<p>I was interested in going to Indiana University in Bloomington, but I heard that partying is a big problem, and some students have even died. What does everyone REALLY think?</p>
<p>If you look for the negative statistics you’re going to find them from nearly every big school. IU as far as partying goes is no more unique than the other Big 10 schools, trust me. My school has a much larger party culture, and yet participation in that culture is strictly voluntary. You’re not going to walk to class one day and find everyone trashed (okay, well maybe on one day, but that’s it).</p>
<p>Saying “partying is a big problem” is rather vague. A problem for whom? What aspects?</p>
<p>Students can take safety measures while enjoying the college party culture (which again is not something everyone is a part of). At the same time you have to realize that there are risks involved with consuming alcohol, especially if you are underage.</p>
<p>You don’t have to be a part of the party scene. It’s easy enough to avoid it. The only thing you’d need to be wary of is where all the parties are at (so you can avoid/attend them), and the reputation the school has. That’s one of the main reasons I didn’t end up going to UCSB; I didn’t want the reputation of going to a party school</p>
<p>You can avoid the party culture at any school. You have to go pretty crazy in order to die anyways. And yes, what do you mean by “it is a big problem?”</p>
<p>I think you’ll be just fine. Just don’t participate in the partying if it bothers you. Most schools like IU have similar party scenes, it is not unique in that respect. In fact, most schools will have pretty alcohol-heavy party scenes in general, though once you get away from the big universities I think it often tones itself down a bit.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to worry about the reputation of IU as a party school…it’s also a very good school and well-regarded academically. No employer will see that you went to IU and think you’re stupid and only want to party. There are lots of party schools with really good academic reputations, and IU is one of them (I go to UW which is one as well).</p>