American University Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Lara

American university is special in that it is at the heart of the nations capital which makes for a fun evening out. Georgetown, downtown, and chevy Chase, MD are all good choices for shopping and a night out to the local hot spots. Anywhere you go, you are sure to run into fellow American University students. Students at my school party pretty often but they also prioritize their academic before their social lives.

Radhika

The political organizations & volunteer groups are definitely the most popular on-campus activities. AU has a dry campus, but that certainly doesn't stop people from drinking anywhere, really. I write for student publications and volunteer pretty frequently off-campus. I also am a part of various social justice groups. I have never been to a game or an on-campus play. However, if the right political speaker comes, people will flock to the event. I got to meet Dan Rather thanks to an event by the Kennedy Political Union, which organizes most of the on-campus speaking events. A freshman year tradition would be waiting for a frat bro to give you a ride to a party, since you can't just walk into the frat houses at AU. (They're all off campus.) Not sketchy at all! I admit, I did it for a semester, but then I found real friends who were 21 and willing to help a girl out. If you're underage, like to party/drink, but don't have any way to buy alcohol, this is your best bet. If you didn't want to drink on a Saturday night, you could go out into DC and do...anything, really. You could go to a museum, a play, an open-mic night, an athletic event, a concert...there's loads of (free and/or low-cost) things to do in the city.

Heather

I would say the most popular student groups include political ones, environmental ones, and then Greek life (both social fraternities/sororities, and professional fraternities). Greek life at AU is something that is big, but also totally avoidable if you don't have any friends involved in Greek life; basically, it is there if you want it but you don't have to be consumed with it if you don't. I am involved in Phi Sigma Pi National Co-Ed Honors Fraternity, which is an amazing organization. Athletic events are overall not very popular, however, guest speakers populate AU all the time. The theatre puts on multiple shows each semester, yet is about a 15 minute walk from main campus. The dating scene can be a bit tricky, as AU's male population is about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, and of that 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} a lot of men are gay. However, DC is a college town so if dating at AU is not working out, there are plenty of other schools to check out. In general, I feel that people have a great mix between partying and studying. Since AU is a dry campus, none of the partying is actually done on campus, making it easier to get work done if you need to. DC is a very 18+ friendly city, so students can often be found at clubs, and once 21, bars. On a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking, many times there is a concert or event on campus sponsored by a student group, and there is also The Perch, which is a hang out/coffee shop with games. I think it is very easy to meet people at AU.

Rachel

American University (AU) has a variety of popular student groups/activities on campus. I'm always amazed to walk out onto the quad and constantly see something going on. Whether it's a table for a fraternity/sorority, a farmer's market, or an African drumming session where students are flinging paint all over each other, there is always something going on. Throughout my years as a student, I have often shot photographs for AU's yearbook. These have included things from the school's annual breast-cancer awareness festival (breastival) to music artists such as Matt & Kim, Eric Hutchinson and Matt Nathanson who play for free in the school's tavern. There have also been a number of amazing guest speakers such as Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem and the Dalai Lama. At AU, there is always something going on. Although the university identifies as a dry campus, there is honestly always going to be students who drink. Greek life is large and prevalent, but the campus does not have greek houses. Students also often have a choice between which side of campus they want to stay on. Northside is notoriously quieter and Southside is often known for the more rowdy bunch. In the upcoming years, AU is also implementing a substance-free dorm for students who wish to room together with other students who are not involved in a drug/alcohol scene. There is also going to be gender neutral housing in one of the larger dormitories, which allows for students to room with a member of the opposite gender. This is largely to provide a safer and more accepting environment for members of the trans community and is an option for all students. There are also dorms with honors floors, Residential Community Clusters (RCC) which tailor themselves to specialized groups and many other communities to engage in. Weekend activities can range from going out to one of DC's many clubs, to going to a nice restaurant with your friends. There are lots of free things that go on if you have a little extra metro fare, or feel like walking a few miles, so it's nearly impossible to get bored.

Jenna

There are over 200 different clubs and organizations that students can get involved in on campus, so it's hard to choose which ones to pursue. I am a huge part of the AU Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping prospective students decide if AU is the right school for them. During my Sophomore year I was the coordinator of campus tours, which means I ran the campus tours part of Ambassadors. We have a large number of students who are Ambassadors and have lots of fun together! Some of the other major organizations that students are involved with are the Kennedy Political Union which helps to bring public speakers to campus. Two weeks ago we have Bill Clinton come! The Student Union Board focused on getting major bands and artists to perform concerts on campus too. About 23{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students get involved in Greek Life, whether it be a social or professional fraternity. Even if the social Greek Life scene is not for you, the professional frats are a great way to get involved, meet new people, volunteer, or do stuff that is associated with your major.

Jenna

There are over 200 different clubs and organizations that students can get involved in on campus, so it's hard to choose which ones to pursue. I am a huge part of the AU Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping prospective students decide if AU is the right school for them. During my Sophomore year I was the coordinator of campus tours, which means I ran the campus tours part of Ambassadors. We have a large number of students who are Ambassadors and have lots of fun together! Some of the other major organizations that students are involved with are the Kennedy Political Union which helps to bring public speakers to campus. Two weeks ago we have Bill Clinton come! The Student Union Board focused on getting major bands and artists to perform concerts on campus too. About 23{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students get involved in Greek Life, whether it be a social or professional fraternity. Even if the social Greek Life scene is not for you, the professional frats are a great way to get involved, meet new people, volunteer, or do stuff that is associated with your major.

Jenna

There are over 200 different clubs and organizations that students can get involved in on campus, so it's hard to choose which ones to pursue. I am a huge part of the AU Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping prospective students decide if AU is the right school for them. During my Sophomore year I was the coordinator of campus tours, which means I ran the campus tours part of Ambassadors. We have a large number of students who are Ambassadors and have lots of fun together! Some of the other major organizations that students are involved with are the Kennedy Political Union which helps to bring public speakers to campus. Two weeks ago we have Bill Clinton come! The Student Union Board focused on getting major bands and artists to perform concerts on campus too. About 23{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students get involved in Greek Life, whether it be a social or professional fraternity. Even if the social Greek Life scene is not for you, the professional frats are a great way to get involved, meet new people, volunteer, or do stuff that is associated with your major.

Miranda

Student Government, Kennedy Political Group, and Women's Initiative. Also, Greek life seems to grow every year.

Annelies

There are a lot of activities on campus to choose from. We have an active frat/sorority scene, however that is by NO MEANS the only option. Only about 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of AU students join a frat or sorority. Other groups to get involved with are RHA, Student Government, and Model UN - those are perfect for the aspiring politicians/ambassadors who go to AU. There's also several theater groups - AU Players and the Rude Mechanicals (a Shakespeare troupe that I'm in!). Sports are all very popular. AU's basketball team is pretty good and the games are always packed. AU also has tons of amazing guest speakers that come to the University. Lots of politicians, world leaders, etc. A couple years ago, the Dalai Lama came to speak! The LGBT community is also very active on campus, as are various multicultural groups and the Women's Initiative. People at AU do party, but not extremely. I've had friends who go out every night and friends who have never gone out drinking in their life. Most people save their partying for the weekend, though many go out on Tuesday night as it's fairly easy to arrange your schedule to have no classes on Wednesday. Basically, there's a lot for people to do no matter what their interests are. People at AU tend to find their niche and do their own thing, whatever that is.

Alexander

There are tons of groups at AU that in some way deal with politics - whether it's by representing a particular group of people on campus or by promoting the awareness of some social or environmental issue. These are the most popular student groups along with fraternities and sororities, but there are many other groups at AU and there is always room for more; for example, the one my friend and I founded this semester. It's called the Student Historical Society of American University - or "SHS" for short, and it's geared towards promoting the study of history on campus as well as volunteering at various places dealing with history in the city, like the National Archives. Additionally, the club also organizes trips to historical sites in and outside of the area, and hosts screenings related to historical events. Along with student groups, guest speakers and theater are very popular here. We've received lectures from Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security (whose building is right across the street from AU), Dan Rather, Colin Powell, and plenty more. There are at least a dozen performing arts groups on campus, whether they are relating to theater, singing, or instrumental performance.

Kayla

There is greek life on campus, but it is not as active as it is at some other campuses. Certain political groups are very active on campus, obviously, like AU Dems and AU republicans. The arts are fairly open an friendly here, as in you do not have to be studying them to participate in dance and theater performances. As with any college in a major city, there are always things you can do on the weekend despite the campus being dry.

Paula

Greek life has a huge presence on campus. Although a lot of activity forms around the men's basketball and wrestling teams, sorority and fraternity events are some of the largest. Being a member of a sorority or fraternity, while not the end-all-be-all, is a great way to make friends and to get involved in campus activities/volunteering. I met my best friends after joining Chi Omega, and it has really given me a well-rounded social life with plenty to do on weekends.

Megan

There are so many groups on campus! I'm not really sure what the most popular are because of that, but the a capella groups are much-loved, and there is a club devoted to almost every cause or cultural background. I have a friend whose life centers around the swing dance club, one who has devoted herself to the Latino-American Student Organization, one who edits the school yearbook, and one who secretly loves the AU Gamer Society. Some of the more visible groups are the AU Democrats, Women's Initiative, Queers and Allies, student government, etc. The Mission Improvable improv troupe usually performs to huge and enthusiastic crowds! There's a great fair on the quad every semester where the on-campus clubs advertise themselves, hand out fliers, and give out freebies. I've acted in plays with the AU Players and the AU Rude Mechanicals, and while audiences aren't usually huge, they tend to be enthusiastic, and most people express an interest in student theatre. The DPA (Department of Performing Arts) shows often sell out, and get quite a lot of attention. Most of the actors in student-run theatre shows aren't even theatre majors, but are very talented and dedicated. I've only been to one sporting event-- a basketball game--on campus because they usually conflict with other activities, but I know that the Blue Crew has quite a presence-- that's a group of students that wear blue body paint and blue spirit t-shirts and create a huge, happy riot at the games. Free pizza, Coke, and smoothies are often given out at these, and I've heard a lot of enthusiastic comments. Sports aren't a massive draw at AU, but there are always devoted followers. I don't drink and rarely go to parties, but I'm never at a loss for things to do. There are often performances on campus on weekend nights, and the Student Union Board shows movies in the Tavern on campus at least once a month-- this year, they showed Thor, Bridesmaids, The Princess Bride, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Contagion, and a few others. All got pretty good turn-out. They hold other events there, too, like gaming tournaments, trivia nights, and craft events, and threw on-campus parties for welcome week, Halloween, and Christmas. Almost every weekend, my floormates hang out and watch movies, play games, dance, or just talk in the lounge. I also like to go for excursions in the city, visiting the monuments at night or going out to eat at a new and exciting place that I haven't visited-- there are always so many options. Many of my best friends do drink and love to go to nightclubs and parties, but I'm not as social. Sometimes I just like to curl up with a book and listen to Disney music. It really depends on the weekend. The AU Methodist Student Organization is a huge part of my life, and I've made some awesome friends through it. It's so welcoming, fun, and friendly, and I know some people who take part in all of their events despite not being Methodist-- a Catholic friend, a Lutheran friend, two Jewish friends, two agnostic friends, a Greek Orthodox friend, and an atheist friend all attend. They often serve free dinners after services, show movies once a month, do service projects like making dinner for the homeless or cleaning up parks, and go on exciting outings. This year we went to the Maryland Renaissance faire and picked pumpkins and apples at a local farm, among many other excursions, and we have a Christmas party coming up soon. We also have a murder mystery party each semester, with a specific theme and characters for all of us to play. I was the murder victim (and her evil twin!) at the last one! Last weekend, I went to see the new production of "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Shakespeare Theatre with two of my friends, and loved it. I also attended a benefit concert where my boyfriend's brother's band performed to raise money for a little girl with a rare form of lung cancer, had a great time singing in the choir during our weekly church service, and watched Guy Ritchie movies with some floormates. Some of my closest friends at AU are floormates from last year, including my boyfriend, who was a good friend for over a year before we started dating.(I never set out to find a boyfriend, so I can't comment much on the AU dating scene-- we just happened to find each other and fall for each other. I know a lot of girls are frustrated by the lack of available men on campus, but it's not nearly as bad as it seems. I know lots and lots of girls with boyfriends on campus, as well as many lovely single men.) Other closest friends are current floormates, theatre people, Methodist people, and former classmates, and some started off as friends of friends and became incredibly dear to me. If I'm awake at 2 AM on a Tuesday, it means it's a typical night for me! I feel like most students here stay up pretty late-- even if I was in bed at 2 AM, I would be able to hear my neighbors talking and giggling, and people running up and down the halls. I'm usually finishing up some studying, procrastinating on facebook, or watching SNL online at 2 AM, just about ready to go to bed. I can't say students leave their doors open, although usually people will knock on my door about four or five times a day to talk to me about whatever silly random thing pops into their heads! We've actually had problems with thefts in my dorm this year, especially of laptops, so people make to lock their doors all the time. This is sad to me, because it doesn't sound like the AU that I know.

Julia

The fraterities are well-known because they throw parties, but you don't have to be a part of greek life to make friends. Most people seem to make friends through their freshman floors. Residents leave their doors open, and RAs are pretty social. Athletic events aren't very popular but are fun to go to, since they almost always offer free smooties and pizza. People compain that it's hard to find straight guys on campus, but I know of a lot of couples that found each other at A. There are speakers and events every day, especially political figures. On a weekend students go to Kramer's Bookstore and museums around town.

John

Greek life is relatively weak, the administration is very anti-Greek. The political groups are strong due to the nature of the school.

Maha

My own involvement with student groups has centered on those which are advocating for social justice in some capacity on many different issues. There are a lot of groups at American University that deal with social justice issues, and students can usually find a group which supports their interests in this regard or which they can initiate certain efforts. The campus is very active and there are talks, lectures, and other types of events every day and there are often events which encourage students to take part in healthy lifestyles. In addition, students can expect to find career support.

Gabriela

Greek life seems to be very popular here as well as political clubs. I'm involved with musical groups as I am an audio production and music major. The music program here is growing and the musical ensembles sound better and better every day. There are also a number of a cappella groups that have become very popular. You will find your calling once you get here.

Eric

We arent a frat school, yet I still see a lot of people wearing frat gear. The dorms are all a pretty good place to chill out and living in a dorm has its advantages. The school spirit at our school is pretty low, the athletics are pretty much a non factor, even the basketball games are small compared to other schools. Another reason for a lack of school spirit is that AU is in a city and cities offer so much more than an urban college could offer. Kids do all sorts of things on the weekend, I know clubbing is pretty popular. The guest speakers are usually really good, and people you probably have heard of. The dating scene is aight. This is not ASU so don't expect model like girls walking around, eventually the "goggles" will kick in and you realize the girl selection isnt as bad

Ethan

AU prides itself on being the most politically active school in the country. For example, after a volleyball game in September, our student leaders brought TVs to our arena so we could watch the presidential debates. Let's just say the debate brought people to the volleyball game -- not the other way around. Sports are not very popular on campus. For whatever reason, we're a Division I school. One notable exception to the popularity was when our Men's basketball team went to the NCAA Tournament for the past two years. But those are notable exceptions. At many sporting events, there is a smorgasbord of freebies -- burgers, pizza, shirts, smoothies, etc. that they have to entice you to show up. One thing you shouldn't miss are Kennedy Political Union lectures. I've seen Elizabeth Edwards, David Gregory, Helen Thomas, Newt Gingrich, Norah O'Donnell and Martin Sheen. That's just to name a few. KPU is funded by the approximately $75 student activities fee that's billed to your account. The residence halls each have cultures of their own. I have lived on both "north" and "south" sides and here's how I can sum up each dorm: South Side: -Anderson: Loud, lots of parties. Will be renovated over the next two years. -Letts: I lived there freshman year. Also pretty loud, though not as boisterous as Anderson -Centennial: Just renovated, suite-style living. Don't expect to live there as a freshman though. North Side: -Leonard: Probably the loudest of the north side dorms -- also the international dorm. But it really is the best of both worlds. You can compare it to Letts. -McDowell: Lived there sophomore year. Lots of athletes who are cliquey amongst themselves. It kind of messes with the social dynamic of the hall. -Hughes: Don't come here to party. I don't think that happens too often. It's a very studious dorm.

Seth

The DC community offers many opportunities for students to grow academically and socially. Unique to AU, we offer an involved Greek life system with the many benefits of the city's attractions. Also, home to more than 150 clubs and organizations, students at AU can get involved in a lot more than Greek life to feel a part of the bigger community.

Rachel

Everyone is pretty open to making friends in the first month, but after that social groups are set and there aren't really anymore opportunities to meet people. Parties are common, but hard to get to. You have to be chosen by frat brothers as someone who deserves to get a ride. The frat houses are scattered randomly throughout the neighborhood, so if you don't have a ride it's impossible to get there-or back to the dorms. There's not much to do that doesn't involve drinking, with the exception of going to a restaurant. Basically if you're not hungry, there's really nothing to do. DC shuts down early, so unless you make plans early, it's hard to find anything.

Jenna

College Dems and Women's Initiative are insanely popular, but most large organizations are full of fair-weather members. College Republicans definitely holds its own despite the left-leaning of the student body, and they bring a lot of big names to campus. The Community Action and Social Justice Coalition (CASJ) is a group of 20-ish clubs that range from environmental initiatives and drug policy reform to Food not Bombs and worker's rights. Collectively, CASJ has a lot of members, which is no surprise considering the most popular academic fields at AU. SUB, KPU, and Student Government host a lot of moderately enjoyable on-campus events (including free movies like Superbad), but generally non-club, on-campus events are lame. The Residence Hall Association likes to tempt folks with free food, but their events are kitschy and more often than not not worth the time (which is saying something when they're in your building). Athletic events are under-publicized, and few people know or care about sports, though the Blue Crew tries its darndest to make itself heard. With an obvious majority of women and a healthy gay population, men aren't in the greatest supply, but dating is common. There are a number of parties (Greek, non-Greek) off campus every weekend night, and there's always something to do in DC if you go to the more lively neighborhoods (Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Chinatown, U-Street). Theater, music and art are available but a little less popular, though some plays and features like the Vagina Monologues are big hits. Tuesday nights are big going-out nights because most people have few or no classes on Wednesdays with the luxury of sleeping in. Partying is pretty heavy for a small, private school early in the year, but people settle in after a few weeks (and a few hospital transports). Greek life is either a) all-consuming (for those involved) or b) an absurd and ridiculous ritual (for those observing). For non-drinkers, the dorms are always hopping, there are a decent number of decently fun on-campus activities, and there are things (dancing, monuments, restaurants, adventures) to be experienced in DC. Sober fun just requires a little more energy and a little more creativity. AU is a dry campus, so drunkenness is slightly less visible, but you can do anything you want as long as you're smart.

Jordan

Sororities and Fraternities are the most prevalent, but so are political organizations (especially College Dems). So many open doors! Tons of Guest Speakers (Barack Obama and the Kennedy family).

stella

its pretty popular to be in a sorority or frat but not nessesary. some kids leave their doors open but that is not really an invitation for anyone to go in. athletic events are only semi popular and speakers are not to popular theather is pretty popular because all other theater in dc SUCKS. the dating scene is not easy to break into, you have to be friends/kinda know the person first. if you are awak on tuesday night you are either out b/c you dont have class on wednesday or goofy around in your room with your roomie or a few friends, or pulling an all nighter. some people party all the time but only if you have friends is frats or can get alcohol becasue its hard to party, you have to get rides to the frat houses.

Lauren

Student Government organizations like Women's Initiative are very popular. Ecosense is also pretty popular. There are tons of clubs to get involved with. People tend to make friends with the people they live with, especially for freshman. That is definitely what I did. The social scene really varies. Some people go to frat parties, some go downtown, some hang out in the dorms, some even do homework.

Luke

Frats and politically active groups are extremely popular. The debate society does parlimentary debate across the north east against other schools ranked in American's category. Including every Ivy League in the nation as well as other tier 1 schools. Some students leave their doors open, anti social people don't. Atheltic events are not very popular. Guest Speakers are huge! Theater not very popular. Many people meet in class/ at parties and live on the floor. I met my closest friends because we all shared a same interest for politics and could talk to each other very easily. If I am awake at 2 am I am either on the internet or doing homework. D.C. Has many traditions that happen every year. People party every night if you know the right people. Frats and sororities are only important to those who want to party. Last weekend I stayed in on friday and watched a movie. Saturday went shopping in Georgetown. Sunday took pictures at the National Cathedral and went to the White House at night. You can go out to clubs and hookah bars and things of that nature. Off campus you can do whatever you would like.

Caitlin

Greek life isn't a big deal. There is usually always something to do.

Zack

I'm somewhat involved in Beta Omega Beta. It's a good crew. We do stuff. Students leave their doors open sometimes. I went to a theater performance and it was kinda crappy, but then again, I'm creeped out by theater kids. At 2am on Tuesday, I am talked in the lounge or someone's room. Fraternities/sororities are important to only certain groups of people (i.e. the ones who like to drink). People party a LOT here, especially on the weekend. I definitely don't want to say what I did last weekend. I go to concerts during the month, so that's what I'm doing this Saturday night. Athletic events are not very popular.

Aria

The two sides of AU have very different atmospheres. Southside holds more students and for the most part Greek Life. It's busy, loud, and has an affinity for parties. Northside is more quiet, and better for people who have early classes. As long as I'm on the floor I leave my door open, but if I'm going out of the dorm the door is locked which is pretty standard. Their hasn't been a problem with theft in my experience, but there have been some reported problems so there's no need to tempt fate. The dating scene for women is pretty dismal. as a 66-33 ratio there aren't nearly enough men to go around. We have what we call the law of thirds with men-a third are gay, a third are taken and the last third are jerks. Being in DC however, there's a lot of chances to get off campus. When it comes to meeting people, I'd just sugest talking to people. People are really friendly. There are enough events that you meet plently of people. Last weekend I went salsaing. And there are plenty of things to do rather than drink, and while a lot of parties do have alcohol in my experience there's been no pressure to drink (as long as you stay away from frat parties) people just find ways to have fun, intoxicatedly or not.

Steven

Being a politically active campus, the most popular groups are College Republicans and College Democrats, and with it being an election year, Students for (Insert Candidate Here) are popular as well. In general the Kennedy Political Union is very popular with students as it gives them a chance to meet the politicians that KPU brings in. On the whole, students are very friendly and will often leave their doors open if they are inside doing work. Making friends was easier than I thought, and if you are friendly, it finding your group of friends should be easy. We only have about 7 or 8 fraternities and sororities each, so Greek Life is not big on campus, and you can definitely have a social life without going Greek. American is not by any means a big party school- we are a dry campus, even if you are 21 and living on campus. Generally there is one or two parties per weekend night, but because we are dry, all parties are off campus which can make it a hassle to get to sometimes. If frat parties aren't your thing, there are a multitude of dance clubs, movie theaters, and plenty of options to do within DC that are student-friendly.

lindsay

tuesdays are club nights!

Tara

Political groups are very popular on campus. I'm involved in both AU Students for Barack Obama and OneVoice (a group committed to a two-state solution in Israel). During the first months of school, almost everyone on my floor left their doors open, which is how we really got to know each other. Almost all of my close friends live on my hall. A lot of people began dating in the first couple months, and again, that often happens within floors because that's who you know best. Athletic events are not extremely popular, but speakers are. My whole floor will line up early in the morning to get the chance to hear a prominent speaker. I'm never up at 2 am anymore! But if I am, I'm in one of my friends' rooms, talking and hanging out and maybe watching a movie. Dorm life revolves around those kinds of activities. If students want to get out and drink, frats and sororities become pretty important because that's where the parties are. It's definitely not a huge party campus though, and sometimes there are weekends when frats don't throw parties at all. Instead of a frat, you can always go into DC for dancing, food, or monument touring.

Megan

political clubs are active on campus as well as greek life. Doors are not usually open in the dorms. Athletics are not that popular, but greek organizations go often. The dating scene is awful. there are not many guys and the ones you find are not worth dating. 2 am on a tuesday, you are coming back from going out to a bar. Traditions: welcome week, founders day, greek week. People party pretty often. Sororities and frats are active but not necessary. I am involved and it's great for a social life. otherwise, campus can be kinda dead on the weekends. Lasr weekend, I went to a mixer with a frat and my sorority and went to hooters with my sorority. On a Sat, you can go into the city or out with friends. I like to go downtown and shop or go to the national mall. I party off campus.

Morgan

It's hella hard to get to frat parties.

Carolina

Greek Life organizations are extremely popular. Depends, my freshmen year everyone left their doors open. This year no one on my floor does. It is slightly sad since I was used to such an open and friendly atmosphere. Athletics is not that big except maybe basketball LOTS AND LOTS of great speakers...Barack Obama, special performances by groups like OK GO and stuff like that. I give AU a 10 on guest speakers. -My closest friends I met randomly...some in class, some in my sorority, some on my floor. Tuesday night is going out night since most people dont have classes on Wednesdays. Last weekend I went clubbing Friday and to a frat party on Saturday. Fun weekend! Saturday night: movies, go to the monuments, go shopping in Georgetown or the malls. A lot of fun things that dont involve drinking. Off campus: enjoy DC. Great city.

Kristen

Doors are open. Friends come from your floor or classes or through friends. The ratio of males to females sometimes sucks, but I've found an awesome one! We study and watch West Wing and Family Guy late into the night. Parties are fun. House parties are the best. Speakers are awesome; again the city is a great resource for this. The city is awesome!

Ashley

AU Dems are popular. there are athletic events, many high profile guest speakers. the dating scene is difficult, too many girls, not enough men. 2am on a tuesday doing homework or studying. not everyone drinks only if they want to

Andrea

Most popluar groups are AU College Democrats or Republicans, as well as Women's Initiative I am involved in the AU debate Society, and we travel the East Coast debating other schools Students do not leave their doors open Athletic events are popular, as are guest speakers, and Theater is hit or miss I can't speak about the dating scene I've been taken since I got here I meet my closest friends two ways: Half by living with them on the same floor, the other by pure luck I am playing Guitar Hero or studying if I am up that late Founders Day and Artemis Ward week happen each year People party often Greek life is small but very noticeable Last weekend I hung out at my friends apartment, cooked and played rock band, and the next day I went to the movies, went to the book store, went back to my friends apartment and watched another movie On a Saturday night you can go to the movies, go see an exhibit at the mall, walk around Dupont circle, or do something student government offers When I'm off campus I'm at a friends apartment

Harper

College Democrats and Republicans are very popular. All of the Division 1 sports are equally as popular, while the club sports get less attention. Students in dorms at the beginning of the year will keep their doors open in order to meet their floor/hall. However, as the year goes on, it is less frequent. Guest Speakers are extremely popular, with at least a few occurring each day. Sports events are next, which do attract a good crowd. Theater productions are popular, but not so much as the other two. I met my closest friends right across the hall from me in my dorm because at the beginning of the year we kept our doors open. Greek life consists of about 22{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students, so it is there if you want it, but not a necessity and you certainly won't be pressured into one. Last weekend, I went to the movies in Chinatown and shopped on Friday. Saturday, I ate at a downtown cafe and went to the Smithsonian Natural History museum. Sunday, I had a meeting for a group project, went to a review session for Microeconomics, and did homework. I do not drink, and about 26{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of AU students never touch a drink, so each activity I do is without drinking. You can go monument hopping, museum hopping, shopping in Friendship Heights or Pentagon City, explore Georgetown, go to the Capital, go to a movie, go to the National Zoo, go to the National Archives, get a bite to eat with friends, and even go to a Frat party and not drink on a Saturday night. I only touched on a couple of activities--you will never be bored in this city!

steph

APO service fraternity (co-ed) equestrian team -- rides in MD, competes with regional schools doors are always open athletic events, not so much. guest speakers, especially politicians draw a crowd. theater, if that's what you are into there are a lot of couples my closest friends: my roommate, my hallmates, my boyfriend is across the hall, but i met and got to know him (and my other best friend) during the freshman service experience. i met my our best friend at a frat party because of an interesting tapestry. through the equestrian team, i met a whole different type of person, but they rock too. hanging out with my friends i dont know! as much as we can. they're big, but no one likes them went out for thai food for a friends birthday, then on a metro adventure. homework. frat party. radio show. anything you want.. being drunk is never a requirement bars, clubs, food, wandering, movies, everything.

Torry

The out of classroom academic activities are very cool because as residents of DC, we can get almost anyone to drop by and share a few words. Other than that it's pretty boring. The greek life is half-hearted and there are few who have a deep connection to the city's nightlife. It's really about finding the right crowd because everyone is looking for something different in their social life.

Leah

American University has a very wide range of activities for students to engage in. During the beginning of the year, the school puts on an activities fair to promote involvement which generally takes up the entire quad (no small feat). The administration will work with students to create and start up new clubs as well, if someone were to find their options lacking. Although Fraternities and Sororities aren’t given official school housing, their presence is most certainly felt on campus. Dorms are usually decorated with posters declaring the student’s Greek affiliation in lieu of actual housing and most parties around campus are hosted by these groups. If you’re not into drinking or partying though, there is still plenty to do in the city itself.