<p>Well, some people worry about Northwestern's greek scene which, I believe, has been over-exaggerated by some who didn't/don't go to NU. I am one of the few that never drink or attend a frat party. But from what I've heard, NU's frat parties are pretty mellow compared to other Big10 schools like Ohio State.</p>
<p>If you are not into the greek scene; there are also other parties held by non-frat types. Since NU has very strong music, art history, and performing arts programs (pretty much all across the board), there are also plenty of artsy/musical types and other groups.</p>
<p>Chicago downtown is about 40-min train ride from Evanston. Of course the uptown, which has many nice neighborhoods, are closer. The area around where Evanston and Chicago boarder is unforunately the only uptown area along the lakefront that is not considered nice. Many people don't really go to downtown all that much esp when the weather is cold and many don't feel like staying outside for longer than 15 mins (e.g. waiting on the train platform). There are plenty to do on campus anyway. Since the music and theater programs are among the best, there are concerts and plays of high caliber but at low cost all year round. Evanston downtown, which boarders NU campus, is pretty nice with good number of restaurants and coffee shops. It also has a Barnes & Nobles and a movie theater complex. </p>
<p>You should also check out the following thread: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=458%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=458</a></p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>