Find your perfect college degree
Like your undergraduate years, graduate study grants you an extended time to explore, learn, and get to know yourself more as an adult. It is essential to your self-discovery! For some adult learners, enrolling in a graduate school is still one of the best phases to meet new people, network, and try new endeavors.
Making unforgettable memories, having a good time, and networking with others are crucial parts of the graduate school experience. Finding a graduate school that knows how to party is one of the important factors for many students.
Party graduate schools provide students with the right blend of academic rigor and excitement beyond their academic life. From pubs and student clubs to tailgating, party graduate schools offer them an exciting social life.
The best graduate schools that know how to party and have a good time provide students with equal opportunities to play and work hard, making their graduate studies productive and fun at the same time.
Whether graduate students are sipping a glass of wine or binge drinking while spending with their colleagues or friends, parties offer more opportunities to socialize and network with people.
As more and more adults have struggled with isolation, anxiety, and depression, opportunities to interact with other people can also become beneficial. Although not all graduate schools are created equal, some know how to party and have a good time.
We give you the best grad schools know how to party and have a good time. Factors, including student survey data, Greek Life, athletics community, and accessibility to restaurants and bars, were considered when creating this list.
Let’s get right to it! Explore our topics with these quick links!
The Country’s Top Party Graduate Schools
Tulane University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Tulane University: Welcome To The Wave, Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Fest, Crescent City Classic, Voodoo Music + Art Experience, Wednesdays at the Square, Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, White Linen Night, Tennessee Williams Literary Fest, San Fermín en Nueva Orleans, Greek Life
Tulane University is situated in one of the most popular cities in the U.S. with vibrant cultural and social life. New Orleans is home to many pubs, music, and good food where students never run out of things to see and accomplish.
Students flock to the streets for all the Mardi Gras festivals, Halloween, and Jazz Fest in French Streets and Bourbon. The university offers a Mardi Gras break since classes are usually not serious during the week.
Students must have already figured out that Tulane University has a school-life balance, providing the opportunity to be recognized by Niche and The Princeton Review as one of the best party graduate schools in Louisiana.
The Princeton Review names Tulane University as the 12th Most Active in Student Government, 9th in the Quality of Life, and 4th in the list of Best-Run College, This first College City is generally known for happy students and most engaged community spots.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana, Illinois
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Sophomore Social, Musical Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays, Friday Funnies, Quad Day, Illini Union Courtyard Café Karaoke, Illini Union Board Crafts + Snacks, Illini Union Welcome Week, Greek Life
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students have easy access to several on-campus pubs, including the Illini Inn and Legends. Urbana’s legal age is 18, and Champaign’s legal age is 19 to enter a bar, providing students with access to more nightlife opportunities even though they aren’t allowed to drink legally.
With 1,800+ student organizations, students at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can attend various festivals and events. For instance, Quad Day at the university happens every Fall season, where students can socialize with others through different activities and gatherings.
Its Greek Life is flourishing since many sororities and fraternities are active in the university, with various events and parties involving entertainment, music, and alcohol.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students take sports gatherings seriously, where the party atmosphere during football seasons includes tailgating, body-painting traditions, and joining the Illini Pride student corner.
University of Georgia
Location: Athens, Georgia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at the University of Georgia: Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment, Greek Life, Dance Marathon, Founders Week, Bulldog 100, 40 Under 40, Alumni Weekend
Headquartered near Athens, the University of Georgia features 17 colleges and schools that advocate research innovation and academic excellence. The university is near many restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and other establishments within its vicinity.
The university has a large population of sororities and fraternities that promote diversity and leadership with thriving Greek Life. UGA’s Greek Life is also popular for college parties and tailgating events, including Pajama Jam, recognized as Southeast’s biggest party.
The University of Georgia has a strong football culture, and its student communities participate in various tailgating events. Tailgating at the university often involves a whole day of food, drinks, and music.
Jacksonville, Florida, is the neutral venue for games between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs when it comes to football. Football games between these rivalries are popularly known as “The World’s Biggest Cocktail Party.”
The Pennsylvania State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at The Pennsylvania State University: Ag Progress Days, Summer Welcome Fest, Summer Camps, Groundhog Day, Music Festivals, Athletics Events, We Are Weekend, Athletic Conferences, Juneteenth Celebration
The Pennsylvania State University has a stereotype of being a graduate party school, especially during football seasons. Thousands of students and fans enjoy music and beer while tailgating during and before Penn State football games. Penn State’s Greek Life has a strong tradition on its campus.
The All-American Rathskeller and other college pubs have provided the Penn State community with lots of beers and food since 1930. The Liberty Craft House and Zeno’s Pub are some of the local favorites at Penn State.
The Liberty Craft House has almost 50 beers on tap, while live music and beer festivals are common in Zeno Pub. Students will no longer have to leave campus to experience a pub-themed atmosphere since they can stop by The Nittany Lion Inn for Whiskers for Winesday.
West Virginia University
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at West Virginia University: Football Events, Mug Night, Up All Night, Club Sports, Summer Camps, Pool Events, Camping Trips, Tailgates, FallFest, Saint Patrick’s Day
Established in 1867, West Virginia University is located in Morgantown. Returning students and incoming newcomers start the academic year with FallFest, a 7-day celebration with free food vouchers and musical guests. Some of the iconic guests include Kanye West and Maroon 5.
The bar community and nightlife at Morgantown offer several opportunities to have fun, drink, and eat. Students can enjoy tailgating hours during games on football season, explore the Mountaineer Taphouse, and party on the High Street.
They can also demonstrate their school’s tradition during Mountaineer Week. With WVU’s Mountaineer Week, students can participate in several activities, contests, and a craft fair on the university’s grounds.
Indiana University Bloomington
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Indiana University Bloomington: Football Events, Greek Life, Little 500, Labor Day Weekend, Party Boats, Homecoming, Welcome Week, Dance Marathon
Indiana University Bloomington has 65+ fraternities and over 750 student organizations. Many students love its Hoosier traditions like a homecoming, welcome week, and other annual gatherings with party scenes. IU’s one of the notable events is the Little 500 featuring a bike race participated by thousands annually.
IU fans and students never take tailgating lightly during football seasons, and they participate in a diverse range of festivities. IU’s basketball season starts with Hoops Hysteria, offering more reasons for students to party and enjoy. IU’s Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall houses one of the biggest student sections in the U.S.
Bloomington’s well-known college pubs, including Nick’s English Hut and Kilroys Sports, accommodate several students during game days all year round, with late-night entertainment and happy hours.
The University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, Texas
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at The University of Texas at Austin: Greek Life, Texas Revue, Forty Acres Fest, Longhorn Kickoff, BEVO’s Birthday Bash, Chillfest, Flor Festival, Black UT, Game Nights, Outdoor Movies, Halloween Events, RoundUp
The University of Texas at Austin is headquartered in one of the country’s culturally rich and most vibrant metropolises. U Texas hosts RoundUp every Spring, which offers drinks, food, and music for UT Austin students and the Austin community. RoundUp is complemented by more parties on campus.
With U Texas’ Cactus Café and Bar, students will no longer have to leave the campus for drinks and shows. They can join in one of the open mics on Monday night or enjoy live music gatherings. Students also party hard and celebrate at football games.
The city’s thriving music scene provides students with more opportunities to enjoy concerts, live music, and other local music entertainment. Downtown Austin’s Sixth Street is temporarily closed for street parties every weekend. In this event, students can visit local craft breweries, pubs, and bars without paying hefty fees.
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Florida State University: Pool Parties, Football Events, Greek Life
If New York is dubbed “the city that never sleeps,” Florida State University’s hometown, Tallahassee, is known as “the college town that never sleeps.” The city never runs out of restaurants, clubs, and bars. Student hours parties are part of the weekend essentials as well.
Although FSU has a reputation for being a party school, the university also features rigorous academics. If you can discipline yourself and keep partying to a minimum, Florida State University is one of the best graduate party schools in which you can attend.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Sandburg Mixer, Open Mic Night, Fall Welcome Events, Brewers Game, Scavenger Hunt, Community Tours, Campus Campouts, Riverview Patio Parties, Courtyard & Crafts, Panther Academic Welcome (PAW), Housing House Party, Open House, Outdoor Movies, Sporting Events, Brat Fest
Considered one of the prestigious universities worldwide, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was established in 1848 and is located on Lakes Mendota and Monona. In 2015, the NCAA recognized the university as one of the top college football towns. It features 23 Big Ten varsity teams.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison can visit the Der Rathskeller bar in the student union when they aren’t tailgating. The university is also located on State Street, a pedestrian mall with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. They can also unwind in the Memorial Union Terrace and have a breeze, live music, and beer on the lakeside.
Greek Life is strong in UW, featuring events like the yearly Brat Fest. Every 1st Saturday of May, thousands will participate in the block party held at Mifflin Street. They can celebrate the finale of a long winter season in Wisconsin.
University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at the University of Alabama: Onyx, Sweet Treat Exchange, Multicultural Coffee Hour, Safe Zone Karaoke Night, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Greek Life, Football Events, Weeks of Welcome
The University of Alabama has a stereotype of being one of the best graduate party schools in Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s Weeks of Welcome event receives incoming first-year students and returning students with good music, food, and festivities to start the academic year.
Over 11,500 students at the University of Alabama participate in Greek Life, providing more access to several college parties.
UA’s athletic events are often celebrated with lots of partying and tailgating. Football season draws thousands of students and fans who enjoy music, food, beer, and festivities. The university also holds a venue for family-friendly gaming and gatherings. Its tailgating tradition features the long-standing history of the Walk of Champions and the Elephant Stomp.
Tuscaloosa is well-known for its flourishing bar scene, and the university’s campus is within the vicinity. Students can either visit the Rounders, Alcove, and the Houndstooth Sports Bar.
Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Michigan State University: Dorm Parties, Frat Parties, House/Apartment Parties, Going Greek, Student Ensembles, East Lansing Film Festival, Movie Nights, Broadway Shows, Musical and Dramatic Theatre Productions, Athletics Events, Midnight Madness, Sparty Watch, Global Festival, Spartan Remix
Michigan State University celebrates Spartan Remix every year in East Lansing. Spartan Remix is a vibrant culture, music, and art festival to kick off the academic year. The university’s Greek Life offers students more opportunities to party and socialize.
Students can participate in sporting events and on-campus concerts while tailgating. MSU’s game-day traditions lead students into the community. Campus organizations host themed parties at local pubs, including Sparty Gras and Sparty Bar Mitzvah facilitated by the university’s Hillel Center.
Given MSU’s party reputation, the city of East Lansing and the university itself have worked together to develop party guidelines to encourage students to be responsible and prevent accidents and any untoward incidents.
Miami University
Location: Oxford, Ohio
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Miami University: Chinese Festival, Open Mic, Fall Fest, Open House, Free Slam, Down Home, Downtown, UniDiversity, Across The Divide, Greek Life, Football Events
Don’t get confused with the name. Miami University is headquartered in Oxford, OH. Although it is a landlocked university, Miami University consistently garners recognition from Niche and The Princeton Review as one of Ohio’s best party graduate schools.
The university is accessible to different house parties, sporting events, music scenes, and bars around Oxford.
Syracuse University
Location: Syracuse, New York
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Syracuse University: Slice Is Right, MayFest, New Student Picnic, Orange Celebration, Barnes Bash, Citrus In The City, Orange Blast!, SU Day, Discology, Open House, People’s Place “Peaceful Place” Café, New Community Climb, JCM Exposed, Ensemble Series
Although Syracuse University is based in a city often covered in snow, the university is a consistent school for the best party graduate school in the U.S. It has a flourishing Greek Life and passion for athletics and is home to major events like Mayfest and Juice Jam.
Syracuse University has The Orange Crate, an Orange-themed bar where students can unwind and grab a drink with their colleagues when it comes to on-campus nightlife.
Louisiana State University
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Louisiana State University: Greek Life, Juneteenth Celebration, The Point, Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival, Free Coffee, Party On The Grounds, Pancake Night, Philanthropy Night, Information Night, Preference Night
According to Niche, Louisiana State University, almost everything in the school revolves around athletics. The thriving nightlife scene in Baton Rouge offers various opportunities to meet, network, and have fun with colleagues. Approximately 92% of the participants at Niche have concluded that tailgating and Mardi Gras are some of the favorite party gatherings on campus.
Southern Louisiana’s culture has influenced LSU’s student community to have a good time. However, the reputation doesn’t entirely affect the quality of education LSU offers. The university has freshman-level classes educating students about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
LSU has partnered with Tin Roof Brewing Co. to create the microbrew with the help of its food science training program.
Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas, Texas
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Southern Methodist University: Founder’s Day Weekend, A Night At The Club, Coffee House, Back To School BBQ, Club 214: Below Deck, Tea Connections, Fraternity & Sorority Life Pop In, Macau Casino Night, RC Games, Drag Bingo, Oktoberfest, Kulture In Kerala, Fall Camp, The Great Crumpkin, Commons Cup, Deck The Halls, Krewe Du Ware
In 2012, Southern Methodist University garnered the high honor of being recognized as the #1 Nightlife in the Country, according to Playboy Magazine. According to the publication, SMU is Dallas’s never-ending house party. Its yearly “Heaven or Hell” Halloween event is also popular throughout the city.
With this reputation, it is more than enough to conclude that Southern Methodist University has a stereotype of being one of the best party graduate schools in the U.S.
Ohio University
Location: Athens, Ohio
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at Ohio University: St. Patrick’s Day, Green Beer Day, Football Events, Welcome Weekend, Kegs and Eggs, Fest Season, #Fest, Palmer Street, Palmer Place, High Street, Mill Street, Milliron Street, Block Party, Halloween In Athens, Mardi Gras, Homecoming
Ohio University is popular for being a party school. For many years, it has drawn nationwide attention for its spring Fest Season, frat culture, and Halloween Block Party. Ohio University has been recognized as the #1 party school in the U.S. by Playboy Magazine and The Princeton Review in 2015 and 2011, respectively.
57% of students who answered the survey on Niche say that Ohio University has a beautiful campus and considered the university their second home.
University of Missouri
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at the University of Missouri: Mizzou Welcome Week, Midnight BBQ, Root Beer Floats, S’more Than A Game Night, Shakespeare’s Pizza Party, Pizza With Police, Greek Life, Veterans Welcome BBQ, Labor Day Beach Party, Neon Night Lights, Tiger Fun Fest, International Welcome Party, Film In The Heights, Spooktacular, Movie Nights, Football Events
The University of Missouri is often stereotyped as one of the biggest party schools in Ohio. Since it is located in Missouri, many people label it a university in the middle of nowhere.
While there are several parties in Missouri, it has many other things to see, do, and experience that a party school alone doesn’t categorize the university. Mizzou has a plethora of athletic events, fraternities, and sororities in Greek Life culture and athletic pride.
The university isn’t necessarily in the middle of nowhere since it is located between Kansas City and St. Louis, offering easy access to a day trip or weekend getaway to either of these cities. Columbia also has an active urban scene with several theatre or movie houses, shopping centers, restaurants, and other establishments.
University of Colorado-Boulder
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at University of Boulder-Colorado: 4/20, Football Events, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween Week, Boulder Creek Hometown Festival, Boulder International Fringe Festival, Boulder Craft Beer Festival, Colorado Music Festival, Boulder Farmers Market, Flatirons Food Film Festival
As a frontrunner in the recreational use and legalization of cannabis, the city of Colorado is well-known for having an exciting and thriving social scene. No wonder 4/20 is an iconic gathering at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Many students cheer on Ralphie The Buffalo at football games and enjoy partying at Boulder pubs/bars.
Students at the University of Colorado-Boulder are often stereotyped as rich white kids and stoners. Given it’s a leader in legalizing cannabis, the concept of marijuana around Boulder is more relaxed than in other states.
The university is more accepting when it comes to faculty and students smoking marijuana as a lifestyle. Despite that, a large number of students at the University of Colorado-Boulder never smoke marijuana.
The campus is a few minutes away from the beautiful mountains to enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, snowboarding, and skiing.
University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at University of Florida: Gator Stompin’, FLEG Sports Day, ArtFest, Lohri, Spikeball Tournament, Valentine’s Day Domino, Greek Life, Night Markets of Asia, Morale Game Day, Morale Madness, Trigators Triathlon, Picnic Social, The Big Event, Holi, AED Soccer Olympics, Noche De Gala, Drag Show, Family Cookout, Movie Nights, Salt Lawn Party
Although the University of Florida is considered one of the top party schools in the U.S., UF students are intelligent and overachieving students. The university has an extensive Greek Life, where many students are part of sororities or fraternities. UF students are also passionate sports fans and can party like there is no tomorrow.
Gainesville has a vibrant nightlife with different parties, clubs, bars, and other social events. Despite being labeled as a party school, the University of Florida is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., where you can meet every type of student.
While some students party a lot, others rarely go out! Students don’t necessarily have to be rabid sports fans to enjoy studying at the university.
University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, California
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Number of Graduate Programs: 100+
Events at the University of Southern California: Wine Wednesday, Athletic Events, Courtyard Connections, Greek Life, Fountain Run, Football Events, Yacht Party, Tailgates
Aside from being a prestigious school, the University of Southern California is also famous for its party scene. Located in a prime spot in downtown Los Angeles, USC is in the center of amazing culinary experiences, lavish clubs, and rowdy gatherings. Many students at USC take their partying lifestyle seriously.
USC’s The Row is famous for its party scene. The Row is every USC student’s bucket list, featuring beautiful houses, thousands of solo cups, and good-looking people. Philanthropic gatherings, tailgates, and parties happen every day in USC!
The University of Southern California houses the 9 O bar, which is popular for persistent bouncers, long queues, and drinks. Many people who’ve experienced the bar say that once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave until you are carried out. If you’re lucky, you might as well meet celebrities like Justin Bieber.
Stay Safe in a Party School With These Precautions
Once you’ve already decided to enroll in a party graduate school, you can follow these helpful tips to stay safe while having fun in the pursuit of your graduate studies.
- If you’re taking a ride-hailing app like Uber or Lyft, make sure you’re riding in the right vehicle.
- If you’re walking home after an event, don’t walk alone if possible, and avoid wearing headphones.
- Avoid drinking too much.
- Always inform a close friend or family regarding your whereabouts. Leave your contact information and location, if possible.
- Don’t allow strangers to buy your drinks. Don’t leave your drinks unattended.
- Avoid oversharing personal information and social media with strangers or untrustworthy people.
- Store your wallet and other personal belongings somewhere safe and never out of your sight.
- Be mindful of the venue and situation at all times. Know how you got to and from the party.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do you mean by graduate schools that know how to party
Graduate schools that know how to party have very active on-campus parties, events, and social life. These schools have several and frequent gatherings considered as popular and well-attended social events for their student communities.
Graduate schools with a reputation as party schools often have high rates of students drinking and socializing and a large number of sororities and fraternities.
Can you still earn a high-quality degree in a party grad school?
Graduate students can earn a high-quality degree in a graduate school that knows how to party. All universities we’ve listed are also considered some of the best graduate schools in the country, garnering recognition from The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and other prestigious publications and companies.
Some students enrolling in top-party graduate schools don’t necessarily participate in the party culture. Although they’re in this type of school, many students aren’t fans of parties and other gatherings. Instead, they find like-minded people and form a community from different on-campus clubs or dorms.
In large public and private universities, you’ll encounter many graduate students who aren’t party animals or social butterflies.
What are the tips on how to balance my studies in a party graduate school?
Every graduate school has parties, events, and temptations that can sway away from your academics. In party graduate schools, there are more temptations since more students like to party and have more social gatherings.
Although there’s nothing wrong with unwinding, everything should be done in moderation so you won’t compromise your studies.
Here are tips on how to balance your graduate studies if you’re enrolled in a party school:
- Find the right balance.
Pursuing graduate studies entails juggling between personal, professional, and academic responsibilities. Many graduate students go to work, classes and participate in other activities. Despite that, you can still spare some time to unwind, break the monotony, and balance your obligations. Parties and other social gatherings can help form professional networks that can benefit your career in the long run.
- Choose the schedule of classes wisely.
When you’re choosing the schedule of classes, find classes that interest you and their suitable schedule. Some students avoid taking early morning and Friday classes to party without having to worry about their classes. Due to other time commitments and responsibilities, students may not complete the classes that interest them. Students must not permit their partying schedule also to affect the classes they enroll in.
- Prioritize.
Reminding yourself the reason why you’re pursuing graduate studies will help you avoid slacking off. You’ve completed your undergraduate studies and pursued a graduate program for career advancement, a shift in career, and other opportunities. Graduate studies are costly endeavors. If you prioritize partying more than academics, you’re not getting the most out of your academic opportunities.
The total tuition for one academic year at certain universities is approximately $80,000. If you’re spending a hefty amount of student loans just to party with friends, you might as well get your priorities straight.
- Manage your time.
Regardless of whether you’re in a party graduate school or not, time management is a crucial component of completing your studies. If you have a comprehensive exam scheduled on Friday morning, canceling a party on Thursday night and getting enough sleep are the best options. If you have a project with a deadline on Monday, it’s not ideal for keeping partying over the weekend and starting working on it at the last minute on Sunday.
For more effective time management, students must adopt a routine each semester that will help them succeed in academics. For instance, you can study from Monday to Thursday nights, have fun and unwind on Friday and Saturday, and prepare your assignments and other obligations for the new week on Sunday.
Although the amount of time you spent doing classwork and studying will depend on your academic strengths and schedules, developing healthy habits that won’t compromise your education is crucial.
Whether you’re a part-time or full-time employee, you’ll have less available time to study due to other commitments. In this case, you should manage your time and prioritize exceptionally well.
What are the pros and cons of enrolling in a party graduate school?
If you’re an extrovert or have an active social life, enrolling in a party graduate school can be an exciting venture. Party graduate schools are mostly found in bigger towns or cities since they are surrounded by many clubs, bars, concert venues, coffee shops, restaurants, and other party venues.
Greek Life and party culture are easygoing for most of these schools. Although students are expected to complete rigorous studies, they have numerous social gatherings, dancing, partying, attending concerts, and supporting their local sports teams.
Like many schools, there are pros and cons of attending graduate schools that know how to party. The pros and cons hinge on the students’ aspirations, preferences, and needs that affect their overall graduate experience.
Pros:
- Academic and Life Balance
- Enjoyment
- Memorable and New Experiences
- Networking/Meeting New People
Cons:
- Burnout of too much socializing
- Lifestyle can be expensive
- Not Ideal for Introverts
- Overwhelming
Is it safe to enroll in a party grad school?
For many parents and adult students, safety remains the top crucial factor when choosing party graduate schools. According to the NIAAA or National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism‘s most recent statistics, approximately 1,500 students ranging from 18 to 24 die from alcohol-related incidents, including drunk driving.
When it comes to date rape & alcohol-related sexual assault and assault, NIAAA reports 97,000 and 696,000 students, respectively, belonging to the same age group. Despite that, students have many ways to stay safe while having the time of their lives in graduate school.
Substance abuse is another potential danger when attending a party graduate school. Students with mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, have more chances to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Approximately 80% of students have abused alcohol, signifying that more substance abuse-related incidents will likely happen.
If you enroll in a graduate school with a strong party or Greek life culture, it can be challenging to decline a colleague or friend’s invitation even though you’d prefer to stay in for the night to study and chill.
Fitting in and peer pressure are common. Before enrolling in a party graduate school, make sure you have already managed your expectations.
Is it worth enrolling in a graduate school that knows how to party?
Although you didn’t enroll in a graduate school to party, they can help make your college experience more interesting and fun regardless of the school you choose. While party graduate schools have numerous events more often, you can still receive a high-quality education from these schools.
A student may have excelled during their undergraduate years in a specific university and pursued a Ph.D. program from a different university. On the contrary, another student who may have spent their education in the same university can fail in academics or scholarships due to excessive partying.
Similarly, graduate students can still party hard and compromise their health, legal, and academic aspects even in a university that isn’t considered a party graduate school.
The bottom line? Your success (or failure) depends primarily on the choices you make while pursuing graduate studies. It doesn’t hurt to give yourself a break, though! If you know how to manage your schedule and prioritize things as you should, you can graduate with a high-quality education and have fun while at it!
