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<li> While Greeks are a big part of the social scene, it's due to the nature of the system. There are no houses - frats live together in "sections" on west campus. They'll take up a couple of floors of a section and have a commons room to use for parties (this commons room can be used by anyone during the day/evening, etc). Sororties don't have a living section - it's more of a very involved social club/service group sort of thing. That means participation is MUCH higher than at other schools. So with higher participation, it seems as greeks are a bigger force on campus.<br></li>
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<p>Frats tend to host local clubs quite a bit, as well as have section parties which are open to anyone. Sororties often host fundraisers at clubs as well for their philanthropies. Save date functions, semis, etc, most greek social activities are mainly a publicity/fundraising venture and thus open to non-greeks. Also, since rush takes place early in spring semester, all freshman are unaffiliated in the fall (and of course all frats want to get their name out - they want freshmen there!). Local clubs (all 18+) are common places to go out regardless of being a part of any greek organization. Shooters, Georges, etc...even within walking distance (or a short cab ride) from East...and all types of Duke students can be found there - yes, even basketball players. Coming from CA, where "going out" before you're 21 isn't really an option (thank you, laws), it's a lot of fun to go out and dance for hours. As for cliquey, just like any school (and the real world)...you will find them around. But they are more the exception than the rule. Through classes, extracurriculars, etc, you'll meet up with people from all backgrounds.</p>
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<li> Living on East as a freshman was one of my greatest experiences. A 7-10 minute bus ride is a lot better than long walks endured by freshmen on other campuses (at UNC, 20 minutes to Franklin Street). Plus, you often make the ride with friends in your classes or can cram for tests on the way.</li>
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<p>During the day, with the Freshman writing and math courses, Art History, Music, and History departments on East, the buses are often bustling with all age students. Plus, on Friday and Saturday nights, buses run straight from east to west between 10 and 2 at night. </p>
<p>As for a marginal campus, it's far from it - you have your own gym, library, dining hall, convenience store, and close proximity to 9th st. (Whole Foods, Mad Hatters, Ben & Jerry's, Cosmic, Francesca's, etc...). As a musician, it was great being a 2 minute walk to the music building. And since I still have rehearsals on east, I often end up in Lilly Library to study (and to enjoy its extensive DVD collection). </p>
<p>While West Campus is awesome neo-Gothic, East is gorgeous Georgian-Palladian UVA-esque architecture. I still find nothing more inspiring than strolling down the main quad on East. Being on a campus with all freshman is great - it's great knowing that everyone around you is as clueless as you are. Plus, once you're there for about a week, it's no longer different campus - it's just "East." And there wasn't a desire to shove freshman off in a corner - East was at one time a separate university. When Duke acquired it, they obviously couldn't do anything about its location.</p>
<p>So....after that long-winded reponse....basically, East is great, not a downside at all.</p>