleges, yet you’re asking a question that just a few minutes of research would find the answer to on these threads alone.
Sure you can have a great time at Lehigh without drinking! ! Lehigh has several dorm floors for Freshman students who are interested in not being around alcohol. The program is called Choice.
http://www4.lehigh.edu/housing/residencehalls/aztypes/choicefys.aspx
Every year on these posts there are current students who write about the same concerns you had and how once they attended Lehigh they realized NO ONE cared if they were drinking or not at the big parties. I think peer pressure is so much more powerful during high school. When you get to college there are so many different groups, so many more students, spread out over so many dorms and colleges and majors that the oppressive peer pressure of high school really does not exist.
I would contact Lehigh and ask to speak to a resident hall assistant for the Choice Housing. They call share with you all the fun activities they arrange every weekend for Freshman.
Congratulations for your acceptance to Lehigh!!!