<p>I was recently accepted to UChicago and have been worrying about UChicago's infamous social life (or lack thereof). Would love to hear some anecdotes about people's own social lives at UChicago. For example, are there many parties? How are they? Are people really not hygienic? Are people more extroverted or introverted? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Don’t believe everything you hear. I know certain houses in South and Max are extremely fun, but you will have access to a social life whichever dorm you end up. The nerd culture here is dying, if that’s any indication:</p>
<p><a href=“Architect Viñoly’s new GSB designed with eye to detail – Chicago Maroon”>Architect Viñoly’s new GSB designed with eye to detail – Chicago Maroon;
<p>Greek life is pretty small but growing, though if you are not Greek, you will find that the appeal of frats diminishes after first quarter. Apartment parties and smaller gatherings become much more appealing. And if you are serious about school, you will be unable to go out more than once per week anyway depending on your major. </p>
<p>Overall, I wouldn’t worry about the social life here. It is adequate. And if you didn’t already know this, you won’t find the same social scene here as you would at a state school. </p>
<p>@TheBanker This is really helpful to me, as an EA admit trying to choose a dorm. At the moment, I’m stuck between Max and BJ. I know BJ is known to be one of the “quirkier” dorms, but I’m not sure whether that means left-field-interests-quirky (desirable) or Whovian-quirky (not up my alley). While I don’t mind a good full-blown party, I’m not too huge on the large-party scene; honestly, the ideal social situation for me would be drinking with a few friends. Do you have any recommendations for me based off that? Max seems like my safe choice right now whereas in BJ it seems like I could end up with a cool and interesting house or one I wouldn’t really care for. (No real offense intended to Whovians/similar groups, your culture just isn’t my thing.) Sorry to bother you!</p>
<p>Just reread my post. Sorry if I come of like an ass dismissing types of people I personally don’t have much in common with; really, the important bit is</p>
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<p>By default, you will end up “drinking in small groups” at any of those dorms with your housemates. Due to the size of dorm rooms, it’s difficult to fit more than 10 or so people into each room (it’s also a fire hazard). You will have to look into frats or off-campus apartment parties if you want something larger. I expect those small gatherings to be more frequent at Max and South than BJ, however. </p>
<p>I would focus less on the party aspects and more on the culture/fit of each dorm: if you adhere to stereotypes, Max and BJ are pretty much opposites in the type of people they attract. I have never lived in either dorm so I can’t say for certain, but it appears that many athletes live in Max due to its proximity to the gym. Max is also very close to everything - the dining hall, frat row, and classes. I feel that people are more drawn to Max for its location, and BJ for its unique culture. </p>