Northwestern University Top Questions

Unique.

My classmates are a concoction of a multitude of well-educated but often overly driven people.

Great LGBT crowd on campus. A student from low SES might feel out of place at NU unfortunately. I wish there were more diversity when it came to that. Predominately liberal campus. Awesome College Democrats events. They bring great speakers.

The people surrounding you care about their school work, but every night of the week kids go out...sometimes even when they have a test the next day. The best part is kids at northwestern can afford to go out and still ace their test. There are some many different kinds of people at NU: theatre/music, greek, athletes, ect...and honestly anyone can find a place here. It is nice that everyone can find their place and an awesome group of friends/support system because Northwestern is diverse but the diversity is very segregated. I do not mean their is obnoxious cliques, but there are definite groups of friends and not a whole lot of mixing. Football players are friends with each other, frat boys with each other, certain ethnicities, ect. but that is only because they have so much in common. There is a certain calibir of person at NU that enables people to say smart things in normal conversation. People read the paper, are aware of whats going on, interested in their studies and have amazing plans for their future. Every student has goals, achievable means to attaining them and are working towards them!

There are a lot of campus groups that provide a place for people to express and assert their racial, religious, political, or LGBT views, beliefs, and identities. The campus is, generally, very open to anyone wanting to organize a group around a particular identity or belief. Predominantly, the campus is liberal, and many conservatives dislike the automatic assumption of most students that everyone shares their liberal viewpoints. Though the campus tends to be very open, students of the same nationality or ethnic identity tend to coalesce to form strong groups. This becomes at once an asset and a drawback because those who follow this tendency can assert their identity and be comfortable with others like them, yet they lose a more diversified array of friends they could gain if social groups on campus were slightly less homogenous. Many students derive from upper-middle class, wealthy backgrounds. Consequently, fashion on campus is often very stylish, especially for girls. Those who are less wealthy can feel a bit out of place when friends talk about their expensive iphone or Blackberry they've just purchased, or the years of travelling they've done in Europe. Less wealthy students are not lacking on campus, but their lack of wealth tends to be taken for granted. Additionally, many seem to consider a future job that makes them wealthy the pinnacle of their careers.

Most of the students that go to Northwestern went to a private high school, prep school, or affluent suburban high school and you can really notice this if you are a middle class kid like myself. So unless you're rich, expect to feel kind of out of place. Because of this, a lot of students are really wrapped up in all the sorority and fraternity drama because that's what they are used to (social climbing and all that).

northwestern is a 33{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white, 33{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} asian, 33{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} indian, and 1{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} other. everyone generally is upper-middle class and generally nice. a little lame, but nice.

Students of the same ethnic background, such as Asian and African-American, do tend to form close bonds, perhaps because of the student groups on campus. However, there's a lot of mixing of groups as well. The 4 tables . . . would be mixed. Most American students are from the Midwest or the East Coast. There are a lot of international students also, especially from Asia. Students are very politically aware. I think they're mostly liberal, though there's a mix of other political views as well. I've never heard them talk about how much they'll earn one day.

A lot of kids feel the need to prove that they party like a big ten school, which is a little ridiculous to me. A lot of rich, at times stuck up kids. Some people are down-to-earth though, and I love them for it! But you have to look. It's definitely a bubble...not a lot of diversity, unfortunately. Again, some are high-strung, but everyone is smart here. Politically a bit diverse, but mostly liberal. Students do talk about making money and also, a lot about how much money northwestern is taking from them!

There is no 'type' of student that would feel out of place at Northwestern--every socio-economic/racial/sexual group is represented, and in my experience, there is no overt discrimination... I believe that most gay men would love it at NU--there are tons of gay men. Most students at NU are from upper or upper-middle class families, but that shouldn't surprise anyone--that's the way it is at most prestigious, private colleges in America. Politically, NU leans (slightly) left, but not radically by any means. There's a large contingent of right-wing students as well, mostly on the North-side of campus. At NU, there's good mixture of students who are learning vocations, and students who are learning liberal arts.

The most exciting thing to do around here on a Friday night is go to a crappy dirty bar or go to a frat party. Usually I go down to the city, but it is expensive and takes about 45 minutes+ to get anywhere good. The students are totally LAME. Everyone seems pretty cookie cutter and if you are not in a frat or sorority (also lame) there is nothing to do socially. The people are pretty nerdy but there are a few fun groups here like NORML and some art students you can scrounge up to hang out with. Don't depend on a fun social scene though. Seriously, if you like to have fun don't come here. I wish someone would've told me that...

I don't think many students would feel out of place at Northwestern. People are overall pretty accepting of others. Most students just wear jeans and a t-shirt or something to class. Northwestern students come from all over the country. A good number are from Illinois, but I've also met a lot of people from California, Texas, and the east coast.

Northwestern is very diverse, just not very many African Americans. People are very accepting, but most people are "normal." Most students look nice but casual for class. I meet a lot of people from the Midwest and especially from around Chicago. There are a decent amount of Texans, but not many Southerners. Lots of L.A., New York, and Pennsylvania kids. People lean to the left, but probably not as much as a lot of other colleges.

We're fairly diverse, though not as much as we could be. I think the student body in general is very accepting of different races, ethnicities, and culture. I've never witnessed or heard of really serious discrimination or sexual abuse on campus.

Most students are super involved in everything on campus. It's crazy how much students do here. It makes for a great and extremely active community, with some event to attend or something to do any given night on campus.

This is a pretty diverse group.

The student body is somewhat diverse, ethnically, and they're from all over the country. I think most people are I know are from the chicago area/the midwest. I know a lot of people from california, the south and the northeast. i know a girl from alaska. there are a bunch of international students. people get along pretty well, and i haven't heard of any race or ethnic related disputes.

The Greek life is huge at Northwestern but there is room for everyone. Some of the biggest groups are the Greeks, the Athletes, the Theater crew, and the Volunteer crews. Overall most of the students come from a upper-middle class background. Even though there are extremely wealthy kids, everyone is pretty grounded. No one really cares what you wear to class or who has the latest Gucci.

There are people from every socioeconomic and racial background here. Although, like Chicago to the south, the various groups tend to be a bit closed. Outside of that students re generally open and conversations range from the latest gossip at the party last night to debating governmental policies in China.

Students can't wait to graduate and inherit or make their money.

Any students who deviate from the left-wing secular humanist mainstream should expect little respect from their peers or professors.

dumb question.... i hate fake people that are full of themselves.

NU works at being diverse, but it is still a majority white campus. There are nearly 40 religious groups on campus, Catholics and Jews are the biggest denominations, but you can find almost any group. Religious groups seem to operate on somewhat parallel tracks with the university. Some groups are recognized by the Student Govt (Muslim student association and Hillel) others are not. That seems somewhat discriminatory. Students are politically aware, but many are apathetic. There are definitely social climbers and there are definitely those students who want to do some type of service during and after college.

There are 8000 kids here...and that can pretty much be divided into groups (theatre, athletes, greek life, nerds, etc) that all get along, but mostly hang out with members of their respective groups.

The student body is very divided by race, ethnicity and then social standing i.e. greeks, athletes, and theater students. THese groups for the most part do not mix with each other and creates a very segregated community.

Not very diverse, but there's a way for everyone to have fun. If your into the party scene, that's there (though often very Greek.) If you want to do drugs it's there you just have to find them. If you're into culture and theater and stuff, there are other people who are into that stuff as well. It really offers aspects for all types of people.

No student would feel out of place at NU. We have everyone from complete nerds to kids who like to party all the time and there is a niche for everyone. Students are also very accepting and, even though NU is not very "diverse," most students are laid back and not quick to judge.

Northwestern students are in general, hard working, down-to-earth people. Some might even characterize it as a lack of creativity, and its true that we have a very "by the book" mentality. There is an incredible diversity of talents here too, and some individuals have blown me away with their capabilities. I have a friend who is a brilliant engineer, a phenomeneal writer, and terrific musician. Such a person is not atypical. Also, eveyone here is incredibly fit. I guess part of the hard working mentality is manifested in the fact that many people excercise regularly. I personally love the fact that so many people share my enthusiasm for intramural athletics or pick-up basketball. The only type of student who I think would feel left out or more accurately, dissapointed, here was someone who came in expecting a big, state-school atmosphere. If you are hoping to slack and just party for four years, Northwestern is not a good fit. I think Northwestern is a reasonably diverse and tolerant campus, though people are always striving to make it better. Its quite possible that I am blind to some of those problems. Students are not nearly as wealthy here as I expected. I'd say that most people are the children of middle class working professionals, but not many are the heirs of fortune. There is a diversity of backgrounds as well, and I know many who rely on substantial financial aid to attend Northwestern. While students come from all over, Northwestern has a very strong pull from the Midwest, where along with Wash U, it is a top private school. Students from Illinois represent the largest number from any one state.

I was surprised how unpolitically active this campus is. I wished peopled cared more

Painfully awkward but lovable and accepting, Northwestern students are an interesting crowd. The one thing that few people have, though, is the ability to let loose. Everyone seems to take themselves far too seriously, an attitude only exacerbated by the prominent location of Northwestern's Business School, Kellogg, in the dead center of campus.

Many racial minorities are self-segregated. Although there are 2 blacks, 1 Mexican, and 2 Asians in my fraternity, and I am friends with all of them, I almost always see black students in groups of just black students. This is frustrating but not unlike my high school experience.

Not very diversified, though we pretend. Most students are left and upper class. I don't see different students interacting that often.

Very diverse, from nerds to socialites, jocks to frat boys and sorority girls. There's every type of person here.

Not as diverse as it should be. Earlier in the year, the Daily published an article citing that 26{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of Northwestern's black men were varsity athletes. Walking through the campus on a day-to-day basis, the school doesn't appear as diverse as you would expect a major University to be.

Northwestern is a private school, and to a certain extent, this is reflected by the student body. You do have a part of the population that is very wealthy, very preppy, etc., but Northwestern does a good job of bringing in students from across socio-economic backgrounds. I do have some issue with the racial divide Northwestern. Minorities tend to form sub-group communities at NU, and the African American presence on campus is seriously lacking. I think NU could do a much better job of encouraging non-white students to attend the school. Politically, this is a very, very liberal campus. Conservatives will take issue with the open-minded politics of Chicago in general, and should keep that in mind when considering the school because there's really no getting around the left-bend bias of professors and students alike.

Northwestern's diversity adds so much to the school. Students from different religions, regions, and ethnicities add so much to the university and give every student the chance to experience something new.

There's a wide range of students at Northwestern. However, most people only hang out with their own group. A lot of the people I see and interact with are from a similar background as me.

There's lots of different people here, all religions and nationalities. For the most part, people are high on the socio-economic spectrum. In terms of dress, it tends to be very unique as many students are very individual. NU students are from all over, but a lot come from Chicago and New York. I think it's a predominantly liberal campus with many politically aware students.

The student body is not very diverse. There are only about 100 black males at the school, 25-30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of which are athletes. Most kids come from a very wealthy background.

Pretty diverse, you can find most kinds of people. Probably dominated by midwesterners and then coast people. I'd say though that if you want a social life at Northwestern you are either willing to be Greek, are an athlete, or are very artsy/theater. I don't know if there's much room for the normal kid who isn't into any of those things.

NU students are definitely opinionated but not really outspoken about their opinions. Most students are from the midwest or east coast, but there are not really cliques by regions. Most students are not incredibly wealthy, coming from middle class homes that want their children to get a good education. Most students are predominantly left. Most students are focused on getting an education, and not really their future wealth.

THere is a large lgbt community here and it really opens peoples eyes no matter what kind of town they come from. It just sucks that socioeconomically, Northwestern has too many high SES students and does not help lower SES ones out very much. They tyypically feel out of place alot. Students are from all around here and I like that its not all midwestern students and that we have such a large international population. I can, however, name things that every NU student has here: a northface fleece, a northface backpack, ugg boots, lombeshon purse, burberry scarf or ear muffs. Shows what "daddys money" pays for. Unfortunantly, our athletes really stick out here b/c of what they wear around. Almost all students get all dressed up for class because thye were "raised that way" and you rarely see people go to class in sweatpants and sweatshirts. Its a way for people to show off their money. we need more racial groups on campus. You rarely see hispanics or african americans.

See: stereotypes section.

There is some diversity on campus but the majority of people are Asian or Jewish. The students are also predominately from Illinois, New York, and California. I feel like everyone here is friendly, and understanding of each other. It is not a cut-throat environment, but rather a friendly environment on campus. I like that the student body is, for the most part, motivated, and dedicated to school work and extra-curricular activities. I'd say most of the student body is left wing, being very liberal.

Not a very diverse campus but any diversity that may exist is not at all integrated.

Social life is driven by fraternities and sororities and heavy drinking. Students do not do much besides class and drink. Few people seem to be involved in extracurriculars. Pretty fun overall as the people who go out like to go out really hard. Students are often work hard play hard - they will do homework all day and then party all night. Pretty diverse student body which is cool, but almost everyone is extremely rich.

I think that Northwestern has a pretty diverse student body, besides the fact that there are a lot of white caucasions. But, besides racially, there are people of all different upbringings, and of all different likes and dislikes, of all different political affiliations -- mostly left or center though. I hear alot of people saying they want to be rich one day.

Sometimes I think Northwestern is deceptively not very diverse at all. There's clearly a large representation of select minorities, but I don't think it necessarily reflects the world around us. My mom always asks me on the phone if I'm sick of all the rich spoiled kids yet.

It seems like most of the kids at NU went to public school and were the smartest ones at their schools. As a result, there is sort of an overachiever attitude from most of the student body. But, it is a pretty big student body so you are bound to find people that you want to hang out with. I can say that I will keep my friends from college for many years to come. Students do tend to sort of divide up, which is largely the result of the Greek system. But I have many friends outside of my fraternity as well as within it. Overall, I would say the campus is pretty liberal, but I think it would be pretty hard to find any college that wasn't.

I think any kind of student can find a niche at Northwestern. There are certainly students and groups who are not as open, but there is definitely an atmosphere of tolerance. Most students are from upper middle class socioeconomic backgrounds. There are spheres of political activism and awareness on campus, but not everyone is involved. Students are predominantly left, but there are also significant conservative presences on campus (Young Republicans).