<p>How is it?</p>
<p>Party life is largely dominated by the fraternity system, although the occasional room party does take place. The biggest parties are on Fridays, in general, although there's usually always something going on. Also, once each term there is a "big weekend" (homecoming in the fall, winter carnival in the winter, and green key in the spring) each term, when the most stuff happens. There's things going on pretty much the entire weekend, alums come up, and it's just generally good times. Aside from the Greek system, there's also always <em>plenty</em> of alternate activities and events hosted by the college, and other various organizations.</p>
<p>Is there any truth to the fairly prevalent claim that there's nothing to do except drink?</p>
<p>Quite the contrary, there is plenty of stuff to do that does not involve drinking. I think it becomes a novelty with some students freshman year with the newness of having so much freedom. However, when it comes down to taking care of business given the nature of the quarter system and the fact that most students have 2 sets of midterms and a final not counting papers and projects in between over the course of 10 weeks, it would be hard to function is you were in a constant drunken haze.</p>
<p>Yeah, in fact, most of what goes on here doesn't involve drinking...I didn't mean to give the impression that that's all that happens here - I was only responding to the question about party life. But yeah, there's consistently a ton of options for things to do. No matter your lifestyle, you won't be bored here.</p>
<p>Lots of parties that everyone goes to if that's your thing. Also lots of college sponsored events. Additionally lots of casually playing around; i.e. bbqs in the summer, swimming in the river, going skiing on weekends, frisbee on the green, snowball fights, ice skating on occum pond, etc.</p>
<p>Many people go to frats/sororities to play pong (playing with water is acceptable at most houses), go to a dance party, or just hang out with friends.</p>
<p>Coming from New York City, I was really surprised that Dartmouth has a really amazing art scene and performances. The film society is really active and shows movies 4 nights a week. There's different performances and lectures every week. So lots to do but the greek scene is definitely big. The parties is a lot more fun than those at any other Ivy though except maybe Princeton's Gatsby Party.</p>