Miami University-Oxford Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Amy

Greek life makes up about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of our student population. I don't participate in those activities, but I do in other major parts of campus life. I am a co-chair of Colleges Against Cancer, which is a group that organizes Miami's Relay For Life each year. We attract all walks of campus to our event. It's a nice place for campus bonding. Other well-known groups include student government and RAs. There are a lot of activities going on both on and off campus. Uptown, there are restaurants and bars, but also a small park with fountains. My friends and I have often played in those fountains. If you're looking for something more low-key, AfterDark is a group that shows movies or hold events like comedians on Friday nights. I typically attend because the events are free and often the movies haven't come out of DVD yet!

yuwei

CSSFA.CACA. they usually celebrate festivals and have many activities.

Emily

As I mentioned, Greek life (involvement in sororities and fraternities) is very prevalent at Miami. Sororities and fraternities team up to promote philanthropic causes like the Ronald McDonald House or Cincinnati Children's Hospital, host social events, and recruit members. "Rush" is a huge deal on campus at the end of every fall semester for incoming students. I am not involved in the Greek community (I didn't "rush"), but I still feel like I am a part of the Miami community. Occasionally I feel left out of conversations among a group of sorority girls who are all going to the same party one night, but I have a tight group of friends and feel like I'm a part of other subsets of Miami "culture." Student orgs/clubs are incredibly popular at Miami. Clubs range from professional groups (business, engineering, teaching societies, etc.) to philanthropic groups (who put on events to raise money for charity) to club sports (including Quidditch) to interest groups (people who are concerned about recycling; a student-run radio station) to cultural groups (Asian American Associations, Indian Student Association, Black Student Association, Middle-Eastern Student groups, Latin American student groups...the list goes on!). All of my friends are involved in at least two clubs- one is in Associated Student Government, another founded her own club that started a Writing Festival, another is in an Architecture society, and another is in a dental club. There's a club for everyone at Miami, and if there's not, you can start one! Partying and "going Uptown" (to High Street in Oxford, where there are many bars and restaurants) is a big part of Miami social life. You can enter bars when you're 18, but, obviously, can't buy drinks until you're 21. House parties are common in the residential part of Oxford, especially at fraternity houses (there are no sorority houses). However, bars and "clubs" (where there is a dance floor) seem to be more popular at Miami than other universities I've visited.

Lisa

I am very involved in the business school, so most of the organizations that I am familiar with revolve around business. Some of the most popular groups include the investment banking club, entrepreneur club, supply chain organization, mentorship programs, and many others. I am personally involved with the Center of Business Excellence, and I am working on starting a consulting club in the business school. As for the dorms, it depends on the culture. The dorm I lived in freshman year was very open with students working in the living rooms, leaving their doors open, etc. The campus has a lot of activities for students. There are music events, shows, sports, restaurants, and all sorts of events (most of which I don't attend because I am too busy).

Danielle

With so many different student organizations, there are a lot to choose from. I am currently on the Speech and Debate Team and in Stage Left, the musical theater club. The Speech team is a very fun group of people to befriend. Same with the musical theater club. I participate and also attend weekly meetings to stay active in the club/team. Students in residence halls definitely are open to meeting new people. There are always some doors open or people just knock to come say hi. This is how I met my closest friends! The theater is very active on Miami's campus. With our theater department and Stage Left, there are always some performances going on to attend. Athletic events are also very popular on campus. Students always go to the sports games to cheer on the Miami Redhawks. People go to parties to blow off steam, like every university its a part of the campus, but it is up to the students in go or not. Its just an activity some people participate in on the weekends to blow off stressful weeks! On a Saturday night, there are a lot of things to do that don't involve drinking. You can stay in and have a movie night with friends, go uptown to a restaurant, go to the movies, or even just go to the club to dance.

Justin

The Miami University culture relies on Greek Life and hockey. When students aren't in class they are usually doing something with their fraternity or sorority or at a hockey game if there is one. The friends I spend my time with now I knew before coming to Miami but it is certainly not hard to make friends around campus. The main activity that isn't dependent on drinking is going to hockey games or playing broom ball. However, even though these activities do not necessarily involve drinking, students still drink for both occasions. There is not much to do off campus other than go to clubs or hiking in Hueston woods, but Cincinnati is only an hour away and I believe there is a bus that goes to Chicago from Oxford. Last weekend I went to the clubs in the uptown area with one of my best friends fraternity and stayed in to study the next night. There is always something to do, especially if you're a part of Greek Life.

Traci

Greek life is a huge presence on campus. I was involved with a sorority for 3 of my 4 years. I can say that I know both sides of the spectrum, in terms of Greek and independent involvement on campus. I am writing director of Inklings, Miami's magazine of Arts & Letters. The most popular sporting events are hockey games. Our team is amazing and definitely brings pride amongst the student body.

David

The Miami hockey team is very popular on campus. When a big team comes to town, students sleep in tents in line to get tickets to the game the next day. Football, basketball, and soccer are not as popular but still have great student attendance and come up in conversation around campus. Student groups are popular and there is usually a group for every student based on what their likes and interests are. Miami is also known for sponsoring many guest speakers. Last year, Miami brought in the Dalai Lama and Condoleezza Rice to speak. Students always have their dorm doors open for friends to stop by and talk or hangout. Doors are usually only closed at night, during class, or while studying. The dating scene at Miami is active. People enjoy going on dates and enjoy meeting new people at parties or other social events. I met my closest friends in my freshman dorm building and then uptown this past year. The key is to be open and realize everyone is in the same situation as you in terms of meeting new people. Fraternities and sororities are very important on campus and have a large presence. Miami is known for a very popular greek life. However, greek like is not the only way to get involved and is just a sliver of the social atmosphere at Miami. People "party" mostly on the weekends (thursday-Saturday). Unless there is a special event or schedule, rarely are students partying during mid week. There is plenty to do that doesn't involve drinking. You can hangout in the dorm rooms, rec rooms (most dorms have a basement with a pool table, big screen tv, etc.), go uptown to a movie or out to eat, and go to the rec and play basketball. Off campus activities can involve or not involve drinking if you want them to.

Tricia

Meeting people at Miami University is not a difficult task. The campus is overflowing with thousands of students, and opportunities to encounter them are prevalent as well. However, finding the people that have the potential to be your best friend takes some time. I was lucky enough to encounter an amazing group of students within my first semester as a freshman: the hip hop dance team. I tried out for the team without any hopes of actually becoming a member. My whole life I was acutely aware of my love for dance. Varsity Cheerleading functioned as a replacement for my passion throughout my high school years, but I always knew I belonged on a dance team. When I received the call informing me that I made Miami's Coed Hip Hop Dance Team, I raced out of my Chemistry Lab class to hide my jumps and jigs of joy. Being on the team not only led to my meeting some of my closest friends, but it also introduced me to various other activities and groups on campus. Our biggest performance of the semester happened to take place at Dance Marathon, an event where all of the major dance teams performed. Vision Dance Team, Hip Hop Dance Team, Miami Dance Team - all of these teams and more put on a show for this charitable event. Due to the number of dance oriented groups on campus, the popularity of dance on campus is obvious. However, the amount of group activities on campus is hard to keep count of as a result of their abundance. There is a team for nearly everything. Like arguing? Join debate team. Like being a leader? Join Community Council. Like dancing? Join Miami Coed Hip Hop Dance Team.

Michael

Fraternities and Sororities are definitely the most popular student groups on campus, but as long as you find your place, you will fit in no matter what. Personally, I am not in a fraternity, but the Men's Glee Club has become my home where all my friends have spawned from. Besides, from the Glee Club though, I am involved with The Cheezies, an a cappella group based out of the Glee Club that performs at various venues year round on campus. We are always very well received with concerts selling out for our fall, winter, and spring events. One tradition I find quite special at Miami has to be our Charter Day Ball, which occurs every three years to celebrate the founding of Miami University. It is a great opportunity to really see the university community come together and celebrate Miami as a whole.

Erin

Undoubtedly, the most popular of all student run organizations is Greek life. Miami University is one of the oldest, and with that has many different sororities and fraternities that are very active. Because of this, partying is a large subculture at Miami University. On weekends, many students either go to house parties of bars uptown. Still, a large number of students do not engage in these activities. If you do not wish to engage in drinking, there are plenty of other things to do. Miami University always plans activities such as movie nights, lectures, ice skating, bus trips, and cultural events; there is always something else to do. Outside of Greek life, student publications, such as the television station, radio station, Miami Student newspaper, and literary magazines attract many members. Even if a student is not involved in one of these media-based organizations, he or she is very aware of them, as they are made accessible to the student body. Religious organizations tend to be very popular as well, with a wide variety available to students depending on size, religion and social preference. Coupled with the many churches available on campus and in Oxford, religious activities are a big part of life at Miami. Athletics are also very prominent at Miami University. Football games always attract many students, and weekends often revolve around games. Men’s hockey also sells many tickets, and students become very spirited for the games. Varsity athletics receive a lot of support, and for other students there are club sports and intramurals. Miami University is definitely a very active campus, with students running or walking at all times of the day, all seasons of the year. With top notch facilities, both leisure and formal sports activities dominate student life, and most students value being physically and socially active. The biggest drawback to student life lies is Oxford itself. It is a small college town, and does not offer very much in form of entertainment. The uptown area consists of a few restaurants, bars, and gift stores. There is also a public library, art building, Kroger’s, and small movie theater with limited showings. There is nothing wrong with Oxford; it is simply limited in what it offers. Most students find more things to do either on campus or, if they so choose, drive to Cincinnati or Dayton, which are relatively close by. The student life is very active, however, and most instead find something to do on campus.

Caitlin

One of the most popular student activities is our Greek life here at Miami University. Don't let that set you back from doing something other than joining a fraternity or sorority, though! Miami does offer an incredibly vast amount of other activities ranging from activities involving your major all the way to volunteer work! As a non-greek affiliated student, I have found many other activities and groups that are just as enjoyable! One of my best experiences here at Miami involving an organization was when I was accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. This is a society that is, indeed, nationwide but offers chapters for different colleges. It was an amazing experience involving success leadership teams where five society members came together every other week to discuss long-term or short-term goals. It motivated us all to be the best we could be and not become discouraged if something went wrong! From my experience at Miami University, most of the friends I have made came from the dorms in which I have resided. My freshman year I met some of my best friends and I continue to meet new people every day! There is always a smiling face walking through the hallway ready to greet you! Many of my friends decided to join a sorority and fraternity, but this has not kept us from being the best of friends still! If anything, my friends in Greek life have introduced me to new people, creating the opportunity to make new friends! Athletics at Miami University are very prominent, especially our Hockey team! You can find most students waiting in line at the Goggin Ice Center on the weekends to watch the big game! During the fall, students also enjoy attending football games at Yager Stadium. It's always a great time to meet friends there, even if you don't watch the game closely! This is a great way to show your Miami pride by cheering on the student athletes! If on a Saturday night you'd prefer not to drink, do not worry! Miami University has a great program that offers plenty of fun activities on the weekends! You can enjoy a movie at the Shriver Center or even find your community council baking down in the kitchen of your dorm or painting bricks or coffee mugs! There is always something to do and there is no added pressure to drink on the weekends!

Caitlin

One of the most popular student activities is our Greek life here at Miami University. Don't let that set you back from doing something other than joining a fraternity or sorority, though! Miami does offer an incredibly vast amount of other activities ranging from activities involving your major all the way to volunteer work! As a non-greek affiliated student, I have found many other activities and groups that are just as enjoyable! One of my best experiences here at Miami involving an organization was when I was accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. This is a society that is, indeed, nationwide but offers chapters for different colleges. It was an amazing experience involving success leadership teams where five society members came together every other week to discuss long-term or short-term goals. It motivated us all to be the best we could be and not become discouraged if something went wrong! From my experience at Miami University, most of the friends I have made came from the dorms in which I have resided. My freshman year I met some of my best friends and I continue to meet new people every day! There is always a smiling face walking through the hallway ready to greet you! Many of my friends decided to join a sorority and fraternity, but this has not kept us from being the best of friends still! If anything, my friends in Greek life have introduced me to new people, creating the opportunity to make new friends! Athletics at Miami University are very prominent, especially our Hockey team! You can find most students waiting in line at the Goggin Ice Center on the weekends to watch the big game! During the fall, students also enjoy attending football games at Yager Stadium. It's always a great time to meet friends there, even if you don't watch the game closely! This is a great way to show your Miami pride by cheering on the student athletes! If on a Saturday night you'd prefer not to drink, do not worry! Miami University has a great program that offers plenty of fun activities on the weekends! You can enjoy a movie at the Shriver Center or even find your community council baking down in the kitchen of your dorm or painting bricks or coffee mugs! There is always something to do and there is no added pressure to drink on the weekends!

Shannon

Greek Life is really strong on Miami's campus, but it is far from the only activity that people can be involved with. As a member of the greek community, many of the activities that I know about are related with my sorority or other sororities and fraternities, but I love going to events held by other groups on campus such as the Fashion club's annual Fashion Show or the After-Dark events on the weekends as an alternative to going uptown. I love my sorority, but I have still been able to keep so many of my friends from freshman year due to traditions that we made such as going to hockey games, weekly dinners, and movies at the local movie theater. Miami has a lot to offer every student, and if you look for something you are interested in, you are sure to find it.

Rachel

There are plenty of opportunities for students to attend seminars and lectures that appeal to their interests outside of the classroom. Since beginning my semester in August I have listened to all sorts of guest speakers, from Iranian ex-consulates to women's rights advocates. These seminars can also act as a great way to meet people who share common interests. In fact, I met my boyfriend at one. There is a prevalent dating scene at Miami for several reasons. The nickname "Miami merger" is applied to any couple that gets together and stays together during and after their Miami experience. One great thing about Oxford is that there is no shortage of venues that cater to couples who are looking to have a romantic evening out. Establishments like Sushi Nara, Stella, and Paesanos are great off campus options. Looking not to break the bank? Places such as La Mia Cucina, Panache, and 1809 are all delicious alternatives if all you can afford is a meal plan compatible "swipe date".

Ronnie

As a freshman, you will be required to live in the residence halls. This could possibly be the most fun you have in your four years at Miami. I came to Miami alone, and within the first week i forgot about how much I missed my home and high school. Although, my roommate and I didn't see eye to eye on everything we still managed to get out of our room and interact with the other students in our building. One of my closest friends I met on the first floor of my residence hall freshman year. The people you meet freshman year tend to stick with you even after college. Another great way to meet other students with similar interests is by joining a fraternity/sorority, clubs/organization, or a sports team. Like high school, all of these groups provide you with the opportunity to meet people with similar interests as your own. The only thing I regret about college is not taking advantage of all of these earlier in my college experience.

Angela

My response is expected and I won't fail to deliver. I don't actually think that there is one most popular activity/group here at Miami University. We have so many programs offered that each has their own particular group. That sounds cliquey and you're right it is, almost. The beauty about our various activities and groups is that anyone and everyone can join, and if that's too big a commitment that people are free to simply partake in the delights that each has to offer. Theater kids can act in a school production while studying for their major, or they can join the school's organization called Stage Left and enjoy their hobby with as much participation as much as they can. Students still buy tickets to see all the production whether it's from the diehard theater fanatics or if it's a production by those who found their hobby. It's the same for those who sing, paint, dance, talk, debate, skate, play sports and pretty much anything anyone can think of.

Melissa

It would not be fair to not name Greek life as being one of the dominating student groups on campus. Almost 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students on the Oxford campus are greek. This can end up being a great way for students to make friends, socialize and it also makes the campus seem smaller. Each fraternity or sorority also has a philanthropy for which they have open events to raise money throughout the year. A group which I am a part of is called Adopt-A-School. I love it because it was created by a group of Miami students and places volunteers in different schools around Oxford to help in the classroom. It is a great way to get real-life experience while also feel like you're making a difference. Hockey games are a HUGE deal on campus. People bring tents and camp outside the rink just to be first in line to get tickets for the student section, which is always full. There is a large number of student groups and organizations and at the beginning of each semester there is a fair where each one sets up a booth for interested student to come and learn about the different opportunities. "Uptown" is a popular place to go, especially Thursday through Saturday nights because all of the bars are open late. My favorite memories, however, come from sitting with my friends hanging out in the basement or living rooms of our dorm, talking, laughing and (sometimes)studying until the middle of the night.

Todd

A big part of college are the groups and activities that you are involved in, at Miami you have many choices. These choices start your freshmen year when you are constantly reminded of the various groups on campus during freshmen orientation. Though it can be annoying to get hounded by various groups, if taken advantage of these groups can turn out to be a big part of your time at Miami. Dorm life at Miami is awesome!! Though I cannot say I would rather be in a dorm than off campus, Miami does make their dorm life fun. Walking through the halls of Emerson my freshmen year I was met with doors open and people ready to have fun and just hang out. RA's are some of the most welcoming people at Miami and most try and get you involved in something on campus.

Taylor

The most popular things for people to do at Miami are go out, go to frat parties or sorority events, and go to sporting events. I met all of my closest friends in my freshman year dorm and I know a lot of people did. Although, many people met their friends through fraternities or sororities. Hockey games are so popular that people wait in line all day just to get good seats! They are so fun to go to and it's a must for Miami students. There is a movie theater uptown, plenty of restaurants, and a ton of events uptown that don't involve drinking! I don't drink so I can have a great time without having to drink. You can even go to bars and not drink! Nobody will care if you don't drink

Sarah

It seems as if almost everyone is involved with Greek life in one way or another, be it in a social, service, business, or professional Greek association. Athletics are not very popular and are sparsely attended, leading to relatively low school spirit. The most popular sport is ice hockey, so be prepared for that. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations, so there is really something for everyone at Miami; you just have to be willing to go out and make the experience your own. Partying is a daily occurrence, and people go out every day/ night of the week. Drinking is the main attraction uptown on the weekends. Aside from that, Oxford is a fairly small and boring town. You can find other things to do, such as bowling, movies, and other activities on campus, but be prepared for a heavy drinking culture.

David

Fist of all, our Greek System is HUGE! We have over 50 chapters here (containing a third of all Miami Students) between the fraternities and the sororities. Athletic events, in general, are mildly popular, except hockey which is rampantly popular across campus. We also have a great music scene, between our award winning music clubs and organizations (our marching band was in the 2011 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade), and the uptown bars and clubs that bring in popular music acts. The social scene here is great too (owing mostly to the beautiful women and friendly student body), with a wide selection of bars and clubs, a movie theater, and countless other options to relax and have fun. If drinking isn't your thing there's still a ton to do on weekend nights here. Miami sponsors a program called "After Dark" which brings bands, major movies, and other non-alcoholic forms of entertainment right onto campus each weekend. If you do plan on drinking, we have a tradition here called Green Beer Day, that has been happening each year for more than 50 years now. On the Thursday before Spring Break, all of the bars open at 6:00am and remain open all day, serving beer dyed green and all kinds of drink specials. Its a full day of fun, but be careful, the police know about it too.

Leah

While Miami University has a high percentage of sorority and fraternity life, there are over four hundred clubs on any and every topic that any student can join. Nevertheless, the event that brings students together the most is undoubtedly hockey. Hockey games aren't just about athleticism or winning and losing; most importantly, hockey instills a sense of pride in every student that attends a game and the cheers and traditions exemplify companionship like no one has ever seen. When I graduate after my 4 years are over, hockey will be my most-missed activity of all the clubs, groups, and organizations I am involved with.

Meghan

Student organizations offer a unique experience for Miami students. There are over 400+ student organizations on campus spanning every topic, cause, major, career, interest imaginable. Miami has an advanced system of allowing a student government committee to disperse nearly $800,000 each year to student groups on campus. The opportunities and experiences are unlike no other, and Miami has a strong invested interest in its students.

Meghan

Student organizations offer a unique experience for Miami students. There are over 400+ student organizations on campus spanning every topic, cause, major, career, interest imaginable. Miami has an advanced system of allowing a student government committee to disperse nearly $800,000 each year to student groups on campus. The opportunities and experiences are unlike no other, and Miami has a strong invested interest in its students.

Melissa

Miami students live for the weekend where they can flood up town and the frats with crazy parties.Greek life is big at Miami but if you are not greek you can still have the time of your life. There are dance clubs uptown that will be packed full most week nights and everyday of the weekend. The Miami weekend starts on "thirsty Thursday" and never seems to stop. But there are always alternatives if you are interested. There are opens skates at the ice rick and late night movies at AfterDark. A lot of the friendships you make start in the door living with people your own age with not parents beings out an interesting dynamic that shapes your college experience Whether you loved or hated dorm life it pushed you to be social and sparked new experiences and relationships.

Jesse

Social life consists of heading straight to the liquor store after class. Some do work out but they lift in packs of 5 and don't really do much.

Andrew

The social aspect is by far my favorite part of Miami. There's so much going on all the time. There are plenty of different organizations to choose from, IM sports teams, events and parties all of the time. Meeting people is pretty easy as most people leave their doors open in the dorms and there's no shortage of girls to meet either; I met my girlfriend and closest friends by just talking to people whose doors were open at the beginning of my first year. My favorite thing to do is go the hockey games on friday and saturday nights. We line up for hours to watch Miami's best team and it gets crazy. There are also plenty of concerts going on occasionally either at Miami or at the clubs uptown. Other than that, your typical weekend night if you drink is probably going to be going to a frat party (after a little pre-gaming at the dorms) before heading up to the clubs uptown until they shut down. Parties are pretty much always going on, even on weekdays. Miami has a bunch of traditions too, the most famous of which is probably Green Beer Day, when everyone gets up at 5 30 am on the thursday before spring break, wears green and drinks until it's time to go to class. If you don't drink, there is still plenty to do; there is an organization that puts stuff together like late night movies and such. The only thing really to do off campus is either eat out or go to the clubs.

Mallory

Greek life at Miami is pretty big. You don't have to be in one to enjoy the Greek benefits, but its definitely a good decisions to rush and pledge a sorority or fraternity. It can be competitive, but joining a sorority is the best decision I've made so far at college. There's always a party to go to, and every night of the week the bars are decently packed. Weekends are usually atleast 3-4 nights long, often times more. Theres always something to do. The key is balancing your social life with your studies and making time for both.

Cara

Social life is huge. I dont know of anything to do that doesnt involve drinking. Everybody drinks.

Lydia

I must say that the activities that Miami offered were fantastic. On a single night you could see a production of the musical "Rocky Horror Picture Show," dash to Hall Auditorium and be serenaded by the Men's Glee Club, and then head back to the Student Center (Shriver) and catch a free movie with games, food, fun, etc... at midnight! There was always something going on so it was hard to be bored on campus.

Stephanie

There's plenty to do at Miami. There is something for everyone. There's religious groups, greek life, sports, multitudes of student lead organizations. Although greek life is pretty stressed, its not the only thing. There are plenty of "non-affiliated" students. You can find anything to suit your interests at Miami. There's always something going on on and off campus whether its a big hockey or football game (hockey is much more fun), or parties, or going out to eat uptown, or student lead events (for example, Relay for Life).

Mike

A big game at Miami is broomball. Drinking is a problem for freshmen if you don't join a fraternity. There are not really any parties that you can go to after rush is over unless you have upperclass friends with apartments. They are very ridiculous about invading your privacy in order to catch you drinking in the dorms. Another huge downside is that they are starting to make sophomores live on campus, which you definitely will not like by the time you get to sophomore year.

Kate

anything Greek is popular. Ambassadors for Children is a really cool group, non-profit, supposed to give meaningful travel experiences to help out children all over the world. Hockey games are amazing. I would go to Miami JUST for the hockey games. Greatest thing around, seriously, they are SO exciting and the student section gets so into it. Green Beer Day!!!!!!... Don't need to say much more than that :) MU is famous for it, and it's all it's hyped up to be. On a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking, there is generally something going on around campus, whether it's at Shriver or wherever, they always have cool things going on. The uptown at Miami is pretty cool too, besides bars there's movies and there's pretty nice malls within like 45-min.

Brad

The social life is what you want to make it at Miami. There are hundred of student organizations on campus so almost everybody can find something that they enjoy to do. I have had so much fun participating in my fraternity the last 3 years. I dont know what I would have been withouth it. I have also loved playing on the Club Broomball team. We have traveled the country to play in national tournaments and we even won the 2008 Intercollegiate National Championship this past spring.

Meredith

Whatever you want to do, you can do it. There are so many different things to do that whatever you are interested in doing is an option.

Andrew

The majority of students are in clubs or organizations of some kind which makes sense since there are so many. There are groups of all kinds. Greek life is huge, a lot of Greek organizations were started here and are a major source if entertainment. Partying is a favorite pastime, but it is not as crazy as some schools. Getting busted for underage alcohol gets more harsh every year, but getting alcohol is easy. Drinking in the dorms is easy. A lot of RAs are laid back and don't want to get you in trouble, but if you are being destructive then watch out for them. Sports are not as big as other D-I schools except hockey. Hockey last year was ranked #1 in the country for most of the season and those games are always packed and really fun. The school gets behind the hockey team. Most kids are very social and when you live in the dorms it is easy to meet people. You will need to study on the weekends sometimes, but there are others when you can go out during the week. Green Beer Day (GBD) is the Thursday before Soring Break every year. We can't celebrate St. Patrick's Day because our SB is scheduled over it. GBD is when you wakreup early (or stay up the night before) and drink all day. The bars open up at 5:30 am serving everything green. People go to class after drinking then drink more then more class, etc. (if they go to class that day)

martha

My dorm experience was a great one...i met so many people and everyone on my floor had an open door friendly attitude. Social life is a very important thing to a miami student. High street is always crowded on the weekends and the bar scene is big here. Since its such a small town, people find their own ways of having fun which usually consists of house parties, beer pong, cornhole, then uptown to the bars. Frats and sorotities are prevelant here. If your not in one, its not a huge deal because you will have at lease one good friend that is in one, so your not completely left out on all the parties. If your plans on a saturday night dont include drinking, there is a cute movie theater uptown and a little bowling ally about 5 minutes away.

Allie

Miami has a HUGE Greek life. Although I'm not part of a sorority, it's so present on the campus that it's hard not to know a little bit about it. The Greek life is probably the biggest organization on campus with about 1/3 of the student body involved in sorority or fraternity life. However, if Greek like isn't really your thing, there are so many other organizations to join. I am a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters ( I highly recommend it) as well as a volunteer at the Community Counseling and Crisis Center (ranked top 3 in the nation last year). It's very easy to meet people and make friends here at Miami. My roommates are the people that lived in my dorm freshman year and my closest friends are a mixture of people from my dorm, studying abroad (GO ABROAD!!!!), and people from the various jobs that I have had since being at Miami. There are so many opportunities on campus for interacting and socializing. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.

Kendra

Athletic events are not that popular at the Hamilton branch. I feel like students are not made aware of the activities going on around them. I think its a lot harder to make friends in college because so many students come for their classes and then leave. Students don't really stick around so its hard to get to know people. The people that I started to talk to were the people in my classes.

Kristen

In freshman dorms a lot of people leave their doors open. Athletic events are not as popular as I would have hoped. My closest friends are the girls from my freshman dorm. Fraternities and sororities are a big deal for people who are in them. For those who aren't, it doesn't really matter.

Casey

Student organizations are pretty big at Miami. Hockey games are probably the most popular. At the beginning of the year, most people left their doors open and were open to meeting new people. The plays that the theatre department put on were very popular and were very good. If I'm awake at 2am on a Tuesday I'm usually studying or just hanging out with people in my dorm. People party almost everyday of the week, probably just because there is nothing else going on in Oxford. Fraternities and Sororities are HUGE on campus.

Kendra

greek life is popular, but it isn't the only thing to do on campus and is not crucial to be in one...there are so many activities put on during the weekends that do not involve drinking, so if that is not your thing, you have plenty of options

Tiffany

students in freshmen dorms leave their doors open adn really interact with each other. people generally meet their friends early on in college and tend to stick with the same group. i met my friends through other friends and from different organizations i joined and classes. miami students know how to work hard and party harder it's not uncommon for students to go out midweek and celebrate

Andy

College Republicans, business fraternities and organizations such as Miami Business Enterprises, Delta Sigma Pi, and Pi Sigma Epsilon are all very popular. So is the Miami Men's Glee Club, Synchronized Skating Teams, and many other organizations. Students in the dorms are mostly friendly and interactive, but after freshman year, many students move off of campus. Miami students embrace this kind of "work hard, play hard" attitude, which means they may or may not be going out to drink during the week, like on a Tuesday night

Tiffany

Greek life is huge at Miami. It's a bit much to take at times for those of us who are non-greek. I prefer the smaller groups who actually do volunteer work or attempt to make a difference. I've spent a great deal of my time here volunteering and I've loved it. Freshman year students leave their dorms open, but after that, no one does. Athletic events are not very popular. Hockey games are, but other sports are not. And if people go to a football or basketball game, they leave early. Especially if we're losing. Guest speakers are popular depending on who they are or if professors are offering extra credit. I met my closest friends in my dorm freshman year, in classes, and in Cords the service club I'm in. If you want to party, you can find people partying any day of the week. Miami students know how to work hard and play harder.

Christine

Greek life is HUGE at Miami (about 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body is Greek). Personally, I am not Greek and life is excellent in Oxford! Campus Crusade for Christ boasts about 800 students involved out of the 15,000 on campus! Freshman students will leave their doors open but that is rare to find in upperclass dorms. Hockey is IT. Dating is very popular at Miami and many will marry and become "Miami Mergers." Mergers receive a Valentine in the mail from MU every year! I met my best friends through Campus Crusade for Christ, Collegiate Chorale, and my freshman dorm. If I'm awake at 2AM on a Tuesday, I am having a late night chat with a great friend. Green Beer Day happens on the Thursday before Spring Break every year. At the end of the school year, the upperclassmen go uptown and celebrate Red Brick Rasta, which is the unofficial end of the year bash! People party a lot but I do not. Instead of drinking on a Saturday night, you can have game night, watch a movie, go bowling, drive to Cincinnati for the symphony, enjoy coffee and poetry at Kofenya (the local coffee shop), play midnight football...the list goes on!

Ryan

In my freshman dorm, I was lucky to be in a tiny corridor with only about a dozen girls. Most of us had our doors open most of the time, and it was a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. I can't testify to whether or not other dorms are the same way...I have a feeling they aren't. I lived in one of the more liberal and diverse dorms, I think. The only Miami sport I can get into is hockey, and despite the very long lines to get in, it is absolutely necessary to go and experience the hockey atmosphere. While most places close in the wee hours of the morning, those of us who are night owls can still find things to do, whether it's a spontaneous 3am trip to Kroger for cookie dough or a 4am trip to Starbucks, or just watching movies until 2am, boredom can usually be cured. I've never been involved in frat/sorority life, and I've never missed it. Usually Wednesday through Saturday nights are pretty active uptown at the bars, but there are a lot of people who don't drink, too. Green Beer Day is our official holiday, taking place the Thursday before Spring Break. It can be a good time, or it can be the day many people get in trouble with the police. It depends on what decisions you make.

Penny

Wednesday nights used to be all about JJ's Diner until the cops came and busted everyone. Thursday night, everyone goes to Coconut Grove and hangs out at Tavern. The weekends consist of parties (guys must be in a fraternity), or SOUTH BEACH (if you're a trashy moron.) HMMM, what can you do that doesn't involve drinking on a Saturday night? -Do some coke! That's not hard to find here. -Smoke some crack.. just hope it's not laced with anything even worse. -Smoke pot and watch crocodiles eat birds in the lake -Take a benadryl and pass out (no mention of prescription meds here because those are week day drugs)

Phoebe

The most popular groups on campus are the Greek organizations. Also, the Christian groups, such as Campus Crusade for Christ, are pretty popular. Athletic events as a whole are not very popular, except for hockey. Hockey games are huge at Miami. I met my closest friends in my dorm freshman year and also through the Martial Arts club. If I'm awake at 2am on Tuesday I'm either doing homework or putting off doing homework. One tradition that comes to mind is Green Beer Day, which is our equivalent of St. Patricks Day. Students get up at 5:30 and go to the bars. People party every weekend. I like to host/go to a party about every other weekend, sometimes more often. Usually it's just with my friends from the Martial Arts club. What can you do on a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking... sadly, not a whole lot. And that is one of my major gripes with Miami. You can hang out with friends and watch movies, or you can go uptown and watch a movie at the 4 screen theatre. Or you can go bowling, which I've never done. Last weekend I went sledding.