University Park--Social/Drinking Scene

<p>It seems like whenever I read about Penn State on one of those "student-to-student" review sites (ex., studentsreview.com or theu.com) or in similar type college guide, like "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges", the weekend drinking scene seems to emphasized...a lot. To an extent, the party/drinking is part of life at most state U's, but among the schools that my daughter looked at, it seems to be very prominent at Penn State. Several comments seem to imply that if a student doesn't happen to be into going to Frat parties and/or drinking, that (s)he isn't going to have much of any social life. Now obviously, I realize that, with a Freshman class of around 7,000 students, there are bound to be plenty of others who eschew the drinking scene, but is the whole drinking culture that dominant, or is University Park's location that remote that there's really not much else to do on the weekends? Or is this just an overblown stereotype...? </p>

<p>We've heard about the "LateNight Penn State" events as an alternative to the parties, although I also heard that there have been problems with them, particularly overcrowding(I guess, in one sense, that's further proof that there are plenty of students looking for alternative recreational venues.)</p>

<p>So, I guess my question is, for a student who's a non-drinker, are there realistically enough non-alcohol-related weekend activities to have a decent social life at University Park?</p>

<p>My son goes to PSU - so some of this info is second hand.
There's a movie theatre in state college and discount movies on campus. Bryce Jordan events - including rock bands and basketball. There's a new state college theatre with art and music events in addition to the performing arts center on campus. Kids work on THON until Feb (social events while raising money for cancer). LOTS of intramural and club sports at all levels. Sports events to attend (not just football). So there is quite a bit to choose from - I see the environment as a bit different than WIlliams or Dartmouth - where they are truly isolated in tiny little towns. State College seems almost urban and the big PSU campus offer many activities.
But there IS a lot of drinking from what I hear. As a parent, I worried about this too. I think this is common at most big state universities. But I do think the size can help since the non-drinkers will also be represented in pretty big numbers. I think it can be tougher in a small place like Williams.
If you're considering PSU and don't drink, you may want to look into a special living option dorm (SLO). My son reports that his honors dorm is much quieter and we hear the same thing from our neighbor who lives in the arts/music dorms. I hear that East dorms (where most of the freshman live) are pretty wild. Curious to hear what the students think.</p>

<p>The drinking scene (College Ave, big-time frat houses, driving out to the local stone quarry, etc.) is pervasive and in-your-face @ PSU. And there are many, many young folks who succumb to its seduction. Prbly one of the major reasons, or at least "symptoms" for the high attrition rate. Kids don't fail, leave because they're not "smart" enuff. More so, the drinking is symptom of need for acceptance, lonliness in the midst of the crowd, and essentially immaturity and recognition of the impending destructive nature of alcohol abuse. And there are other forms of abuse and acting out. It's not just alcohol. </p>

<p>That said, there are MANY outlets and avenues for kids who decide another path. Ironically, several of the Greek organizations provide those outlets. For example, there's one there to attract young men interested in the outdoors. In recent years, the campus religion-in-life programs have begun to blossom. (It used to be nearly invisible/non-existant.) The IM sports activities are plentiful. Many many interest clubs.</p>

<p>One key to prospering and thriving in wholesome ways @ PSU and others like it is quickly finding that "right" affinity group/activity that allows kids to be "square" ... and sober. But for sure there are sufficient numbers of drunk kids to go around. And a great many aren't around very long. It can be a seductive attraction for 19 and 20 year olds looking for themselves in the approval of others. The thing that makes it so distintinctive in State College is the tradition, tailgating/football bashes before and after, and the urban mythology that drinking and partying are what one's "sposed to do." "Hey, I heard my uncle talking about how they used to hide it in the toilet tank and they got that holstein onto the 3rd floor of Old Main, and they graduated." </p>

<p>It's called Happy Valley, isn't it? It's a major issue on many campuses and notably @ U.Park. The riots of recent summers and hit-and-run fatalities only magnify the seriousness of the challenge.</p>

<p>I'm a non-drinker myself and I do have a great time on friday nights and the weekend. Late Night Penn State can be crowded, but theres so much to do...from basketball, badminton, ping pong to board games, movies, karaoke, etc. There are quite a few people who dont like to party hard, drink, and get wasted friday and saturday nights.</p>

<p>It's strange that there is such an endemic Whistle Pig. I haven't been to any State U's but lived in London for a very long time, and still have friends there to this day going to top institutions such as Imperial, LSE, UCL and Kings and they are down at the pub nearly everyday. I never hear any such stories and these kids are all the same age. Of course, in the UK, the drinking culture is much more prevalent and less illicit affair than in the US (legal age is 18, and you can be having a Heineken in a pub by 16 in a someone over 18 is the buyer).</p>

<p>Thanks for the feedback so far. Toneranger, good idea about the SLO--she actually has chosen the substance-free housing as her second choice, her first choice is an SLO that's related to her intended major. I, too, am hoping the huge student population numbers would work in her favor. And speaking of theaters, I think I recall reading, a few weeks ago in the Daily Collegian online, about a movie theater reopening in State College, which can add to the non-party weekend options. Like Whistle Pig mentioned, it was reading about the two DUI-related hit and run car accidents this past fall semester that also concerned me. One thing that I am stressing with D is the need to seek out and affiliate with some constructive clubs and activities once she gets to school in the fall. MightyNick, I'm glad that LateNightPS has worked out for you--maybe there's some way that the program can be expanded...?</p>

<p>momonthehill - Now that the awful side of the excessive drinking is getting press, I'm hoping that the administration begins to crack down more. I know that quite a few students were charged with "furnishing" for the last two accidents. I think it's more than the number of students who drink. It's HOW MUCH they drink. Kids think nothing of downing 10-15 drinks in one sitting - not sure if this is the case everywhere. We went to one of the football games and saw kids who could barely walk (clearly underage). Why not make some arrests? Some may say they're not hurting anyone - the latest incidents show this is not true (one of the kids who was injured crossing the street was supposedly under the influence).
Good luck to your D...it sounds like she has the right attitude going in and I'm sure she'll find like-minded friends.</p>

<p>btw, was reported on last nite's news ...</p>

<p>State College had a record # of DUI arrests in '06. Over 500. So don't know if that's "good", "bad", or neither. Are they cracking down harder? Are there more drunks driving? Who knows. Just that more people were nabbed last year than ever before. </p>

<p>To Pres. Spanier's credit, he does not seem to be willing to sweep this away as merely "Students being Nittany Lions." Still, it's a tough problem to address and ultimately requires self-management among aging adolescents. Now THAT's a challenge. :eek:</p>

<p>how many of those dui's were students? having lived there, seen the growth of the university, town and surrounding buroughs I would submit State College will continue to see record #'s in every socioeconomic, academic and demographic catagory. See, my stat and econ classes did come in use after all, lol.</p>

<p>Whisle, PSU and the community to it's credit have so many options and opportunities available to students that reach out to all those who are looking to achieve the decent social life you desire for your d. I will also suggest that while the "party scene" headlines are bad attention getters be sure to check out the Centre Daily Times, The Collegian, The NYT, Forbes, Barrons, Money, Washington Post, Philly Inquirer, etc for all the other stories regarding the record # of successful academic, philanthropic, economic, social and political contributions made by PSU and it's students....they couldn't all have been just partying to have produced so many wonderful stories.</p>

<p>Are they cracking down harder? Oh yeah, you noticed the record # of dui arrests. Having heard Spanier on the subject this fall I'm convinced of his commitment to see the party school part of PSU's image change for the better. </p>

<p>cheers</p>

<p>We don't disagree at all. I've noted there are MANY healthy options available.</p>

<p>I simply feel no need to defend it. It is what it is. I don't love it. Don't demean it. But one cannot deny the distraction and destruction that comes from pervasive alcohol abuse, no matter where it is. It's just not so "concentrated" in most places. And indeed that and the sad many situations it fosters create and merit CDT headlines, going beyond just picking on the PSU drinkers because it gets the media attention. I'm betting the locals would be delighted to read something other than stories related to alcohol abuse.</p>

<p>Hardknox1149: I appreciate your point, but by simply discussing this issue none of the posters here are making an unfair attack on PSU students. On the contrary, the positive aspects of PSU social life were brought up repeatedly in this thread. Furthermore, both of the times that we've visited UP, I've been really impressed by the students (and staff) that we've met.
The alcohol consumption happens to be a prominent issue, that has been featured, quite often in several of those same publications that you listed above (especially the Daily Collegian and the Centre Daily Times which, by the way, I do read regularly online).
If, as you suggested, the school administration is taking steps to address this situation, then that's all for the better.</p>

<p>Thanks and you're absolutely right, whistle...and my apologies about addressing you in my post, I meant to address the thread's originator, Momonthehill. </p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mom, as a former townie, student and now parent of a college student you've gotten some great input and I would encourage you to remember that where ever your D decides to attend, all these social issues will present themselves. </p>

<p>To answer you initial post question " for a student who's a non-drinker, are there realistically enough non-alcohol-related weekend activities to have a decent social life at University Park? " the answer is absolutely Yes. Just remind her to keep confronting those social issues on her own terms by associating herself with the people, activities, organizations, living arragements and opportunities that fit her interests and goals. She'll have a great time. </p>

<p>gl</p>

<p>You may already know this but Spanier has earned quite a reputation for cracking down while at nebraska and now at psu. The Greek system breaks into a cold sweat at the very mention of his name. He's actually visited fraterities to see for himself what steps they have taken to crackdown . </p>

<p>fwiw the student drinking scene receives just as much media attention down here in similar college towns of Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Charlotteville and Blacksburg....even more recently so thanks to Durham's DA, Nifong, but that's a whole other thread on CC, lol.</p>

<p>gl to you and your d</p>

<p>Hey there, everyone. I recently graduated from Pitt after spending two years at Penn State. One of the major reasons I transferred was because I could not stand the social life at Penn State. You'll find drinking at all schools, but at Penn State there really are few alternatives. Yes, Late Nite Penn State is one option, however, that can get old, fast. There really is not much else to do at night. I remember my roommate sophomore year stumbling into the room repeatedly and having to help him either into bed or to the toilet. And it was not uncommon to have to step over passed out people in the hallway in the morning when I wanted to get a shower. I don't believe the school can do much else to crack down on drinking. It is simply part of the culture. The reason I loved Pitt so much was because there is a vibrant city right next door. There are so many non-drinking options available, and the students really do take advantage of those opportunities. There is still a lot of drinking at Pitt, but it is also socially acceptable to not drink, unlike Penn State.</p>

<p>lol Pat ive never had to "step over drunk people" in my dorm in East...and I know plenty of people who drink. Also, Late night has supposedly gotten notebly better than before (atleast thats what I hear) Also if your hanging wit your friends and they drink...it doesnt mean that you have to.
There are plenty of alternatives in my opinion</p>

<p>In either case, I'd not spit into the wind. Both got lots of booze. Both have drunks. Both have lots of sober kids.</p>

<p>The marketers call this "post-purchase" rationalization. Whatever car I bought is one of the best. lol</p>

<p>I'm just putting in my two cents. Having spent time at multiple schools, I think I can offer insight as to how they compare and contrast. I'm not saying everyone has the same experience I did, I am just offering my experience. I have no more allegiance to one school than another, however, I am happy with the decision I made.</p>

<p>
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gl to you and your d

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</p>

<p>Thanks. I appreciate your input. Whether a current student, parent of student or an alumnus or local resident, each person's feedback is helpful. And if the opinions differ, that's fine, as well--IMO, that's part of what a message board forum is all about.(Excuse the preachiness, lol)<br>
We're waiting on some RD verdicts, but D(as well as her father and I) is happy and grateful to have been accepted at Penn State, as well as Ohio State. Since the two schools are in such different locales, it will probably come down to which local setting(Columbus or SC) will be more comfortable for her.</p>

<p>Well I am always one to choose the city environment- more opportunities socially, academically, and professionally.</p>

<p>lol Pat you seem to be really for Pitt....Professionally there are plenty of oppurtunities at PSU...ill be doing a Internship this summer and I have a job in an office this upcoming semester along with research..all this as a freshman.</p>