Party scene at Harvard/Yale

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

Hi

Just wondering what the party scene at Harvard/Yale is like. If you know anything about Princeton that would be much appreciated too. Really just wondering how inclusive it is? Or is it more clique-ey? I’m male and probably won’t be majorly into any sport teams or anything like that, just an average guy aha, how hard would it be for me to get into it?

Thanks

2

If you google “Party scene at Yale Harvard” there are over 10 pages of sites devoted to the topic.

3

There are parties at Harvard, but if you’re looking for a ‘party scene’ you’re going to be unhappy, unless you make a final club.

If you can be satisfied with competitive extracurriculars and your rooming group as social outlets, or if you’re confident and motivated enough to explore Cambridge and Boston nightlife on your own/with a small group of friends, you’ll be much happier.

If you want regular college keggers, Harvard will have just enough to keep you miserable.

I’d consider either re-adjusting my expectations or looking elsewhere.

4

@NavalTradition Thanks so much for the reply. Just RE your point about getting into a final club, I’m actually an international student from the UK so do not really understand the concept. Are they similar to fraternities? And do I need to be from a very wealthy family to stand a chance of getting in? I probably will have very little disposable income once I’m at college so doubt I would be able to afford it if it were to cost a lot to get in.

Thanks again

5

They are like fraternities but non-residential. They have buildings, which are only used for parties etc. Only about 10% of Harvard men are in one - if you don’t play a sport or go to an American prep school it’s unlikely you’ll get into one. They cost $$$ too.

6

^^ And . . . if you are one of the 90% of Harvard men who don’t belong to a final club, you probably will never be allowed inside one of the clubs or be invited to attend a party. On the other hand, if you are an attractive Harvard woman, or a very attractive woman from another college, you will be allowed inside a final club at party time. (Final club members, most of whom are men, don’t want competition from other men at their parties.)

That means that 90% of Harvard men need to go somewhere else to party. If you’re under 21 that means partying in your dorm room, finding a residential house party to attend, or going to an MIT frat. If you are over 21, there are plenty of bars and clubs in Cambridge and Boston.

Although Harvard recently banned beer bong on campus and requires students who have more than 5 people other than their roommates in their dorm room to pre-register the event as a party, student’s still find ways to party despite the administration goal of cracking down on underage drinking.

7

There are plenty of 18 plus shows around too at nightclubs if you like music and are willing to explore the T a little.

8

But did they ban Beirut?