The biggest and oldest group on campus is LGBTQU (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer Union). Other very popular groups are the feminist organization F.O.R.T.H., L.U., S.O.C.A., Hip hop club, Cheese club, Nerf club, and more. I'm involved with LGBTQU, a sub group of LGBTQU that I co-founded called Complexuality, thepurchasebrick.com (our online news source), and I have attended several events for other clubs. The clubs on campus are crucial to a students experience because you get to meet people who have the same interests and passions that you do.
Students should never leave their doors open, which is the case in any school. The crime rate isn't exponential, but it happens.
Athletic events aren't as popular as other campuses, but don't let the school stereotypes fool you because we are pretty good in some cases such as, basketball. There are incredible guest speakers all the time for lectures and meet and greets. This school is pretty well connected. The theater is one of the best parts about Purchase. There are shows going on of all types both musically, acting, or art. Our performing arts center and dance building are both great locations to see things, but there are other locations such as Humanities buildings theater. Students are constantly showing off their talent especially, senior projects, and there are professional pieces and shows done as well by off campus companies.
The dating scene is tough depending on if you're picky. There aren't that many available heterosexual men on campus, but the gay scene is out of this world.
If you're up at 2 am on a Tuesday you are either partying because you don't have Wednesday classes ( a lot of underclassmen don't), or you're hanging out unless it's finals.
There are SO many traditions at Purchase and some of the best ones are Pancake Madness where there is a party thrown during finals in the dining hall where professors make breakfast, Fall Fest (the mini culture shock), and Culture Shock, which is a huge music festival.
People party a lot on the weekends and it's a misconception that there is no social scene. The apartments and clubs always have something going on, but there is always something to do for people that don't party. There are no frats or sororities on campus and thank god because it would ruin the atmosphere here.
When people go off campus it's either to the movies, shopping, the bars, or the city.