Social scene, party life, and weather

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hey guys, I am applying ED to Northwestern as an economics major and I just had a few questions about the school. I am interested in joining a fraternity second semester.</p>

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<li><p>Can you describe the social life of students, how do you spend your time outside of classes?</p></li>
<li><p>What are parties like there? (I party a good bit during high school)</p></li>
<li><p>How bad is the weather in the winter and how do you cope with it? (I'm from the sun belt and its always hot and sunny) </p></li>
<li><p>Are the fraternities preppy at NU? What are some of the standout houses?</p></li>
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<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Alright, first thing. Northwestern has quarters, so you’d be pledging a frat winter quarter (I’m hoping you just said the wrong thing, and knew that we have quarters).</p>

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<li><p>The social scene is pretty eclectic and vibrant. I watch movies with my hall all the time, hang out play cards, go to free movies at Norris (our student center) and do tons of random stuff like that. I’m part of a few clubs, and I have a work study job. Outside of classes people are usually very involved with many clubs, a lot of homework, and then partying or other fun stuff on the weekends.</p></li>
<li><p>I wouldn’t know, but a lot of people go to parties. I’ve heard frat parties are basically just hookup spots, and there’s not really many bars around, so house parties are pretty popular, as far as I know. The issue is, people here are often very studious and didn’t party much in high school. They come here and don’t know limits or how to drink responsibly and end up going the hospital (like someone on my floor did recently). That being said, people seem content with the party scene.</p></li>
<li><p>I haven’t been through a winter yet, but it’s not a reason not to go to a school in my opinion. Plenty of kids come from Cali, Texas, and other warm places and they survive, you will too. Lots of layers are what I’ve heard is the trick, and covering pretty much all your skin. Also, good boots and a good coat are important. Lastly, the sun doesn’t come out much apparently, so I’d get a lamp that says something like natural light on it.</p></li>
<li><p>Northern frats are more relaxed than Southern frats usually. There’s all sorts of guys in frats. Kind of nerdy engineers, super preppy party boys, ROTC kids, bible study leaders. Our frats are very inclusive. As for “standout houses” that’s not something you should worry about. You should worry about connecting with the guys in a house, not which one you think looks the best.</p></li>
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3

<ol>
<li><p>Social scene is pretty slick. I like to go out to eat or drink with friends–there are a good handful of fun bars near campus, and lots of great restaurants. More college-y bars will be down towards Loyola or DePaul, though, if you’re looking for something a little crazier. The Deuce is a thing, and a tradition, but if you’re going that far out you might as well just hit up Lincoln Park. The student center does free movie showings, and lots of clubs hold some open socials to self-promote. There’s always random events going on here, there, and everywhere, if you keep your eyes open. Club sports are awesome, definitely get involved with those. They’re fun groups. I’m on two club sport teams, and I fill in the rest of my time with ‘study’ time where we put all our homework on a big table and talk for a couple hours, and eating/drinking. Explore Chicago, too. Once you find your group of people, go explore Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, River North, the Loop, Lakeview… lots of great neighborhoods.</p></li>
<li><p>The party scene is meh. It’s small, so you’ll be surrounded by familiar faces before too long. It’s no state school, that’s for sure. And there isn’t a ton of dancing, which is a little sad too. They’re very eager, though, and hookup culture’s readily available if that’s what you’re looking for. Personally, I’d go look into Evanston bars with your friends asap, or join clubs that host their own parties. Especially during the fall, frat parties are often sweaty, packed, and, uh, damp.</p></li>
<li><p>Well, it just snowed today. It’s not terribly fun, especially if you aren’t used to the cold. Basically, bundle up and you’ll be fine. Make sure your clothing will block the wind, that’s important.</p></li>
<li><p>Preppiness varies, depending on where you are. Sigma Chi is really preppy, SAE is too. Phi Delt, soooooort of. Really, none of the frats are really terrible, so don’t worry too much. Sigma Chi’s the rich frat, SAE’s the big men on campus, Beta is the broiest of the bros, Phi Delt is chiller bro, Phi Psi is chiller-er bro… honestly, they’re fine. Just hang out with the different frats, you’ll get to know them during welcome week, fall quarter, and through sunday night dinners.</p></li>
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