<p>I know the PO have a reputation for being extremely strict about alcohol anywhere within campus, but is it also risky to party at Harvard, MIT or another close-by school?</p>
<p>I visited Wellesley just last month and there was lots of talk (from my host and her friends) about frequenting MIT fraternity parties and such. Also, her friends actually had a quite a bit of booze in their dorms and were not that shy about it. I’m not saying that Wellesley is party and drinking central, but it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. Then again, it was just one visit, though this was my experience.</p>
<p>When I visited during SOC, we were talking about alcohol poisoning and the students I was speaking to said that if a friend brings you to the infirmary with alcohol poisoning then neither of you will get in trouble, but if campus security does you get like an honor hearing or something like that.
Everyone I spoke to pretty much went off campus to party, either in Boston, MIT, Harvard, or even Brown, but they just said that was because they tended to have bigger/better parties than Wellesley.</p>
<p>Yes, Wellesley does have a policy that states that if you are intoxicated and seek help, you will not get in trouble, neither will the person who helps you out. If you’re caught, however, you will be in trouble.</p>
<p>During the first week of school, MIT will have no alcohol, because it’s their Rush Week. Still, take the time to visit, it’s a good opportunity to meet a lot of people while they’re sober and will remember you. As for risk, parties are pretty safe, but it depends on the fraternity you visit. Take the time to ask around so you know which places to avoid, and which places to go to. I don’t know about Harvard, but I know that when MIT frats throw a party they are pretty calculating and take into account a lot of factors (MIT guys are calculating, who knew). Parties are usually registered with the cops, certain members of the fraternity are elected to monitor aspects of the party (my boyfriend was the Risk Manager last semester, he dealt with the police/threw out people who were too drunk or too rowdy/monitored the number of people allowed in the party).</p>
<p>I haven’t been to a Harvard party yet, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. One friend described it as expensive alcohol and standoffish folks.</p>
<p>Harvard parties are hit or miss. I’ve had some amazing times there and other times there wasn’t really a point in going at all… In my experiences at Harvard, the same people tend to go to the same types of parties all year, so I ended up meeting/knowing a lot of the same people each time I went out. This is good if you’re trying to make new friends, but bad if awkward times happened in the past. All in all, I only partied at Harvard/Wellesley my first and second years. MIT is pretty cool though, definitely check it out. Good times can be found at lots of places – BU, BC, Babson, Olin, Berklee, etc.</p>
<p>i don’t think po is strict at ALL. at worst they will shut down your party and make you go to alcohol education class. most of the time, though, po just tells you to quiet down and stop drinking. same goes for marijuana use.</p>
<p>Just a quick comment on Harvard parties/finals clubs (aka frats)</p>
<p>My best friends and closest acquaintances are in Harvard finals clubs so I’m there ALL.THE.TIME… so let me not be biased. Harvard can be super sketch, so watch it when you go drinking there. Make sure you’re watching as your drink gets poured/pour your own drink. Just have common sense. Yes, the alc is good and drinking is no problem there as long as you do it responsibly. </p>
<p>Harvard’s tons of fun though! …well, if that’s your scene. The scene reminds me of the party scene back home so I guess that’s why I spend tons of time there. It’s a lot of fun, give it a chance and get to know people, cus Harvard’s scene is definitely a “you have to know someone” type of scene.</p>
<p>Agreed. With Harvard you definitely have to know someone.</p>