Bucknell University has a reputation for being a big party school, but students argue that the social scene doesn’t detract from the first-class education the school
offers. “There are plenty of people that DON'T fit into this stereotype,” says
one freshman. “Most people, even the partiers, want to do well academically because they want great jobs doing what they want to do and making the kind of money they want to make."
Bucknellians are proud of their university's academic strength. “Bucknell is a small school, but this is maybe it's biggest asset," writes one senior. "You really get to know and interact with your professors and the students in your department.” Undergrads frequently comment that Bucknell’s professors are
knowledgeable and engaged in their students’ futures. “Their aim is to make you learn, as that will always make for a better resume and a better person," writes a senior majoring in pyschology. "Faculty warmly welcome you into their office at all times, and I have come to know a few on a firsthand basis. They're fun and intelligent!"
The university’s campus—its rolling green lawns
and spacious feel, combined with traditional red-brick collegiate
architecture—is known for its beauty. “My favorite things about Bucknell are the scenery and the people. Bucknell has a gorgeous campus in spring - fall, but winter is not so amazing,” writes a senior. Students also have high praise for their
cafeteria, which they claim serves some of the best college food in the country. One
student says, “Some of my favorite things about Bucknell are the beautiful campus, and the great caf. No really, the caf is really good!”
With a beautiful campus and rural surroundings, it’s no
wonder students stay close to campus. “Bucknell is somewhat of a college town,” says a
sophomore. "Social life usually revolves around the Greek system, and many choose to get involved by pledging a fraternity or sorority."
But there are hundreds of other activities outside the Greek houses. “Theater productions, classical and jazz concerts, lectures, Bingo, free/cheap movies—these things happen every weekend, so there is always something to do. You just have to look for it,” writes a senior who participates in a variety of student activities in addition to Greek life.
When it comes to Bucknell's student body, some voice concern. Students are often critical of the campus’s noticeable lack of
diversity, as the majority of undergrads are upper-middle- and upper-class, white, and
right-leaning. One student asks, “Are you
familiar with the piece of Star Wars
trivia that all of the storm troopers in the Empire are clones of the same
bounty hunter? There is a similar phenomenon at Bucknell. Currently there are
about three or four African-Americans in all of my classes combined, and I
actually counted one poor soul twice.” Another senior says, "Although I have definitely found my niche at Bucknell, it was honestly much more difficult than I would have liked. It is disheartening to see students looking down upon those who hold an on-campus job, or upon those of us who are not in a sorority.” The university’s diversity statistics reflect the homogeneous appearance, but
students insist that all are welcome, even if there seems to be a predominant mold that students fit into. According to one senior, “As a person who would be considered ‘diverse,’ I had an OK experience. I don't mind not having others of my culture or race around me, but I do have a few, so it's nice to chat with them at times.”
Whatever students may complain about, they all agree that
school spirit runs deep. “There is a ton of school pride at Bucknell," reports a junior. "Everyone has tons of Bucknell apparel and comes to basketball games in full force.” Undergrads may be coming to Bucknell to hone their academic skills, meet
friends and make connections, or just to enjoy four years of partying, but whatever their motivations, Bucknell seems to have plenty to offer them.
In one student’s words, “Bucknell is definitely a magical campus.”
