Bucknell: The Big Picture
Sometimes political groups might not be the friendlies toward each other, but that's usually based on misunderstanding or unwillingness to listen by individuals who mar the group's reputation.
Religion is very open here. I never expected that I would feel so free to be active in my faith when I came to college. It's an opportunity for growth that I had not anticipated. People are open about you and your experiences.
Being the first person in my family to attend college, I was intimidated here at first because of my working-class background. I was able to meet lots of friendly people, however, and that faded. I was also able to consider lots of aspects of my own diversity through academics, like in my Foundations of Education that I took freshman year.
Athletic teams tend to eat together in the cafeteria, but that's mostly based on their similar schedules. There aren't noticeable cliques in the cafeteria. Freshman year it is common to eat with your hallmates. After that, the gender most commonly seen in dining halls is female since many males join fraternities and eat at their houses.
Bucknell Academic Life
Some classes are a little large, but you still get personal attention if you seek it out (and sometimes even if you don't)! I entered and had two sizeable classes, but dedicated professors who helped me to transition to college and make the experience wonderful!
Students all are driven to succeed, but aren't competitive at the expense of others. Most professors don't grade on a curve so that we're encouraged to help each other to perform at our best by studying together or sometimes collaborating on homeworks. That has been wonderful.
Participation is common, especially depending on the department and professor.
Bucknell's Student Body
Our school has a high percentage of Greek students because the Greek community is so accessible. I was at first intimidated by the statistic, but now am part of it because our Greeks are great! There's truly a place for everyone. I love that Greeks are as well integrated into student life as any other group, so it's an added bonus, and not a matter of being cliquey or missing out on other groups of friends.
I've never played intramurals but there sure are lots.
Some people say they go to the gym to see and be seen, but I go because it's superb. Nothing like a good run to work out frustrations of a day!
Bucknell Student Activities + Social Life
There seem to always be special events with lectures, performances, etc.
Weekends can be what you make of them, mellow and without alcohol, or involve parties. Lots of people complain there is nothing to do here, but that's just if you're looking for parties or if you fail to recognize that Bucknell is in a rural setting.
