I was recently accepted to the University of Delaware as a transfer student (rising sophomore), but I am on the fence about attending. I am confident in the academics and location, but am concerned about the social scene.
From what I’ve seen greek life is pretty prominent there, and this is something I’d like to avoid.
I’d like to know from people who have attended or are attending UD, what has your experience been like?
Is Greek life avoidable, or does it really dominate the social scene?
Is there a nerdier (for lack of a better word) subculture?
People who were / aren’t happy there, what is the reason?
I know there has to be at least one nerdier subculture (although I am sure there are others), because Delaware has a top notch biochem department that attracts students inclined that way.
Only about 20% of the students at UD are involved in Greek Organizations. There are plenty of other social activities, clubs/organizations, athletic activities (i.e.club sports) available (take a look at UD’s website for all the student activities available) that do not focus on “partying”. I don’t believe the other 80% of the student body would be characterized as being “nerdy”. You have to take the initiative and seek out these other opportunities. It is up to the individual. UD is a top-notch, rigorous, academic institution and you probably will not last long if you choose to major in “partying”.
two kids… one is in greek life, the other is not… both have had great experiences. Make the effort and you will find your people. Great school, great campus, great students, there is something for everyone.
I echo the comments about UD being a great school with great students. There definitely is something for everyone. My son, who just graduated, was not in Greek life, but was involved with plenty of actiivities - Marching Band, Blue Hen Leadersship, Honors Program, to name just a few. He was from out of state, but will be a Blue Hen forever.
UD is a great school. Yes, Greek life is avoidable. There are many activities for people not interested in the greek life. In fact too many! It’s a big school. So students have unique and different characteristics. Whatever your interests are I’m sure you will find a group you fit in.
@rendevous well I would not say “great” GREAT would be the ivy’s stanford, duke, northwestern u of chicago tufts mit etc However, Delaware is a very good school
well I would not say tufts or duke is “great” GREAT would be Johns Hopkins or Amherst or Emory… See how ridiculous this comment and line of thinking is…
As “great” is an opinion and certainly a valid description of UD - Any discussion of comparison to an ivy or any other school that you may feel is more worthy of “GREAT” is not relevant to this thread or the OP’s question. Just odd.
euve69 I agree 100 percent with novicemom. Your post was odd.
I don’t believe that your lofty (and I don’t mean worthy) opinion of the University is relevant here, except as it relates to the “social scene at the school”.
The original post stated: I was recently accepted to the University of Delaware as a transfer student (rising sophomore), but I am on the fence about attending. I am confident in the academics and location, but am concerned about the social scene.
“namewords” I hope that you are happy with whatever decision that you have made and that you are thriving. The UD community seems to be very proud and promotes diversity of interests amongst its student body. I know student athletes, those in band and theater, honors kids and every other student in between who have been happy there. Also, not all greek life is negative. My cousin was in a frat at his college. It was an honors fraternity and they were all honors kids, involved with many service projects. College is a time to explore all of the possibilities. Best Wishes!