Whats the social/party scene like

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bucknell University
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<p>I saw that, too, SouthJersey...makes it look as though there has been a big increase in off campus partying recently, but I wonder if this is more an increase in the number of reported incidents (as opposed to a rise in actual numbers of problem parties) because the new Lewisburg police chief has chosen to concentrate on the off-campus student housing... perhaps to the extent that there is the perception that the police are neglecting the normal problems of the city residents....re: the recent break-in and armed robbery of a residence in the concentration of off-campus student housing (the residents were college-age-ish, but had no connection to Bucknell). It may turn out that these victims knew the intruders, may be drug-related, etc., etc. - or maybe not.</p>

<p>I guess my question is - is there really a bigger off-campus drinking problem now than - say, 3-5 years ago - or is it because of the publicity surrounding the new chief's focus on those several blocks just off campus that people are hearing more about it? Not sure what to think....</p>

22

<p>Beachy,
Yes, good question about the increase or the publicity.
Two years ago Bucknell intended to make a requirement that all students had to live in college housing. They were clamping down on down town living, because they have little control over those students. FYI, I lived off campus my senior year, and can tell you that there were NEVER any rowdy parties in Lewisburg. </p>

<p>The issue the town Lewisburg had to address was what to do with the very bad housing around the campus. I spoke to some store owners and two summers ago there were a series of township meetings discusssing options. Everyone seemed very concerned about being left unrented run down housing units.</p>

<p>One of Bucknell's publications had a stunning depiction of the proposed "senior" housing and redesigned 6th Street area.These were just options being discussed.</p>

<p>On the recent visit to Bucknell, it seems that they are not institutuing that policy. There are about 10% of students living off campus.</p>

<p>I suspect a lot of this has to do with the closure of several fraternities. Do you happen to know how recently they closed? I think DU behind the library is closed, and SAE downhill may be, too.</p>

<p>Perhaps the parties have moved downtown,and now that Bucknell is not making it mandatory to live on campus the residents have had enough abuse!</p>

23

<p>Yes, I saw that article with the new housing proposal....also I seem to remember that perhaps this past summer BU completed the purchase of 50+ acres immediately behind frat row - goes down the hilll toward the river....for possible future dorms/apts....the goal being to eventually eliminate Bucknell West housing....but those plans both seem to be years down the road.</p>

<p>I'm not positive about the closings, but I think DU has been closed for 2 years now. I think SAE was open last year at least, because they were nearly flooded out last spring with all the water in L'burg. Not sure of the name, but the house that sits 1 or 2 down from the observatory (looks like a 1-story from the street) just reopened this year after being closed last year, but I believe that was because they had gotten so small in number of members that they couldn't fill the house (not a punishment for behavior issues)....BU owns a number of the frat houses and leases them back to the members, but if they can't guarantee to fill the rooms (thus guaranteeing that income to BU), BU will step in and boot them back to the dorms (or off-campus, thus perpetuating the cycle!).</p>

<p>I've heard that 10% max allowed to live off-campus, too - and you must actually be approved for such by BU - must attend certain info meetings, apply by a deadline - I suppose those with good academics and no behavior issues on file get first crack, until that 10% limit is reached. As I write this I'm wondering how they could actually legally bar an upperclass student from living off campus if push came to shove.....anyone have any ideas? Or is it that these are BU's (and other schools') rules and if you don't like it, you don't have to enroll there?</p>

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<p>i'm applying to bucknell RD and i'm getting worried...</p>

<p>i'm not sure i want to apply to bucknell now. there's such a heavy party scene... yuck.</p>

25

<p>Stuckinnj- there are plenty of other things to do,too! Have you had a day visit or overnight visit? Once you are accepted and have any doubts you should visit and ask all your questions about other things to do. </p>

<p>Music groups, movies, speaker series, bus trips to NYC, and Phila, Rockin' Bingo, Crafts room, Coffee House, Fitness Classes at beautiful new athletic Center.....</p>

<p>check the web site for the schedule of events and read the Bucknellian ( school newspaper) to get an insiders look :)
I think you'll like what you see.</p>

26

<p>All colleges have a party scene. I don't know that you will find one that doesn't have any parties at any time. What you will also find is that schools also have alternatives.</p>

<p>As with most schools, you can choose to opt out of the "party scene" at Bucknell and do many of the things listed in the post below. </p>

<p>If you want a school where nobody ever parties, ever...maybe a commuter or "suitcase school" would be best. At those schools, the majority of the kids leave for the weekend and go elsewhere for entertainment, parties, etc.... Schools where most of the kids do not live on campus, or most of the students are locals would be a place to start. </p>

<p>I think if you start crossing schools off because of parties, you will end up with a very small list. What you should look into is the alternatives that are available to the parties.</p>

27

<p>hmm thanks southjerseychessmom and texastaximom.</p>

<p>i appreciate your insight.</p>

<p>i was just worried after reading a thread titled this.</p>

<p>and also, there are a couple people i know (rather promiscuous people) who want to apply and go there. and i was wondering why. and i assumed it was the party scene.</p>

<p>texastaximom, it's not that i don't want to go to a party,etc. but it's just i heard stories of my friend who goes to University of Maryland and it worried me. she can't concentrate from the heavy partying.</p>

<p>is that true of Bucknell?</p>

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<p>My son is a sophomore at Bucknell. He didn't rush, but he knows kids that pledged houses. He also travels with the debate team (and they host a tourney each year) and is active with the Democrats on campus (they also hosted a big convention last year) and plays in a band. So, he has lots of social things going on, but he has never complained that he cannot get his work done because of noise or distractions. Procrastination is another story. :) He has been on the Dean's list the entire time. </p>

<p>College will teach you balance. Work/play. Study/loaf. Join/avoid. You will learn to balance your activities and your studies. You will find that there are some things you like to do, and others that you would rather not. </p>

<p>Every campus is going to have issues with alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, and physical safety. Some campuses are more candid about the issues and are trying to effect changes. As you've pointed out, you know some of these people already in high school. They probably won't change. But you don't have to change, either. You can opt for alternatives, and keep yourself safe by abstaining from/moderating those activities. You will always been in control of what you choose to do for yourself. I would not let a few kids from your high school deter you from applying to any school that interests you. Heck, they might not even get in!</p>

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<p>stuckinnj you are justified in being concerened about the overall atmosphere on a campus, but sometimes these things are the luck of the draw, roommate assignments, and things out of your control. Sometimes it is the 'overall" atmosphere on a campus. This is what you need to further explore. </p>

<p>TexasTaximom, can tell you more about the Freshmen living option, known as Residential College Program. These are theme based co-ed housing options, centered around a common theme. There may be an option for students who want a less intensive party atmosphere. I am thinking of the Penn Healthful living option which attracts a more "focused" type of student. These housing options gives students a chance to be with like- minded kids, they take a class together, and have a chance to get to know one another in a casual setting.</p>

<p>Texastaximom is a great source of current information and she did a good job of portraying college life. One of the things that might be helpful for you, is to consider a school in a more urban location so you would have more things to do off campus. IMHO, the schools, like Bucknell, foster closer student bonds, because the student body does not spread out all over weekends. Nothing is perfect, but you do want an atmosphere or a "fit" that works for you! </p>

<p>What other schools are you considering?</p>

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<p>I was going to ask the same thing...what other schools interest you? </p>

<p>Your ears and eyes are the best tools in the college search. A lot of the information you read is stereotypical, or in some cases second hand. I cannot stress the importance of an overnight visit if there is any way to swing it, or at least an informal visit (not just the tour). Then you can see for yourself if the atmosphere is what you seek, or what you want to avoid.</p>

<p>The stereotypical Bucknell student, (and I cringe when I see this posted on this forum by people who "read it somewhere" or "know someone who knows someone" ), is a rich, white, engineering frat boy from NJ that plays lacrosse and parties all night. My son is a middle class, poli sci/philosophy double major from south Texas that plays the bass and loves the live music scene. (Bucknell got Fall Out Boy to perform in Lewisburg last spring right before they hit it big, they just had 311 and Straylight Run.) He describes the political atmosphere as "apathetically liberal" and the Dems have just as many if not more students than the BUCC (conservative club)--and both groups are active on campus.</p>

<p>I didn't mean to come across so harshly, but I do not believe in sugar-coating this process--there is just too much at stake. While I am a avid supporter of Bucknell, it does have some safety and alcohol issues. Even out in the "boonies." Any school that says it doesn't is in denial. These problems exist at most high schools already. What is different is what is available for alternatives, how the school handles infractions, and how the school relays information to the public/students/parents. Bucknell has instituted an alcohol points system, with so many points for infractions which can ultimately lead to your dismissal from the school. They also have a mandatory alcohol education program for freshmen (as does Carleton where my second son attends) thus putting the responsibility back on the student for his own conduct. Most of the safety issues stem from alcohol. They also run a public safety log in the Bucknellian so that parents can read about any safety problems on campus. Currently there is a focus on off-campus housing downtown, and trying to crack down on parties there, however some students feel that the focus is drawing attention away from other more pressing issues.</p>

<p>You won't find the perfect college where you can be sequestered away from all of negative things in this world. You will be responsible for making choices (study? party? drink? abstain? etc..). but you will also have control. Less than ideal roommate? That's why there are study lounges and libraries. Don't like Greek Life? Try an acapella singing group, athletic intermural, drama club, writing publication. Join a community service group, political cause, or even try something new--photography, hiking, skydiving (eek!).....you can reinvent yourself at college. :)</p>

<p>As for the residential colleges, my son did not see one that interested him but I have heard good things about them. You might specifically ask to overnight with a student who lives in one. Again, firsthand knowledge is best.</p>

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<p>thank you.</p>

<p>i am applying to boston u, mt. holyoke college, smith college, bryn mawr college, the UCs (except riverside and merced), USC, Brandeis and much more.</p>

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<p>Well your list tells me you are willing to relocate to different areas (both coasts listed) and different types of areas (rural/urban), that the size of a school is not a particular issue, and thus that you are flexible. That's a good thing in this process.</p>

<p>Something you may want to do is get the coursebook mailed to you or find the course listings for each school on their web site. Which of these schools have the most offerings in your area of interest? Does one offer more than another? Does one have a special program in your area of interest? Which schools have core requirements and how will that affect your plan of study? Which core requirements will you be able to get credit for/place out of at each school? </p>

<p>Which schools offer merit aid? need-based aid? work study? How much money will your parents contribute? Do they have a limit for your education in mind? </p>

<p>What kind of campus do you prefer? Small, enclosed? Larger, incorporated in a city? Mostly on-campus students? Mostly off-campus students? Is there a particular need to be in/near a big city? (I always ask why if the answer is yes--and will you have the time and money to do the things in the city that you imagine)</p>

<p>Do you need to get home often? Do you only want to go home when they lock the dorms? Will travel expenses be affordable? </p>

<p>Is it important that you know lots of people at your school before you go (ie lots of kids from your high school there) or are you comfortable in new settings meeting new people? </p>

<p>A big part of "fit" is enjoying your surroundings and the people at the school. If you prefer to be close to home, or want to get home often, these are things to consider. I've done this twice in two years with my oldest children, and both are extremely happy with their schools. They also have friends who have come home from their colleges and not returned for various reasons. The more time you take now, the better your results in the spring.</p>

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<p>Excellent advice TexasTaximom, especially seeing the variety of schools on stuckinnj's list. Texas has had experience with her sons relocating far from Texas and can speak to issues regarding being so far from home.</p>

<p>I see similarities between Smith, Mt Holyoke, Bryn Mawr, and then the larger schools like Boston Univ, and the UC's, but don't see anything similar to LAC like Bucknell. Interesting?</p>

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<p>southjerseychessmom and texastaximom, i have no idea what i want from a school. at first i wanted a relatively high asian population (at least 5 percent... Washington and Lee has a 1 percent asian population... which makes me quiver.) but then when i looked at the schools that do, like university of pacific (their population is way to big for me) and carnegie mellon (too reach), i didn't think they would suit me.</p>

<p>so i decided to go for a range of schools.</p>

<p>i'm not sure i want to go to an all-girls school but i'm willing to bet that they have a great sense of community. i'm a bit afraid that girls can be catty, which would be a problem, but i love mt. holyoke so much.</p>

<p>what is an LAC by the way, sorry i'm not updated with the lingo. :)</p>

<p>i don't have a preference for location. i do like the big city, but i'm not sure i would like new york city. nyc is a bit crowded and dirty for me. i prefer areas that are safe but have access to cities.</p>

35

<p>i also would love access to airports, like u of rochester for example: their airport is literally 3 minutes by car away. it's great.</p>

<p>other schools i forgot to mention...
-nyu (not sure about this one... i'm probably going to get rejected)
-scripps
-university of wisconsin-madison
-college of william and mary
-pitzer (maybe)
-lehigh
-case western reserve u
-USCalifornia</p>

<p>do you think these schools fit the criteria?</p>

36

<p>How about Northwestern? It's in Evanston (suburb of Chicago). Mid-sized. I am not sure of the Asian population. There are several schools to choose from within NU such as Journalism or Liberal Arts. You can get to O'Hare airport easily. You may want to look at schools like that. Emory is another. It's in the suburbs of Atlanta.</p>

<p>I will say that most schools have shuttle arrangements to airports. For example, my son can get a shuttle ticket for ten bucks to get to the Minneapolis airport from Northfield.</p>

<p>LAC= Liberal Arts College</p>

<p>We have a friend at Wellesley in Massachusetts. She likes the "all girls" campus.</p>

<p>William and Mary is also a nice mid-sized school, but Williamsburg is not exactly a "big city." Also, there is not a lot of financial aid for out-of-state students since it is state supported. Washington and Lee is much smaller, and in a much smaller town. Are you from Virginia? </p>

<p>In order to make a good decision on your school, you will need to think in terms of potential areas of study, size, location and cost. Particularly cost. You will need to get that cleared up with your parents from the start. How much are they willing to help if any? (if they can) They may also have some stipulations on geography/distance from home. This will avoid some disappointments in the spring if you are admitted, but they are not willing to send you there.</p>

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<p>my parents are actually willing to spend any amount possible to get me into the best institution.</p>

<p>they're very supportive of me and if only my GPA was higher, i could've gone to a ivy league like my sister.</p>

<p>wellesley is beautiful, but the problem is, i won't get in there.</p>

<p>my gpa isn't quite there so i need a school within my reach.</p>

<p>william and mary is a bit iffy on my list right now because i've seen williamsburg and all the town seems to be about is colonial times. it's not really me. so i might cross it off the list.</p>

<p>actually no i'm not from virginia, i'm from nj.</p>

<p>thank you!</p>

38

<p>I figured you might be in nj now, from your handle...but maybe had spent time in VA because of your list. I'm originially from VA, UVA 85. </p>

<p>Well, since cost and destination are off the table, then you definitely have a lot of possibilities. I wouldn't let a lower GPA deter you from applying to a school, particularly if there are extenuating circumstances.</p>

<p>The northeast has a ton of small LACs (more like Bucknell) but it seems that you are more interested in a mid-sized uni in a suburb/urban environment. Something else to consider would be something like the Claremont schools in CA, each one is small, but the five together total about 5,000 students. It's about 35 miles from LA. Do you have a geographical preference?</p>

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<p>not really i have no geological preference.</p>

<p>i really want to live in california.</p>

<p>i think the nj atmosphere just makes me pretty down.</p>

<p>i am applying to the claremont schools (scripps and pitzer)</p>

40

<p>i actually got to sit down and read the long comments that both of you have written and it has given me a better idea of what kind of college bucknell is.</p>

<p>the number one thing that i am cringing about right now is your description, texastaximom of a white frat boy who parties all night... that is actually one of my worst nightmares. :( i hate people who do that. i'm sure your son is a great guy, but i'm not really into that scene. i hope i do find my niche in another group of people. but i'm afraid many of the asians there are going to be the partying type. i'm a rather mellow person who does enjoy hanging out and seeing theater and movies, but isn't much to going out to get wasted and dancing on tables, etc.</p>

<p>many people in my high school already do that and a couple people have made wrong mistakes in their lives and have gotten pregnant, so i prefer not to go that route and have my parents regret my decision for the rest of my life.</p>

<p>i am in no way someone who is a recluse, but i'm socialable in a different way than that. does that make sense? sometimes i make zero sense to people. :)</p>

<p>i think i mentioned this already, but there is a couple of girls that are the huge partying type who want to go to bucknell... and it makes me worry so much. i'm worrying that i would have to spend my 4 years in a school with them.</p>

<p>i know i can find a niche but i'm just a bit worried about that.</p>

<p>sorry. i'm sounding repetitive.</p>

<p>my sat scores came out for december and i am very happy actually.
i had a 1310 (M and CR) before but now i have a 1460 (M and CR) and my CR (750) score is higher than my math! which is quite a nice surprise!</p>

<p>well happy holidays!</p>