<p>Opinions please! I am not much of a party animal and I've heard Duke has that kind of atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I like to have fun sometimes, but definitely not all the time. Academics come first to me and I am way more laid back and don't feel the need to drink and whatnot to have a good time. So, that being said, would I like this school or not?</p>
<p>Also, is the prominent sorority and fraternity scene on campus make the school more cliquey? Sorry if I sound ignorant, I have no clue! Thanks :)</p>
<p>Wouldn’t you think that’s probably a common view for students at a top 10 university? They didn’t all get in by being slackers. Don’t believe the stereotypes…Duke has plenty of undergrads who do not party and do not drink. There are those opportunities if you choose to partake, but it’s by no means obligatory to do so to have a vibrant social life and enjoy your time. You will certainly find people like you – and, in fact, there are probably more people like you at Duke these days than the other end of the spectrum. There is a very small sliver of social groups that could be deemed cliquey, but if you have no desire to be a part of them, they will have zero affect on your life. The Greek scene as a whole just gives people the opportunity to build friendships and be a part of a community really – you can choose to be a part of one, or not. Doesn’t make a difference. I had plenty of Greek and non-Greek friends, and there are many people who choose to rush who are not even close to your stereotypical frat boy/sorority girl. Hope that helps. Good luck.</p>
<p>@Belizeme: I fully agree with @bluedag. In addition, the current (now two or three years old) undergraduate residential housing paradigm is really excellent. It enables sophomores through seniors to have the advantages of MANY closely-knit, small, residential housing units – some selective, but most not – and to retain that affiliation, if they wish, for their final three years on campus. I believe there are many enduring friendships and much valuable learning (leadership, teamwork, self-discipline, and so forth) possible through small group living and, of course, these small groups allow each student to find very like minded individuals as close associates. With this said, the initial post seems to reflect stereotypes more than reality (no offense intended . . . your question is entirely valuable). </p>
<p>Duke students are not a monolith. Duke is mid sized research university where you will be fortunate enough to interact with people of many different persuasions. There is no such thing as a dominant culture or a quintessential Duke experience. </p>
<p>Sorry TopTier but the current housing model and independent houses are terrible and students complain about a lack of any unity, as there really isn’t any. Some SLGs offer a good alternative to the party life, but with the independent model most people just tend to hang out with their block. </p>
<p>@patriotsfan1: Not AT ALL what I have heard from several sources (students and administrators), as recently as last weekend when I was on campus for three days. Please understand, I am not indicating that you’re incorrect, only that the folks with whom I discussed this had a VERY different opinion.</p>
<p>@patriotsfan1 There will always be some resistance to change. That is merely human nature. Now that the housing model has been established, it is proving to be a great hit among students. I say this as a current undergraduate who has insider knowledge.</p>
<p>From my time on campus and from the students that I’ve talked to, I haven’t talked to one person who actually felt like there was house unity in the independent houses. I know this is a Duke board and I try to be pro-Duke, but the independent housing model is one thing that a lot of people hate on West (people usually really like their freshman dorms). I think Moneta came up with it so obviously he will support it, but I’ve even seen a lot of hostility towards it and him in the Chronicle. </p>
<p>I guess it varies on the person, but the independent houses are nothing like the SLG houses or the Rice/Yale/Harvard houses model. It is great to live with your block of friends, but not much branching out happens in these houses. </p>
<p>I love a lot of aspects about Duke, but I just wanted to back up my claims about the housing model. It is still fine though as you’ll live with your block of friends, but you probably won’t know everyone’s name on your hall like you do freshman year.</p>
<p>@patriotsfan1 This is all confusing to me, as I do not recall hearing much independent housing during the tour over the summer. I know first years live on east campus, but after that can students choose NOT to be in independent housing and have the option to choose their roommate(s) and dorm (based on lottery system I assume) for sophomore year? </p>
<p>thanks @TopTier. So my understanding is if you don’t want to be in “independent” housing, there’s certainly a SLF housing option for you – especially if you plan to be involved with Greek life. </p>
<p>@BJAG625: I wouldn’t make any of these decisions now; it is probably premature to do so. Rather, I suggest you wait until you’re on campus, with all sorts of germane information and opinions readily available AND – most important – with YOUR good judgement to guide YOUR eventual determination (the optimal decision isn’t universal, it applies to you alone).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t not come to Duke because of independent housing, thats blowing it out of the water, just was saying its not a strong suit. You’ll be fine for housing, if you join a greek organization or SLG its set and if you don’t you’ll probably block with a few of your friends or become an RA. </p>