I’m considering applying to Lehigh, but am I little concerned after reading a thread about Lehigh’s social scene that it may be a little too Greek-central for me. I’m a normal person. I don’t plan on abstaining from parties or joining the “CHOICE” housing if I were to go there.
But I don’t also want to go to a school in which joining Greek life is the only/main way to have a social life and meet normal people. I’m an outgoing/easygoing person, and I don’t want to go to a school where the only way to meet other people like that is by going to Frat parties every weekend or joining a sorority. Can any Lehigh students/parents of a student offer insight?
Btw- Current top picks included schools like Brown and WashU, if that helps you understand my personality a bit more. Thanks!
No question that the Greek party scene exists at Lehigh, as it does at schools like Bucknell, Colgate, and Dartmouth. The administration has actually been cracking down on the excesses, so while some people are concerned that Lehigh is “too Greek”, others are concerned that it is becoming “not Greek enough”.
According to the CDS, the percentage of Greeks among all undergrads is 38% for men and 45% for women. This still leaves plenty of Lehigh students who aren’t interested. My nephew was one of them; he found the Greek scene unappealing, and simply socialized with non-Greek friends instead. The school actively supports non-Greek social events: https://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/lehigh-after-dark-lad
^^^I think the Greek % is actually higher (and seems higher on campus) than reflected in the CDS because I don’t think the 38% and 45% numbers include all the freshmen who pledge 2nd semester. The AO at an info session over spring break wasn’t sure either, but didn’t think so.
It is greek focused mainly because there is no bar scene in Bethlehem, but it’s not like you’re uninvited from stuff if you’re independent. im a geed and all my friends are in houses, I can still roll into social stuff. maybe not as often, but its a trade off.
@s31415 Greek Life at Lehigh is big, but declining. The LU administration has been working hard to move the school forward in a positive way and has been cracking down on greek life. Another frat and another sorority were shut down last year. You can definitely have a good social life without it.