<p>Socially, I mean (not intellectually). I haven't had a chance to visit (although, ironically, I'm originally from North Carolina), so I just want a sense of the social atmosphere at Duke. (Of course, it's possible for most people to be happy at most schools, but based on the campus's personality, would any personality types naturally feel out of place?)</p>
<p>I really can’t think of any.
I know people who go out 4-5 times a week, and I know people who never go out.<br>
In the latter category, I know outgoing, upbeat people who make their own fun, and I know more reclusive, introverted people who like to keep to themselves.
They all like it here.</p>
<p>An intolerant sociopath, perhaps?</p>
<p>Duke is extremely diverse. If you are strong in who you are, you will find your own social happiness there, but it would help if you arrive ready to take in a lot of information about others from very different corners of the world from day one. There is a lot of school spirit on campus for sports and great weather that makes for a pretty upbeat campus. East Campus for freshmen turned out to be a huge plus for my son and his classmates and friends…it offers a sort of liberal arts atmosphere away from the Gothic campus where your class gets to bond as if they are in a smaller college for a year. The are on the Gothic campus for most classes but come home daily to only their own year.
I like the way the buildings on East are not imposing and are sort of cozy. There is a program called FOCUS (optional) for freshmen that my son loved…which resulted in his having a close group of friends quickly…it involves taking three courses on one topic/theme with very small groups…the entire FOCUS program will be in one freshman dorm but not as roommates…so this gives you “space” to make other friends but also a strong bond with a group in an academic experience with you that often also has a field trip. Duke always assigns great teachers to FOCUS…as it can be an introduction to possible majors or to doing research. Although the sports scene is very prominent, my son was also big on the Duke cultural arts and music scene…which is pretty outstanding re offerings and performances. Duke has a great breadth of performance arts program for audiences and participants a like. Keep in mind that at Duke many students are only on campus for three years…but this is true at many peer institutions. Our son was abroad twice and studied a new language in a great Duke program. There is a big international outlook on campus.</p>
<p>^ Faline mentioned study abroad, and I would also throw in DukeEngage. A ton of kids apply for/participate in DE programs.</p>
<p>But, yeah, on a social level: plenty of every type of person.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for both of your replies! I’m glad both of you had a good experience with Duke.</p>
<p>“An intolerant sociopath, perhaps?” made me laugh. 
Faline2, your son’s interests (performing arts, foreign language/study abroad) sound a lot like mine, so those details were helpful! And I read about DukeEngage online; it sounds amazing.</p>
<p>If you have a major objection to drinking culture, you won’t like it here. That doesn’t mean you have to participate. I know many people who never “go out” and still love it here. You can definitely find ways to have fun that don’t involve drinking or hooking up. But, if you are the type of person who is going to be actively bothered, disturbed, or made uncomfortable by the fact that a not insignificant portion of your peers are going to be getting wasted several nights a week, then don’t come to Duke.
Honestly, though, that’s going to be true at most colleges.</p>
<p>Cameroncrazie. </p>
<p>What is the Duke definition of “going out” as youmentioned in your previous answer?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be happy at Duke. I’m not one of those 190 IQ people; I have to study a lot to get my stuff. I’d probably spend monday through friday studying my ass off.</p>
<p>^^^in which case you would be living like most duke engineering students!</p>
<p>Our son is in engineering. He knows that he has not been able to fully engage in all that Duke has to offer. Nonetheless, he wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else!</p>
<p>Okay, add saturday and sunday in for me if I have to do engineering or premed. I should be able to pull off a 3.5+ if I work 7 days a week with absolutely no play time but guess what? I’m gonna go crazy by end of first semester if I do that and crash second semester. There’s still chance I still won’t get 3.5, so add insanity to the possible list.</p>
<p>Thus, in the end, I wouldn’t be happy at Duke.</p>
<p>@Maizeeagle86
Good question. “Going out” is a pretty ambiguous term that basically encompasses partying/drinking. There aren’t a whole lot of options here in Durham, so most students will go fraternity sections (fraternities here don’t have houses, just sections in dorms on West Campus) or to one of the clubs nearby. Frat parties are what you’d expect - cheap beer, terrible liquor, loud music, dancing, and, of course “hooking up”.
“Hooking up” is kind of the same thing, but it’s usually just making out.</p>
<p>wait, you’re saying if you arent into frats, theres other stuff to do at Duke? Is that a common misconception?</p>
<p>I worried my D wouldn’t be happy because she is “conservative” and used to be quite irritated by drunk people, but she surprised me when she could laugh about it during an overnight for admitted students (freshman vomiting on the bus, then slipping in it…). First semester was difficult, but she’s quite adjusted as a sophomore and has been very involved in EC’s (more then classes I’m afraid), like a cappella groups, attending church and Bible study groups, Hoof and Horn, writing for the Chronical, and going to Durhams new performing arts center (she had to camp out for discounted season tickets).A good friend is in a sorority and she goes to her fintims as well.</p>
<p>Hold on! The frat scene is a very visible part of the social scene at Duke, but it is, by no means, the only social outlet. My son is that rare species: a social engineer. He chose not to go Greek and has no shortage of friends, social events, fun etc. All he lacks is the time to enjoy it as much as he would like!</p>
<p>Someone who doesn’t like a mach-frat-drinking culture.</p>
<p>Has that been your experience swharborfan? Are you a student?</p>
<p>@collegebound:</p>
<p>Yes, there are things to do other than go to frat parties. Many people don’t ever drink or go to section parties, and the majority don’t go as often as you might think. Perception is not the same as reality.
That being said, there will be people getting drunk and doing stupid things - probably more than you’re used to, because there will be people going out just about every night. Perhaps not the same people, but if seeing people wandering around drunk or peeing in a bush at 3:00 AM is going to make you unhappy, don’t come here. If, on the other hand, you’re comfortable with your choices to participate or not to participate (and other people’s choices to do the same), you’re not going to care.</p>
<p>I’m an international student and I’ve been to Duke summer programs. I really liked the campus, but I’m liberal, not a huge sports fan, do not like frats or sororities, and am not religious. I’m not really worried about the religion thing since I doubt there’s any pressure. But as far as everything else goes, I don’t know if I’d be happy there. </p>
<p>I already applied ED to Brown, so this post may be pointless.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>What is the “religion thing” and why would you worry about it? Duke is not affiliated with any religion.</p>
<p>Duke is Methodist.</p>