Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Ginger

Ohio University is considered the #1 party school, however, this stereotype doesn't seem to fit this school any more than other schools.

Hannah

All we do is party, Any school is a party school if you make it one.

sean

The stereotype of students at Ohio University is that we are only about partying. While we do like to have fun with our free time we do not consider partying our top priority. Yes we are ranked as the number one party school in the country but we also have very established and well-known programs for many different majors. I am in the business school and I know for a fact that the business program here is committed to giving you real world experience and preparing you for life after college. People that are in my classes work diligently on their school work and don't let the partying image effect their schoolwork. Yes we do like to have fun on weekends and on our spare time but the stereotype of students at Ohio University only caring about drinking and partying and not about schoolwork is not only offensive to us, it is wrong as well.

Lauren

The stereotype of Ohio University is generally that Athens is a huge "party town." While many students take part in the nightlife at OU, many others also experience the culture and spirit of Athens without going to the crazy parties OU students are known for hosting. On any given Friday or Saturday night (and many other nights throughout the week), local coffee shops have open mic nights or comedy shows. With these local venues as well as shows periodically at MemAud (OU's auditorium) and various sports teams, there is never a shortage of things to do. However, the stereotype of a party school pervades, perhaps because those who spend their nights partying do not see the unique offerings of Athens the way the majority of students who are not considered partiers do.

Kendell

The traditional Ohio University stereotype is "the partier." This stereotype has climbed in recognition after the national ranking placement of Ohio University for #1 Party School in America. While most college students encounter parties at Ohio University, I would not judge this stereotype to be true. Many students interact in social settings that do not involve drugs or alcohol and find great pleasure in these environments. With numerous student organizations, there are many ways that students are able to make friends and socialize amongst the student body without putting their lives at risk.

Kendell

Kendell

Sean

Partying. That's all Athens has to offer. Or at least that's what people think. I have come into contact with so many people that are beautiful, and passionate about what they wish to accomplish that it's mind-blowing. People live and breath their work. Whether it be long nights in the Library as a business major in "the cluster" (a series of classes that define your experience in one of our schools ranked programs), or long hours with a molecular genetics professor studying how cancer is being detected early and lives are being saved. You get it all in Athens. Not only is it a school that offers so much to its students, it is a town that is as alive as any throughout the country. Small business co-ops, one of the nations leading farmers markets supplying local, homegrown foods, and beautiful scenery in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Athens is alive! More so than the average outsider thinks. All it takes is a couple of days there before you start thinking to yourself, "I love this place."

Sean

Partying. That's all Athens has to offer. Or at least that's what people think. I have come into contact with so many people that are beautiful, and passionate about what they wish to accomplish that it's mind-blowing. People live and breath their work. Whether it be long nights in the Library as a business major in "the cluster" (a series of classes that define your experience in one of our schools ranked programs), or long hours with a molecular genetics professor studying how cancer is being detected early and lives are being saved. You get it all in Athens. Not only is it a school that offers so much to its students, it is a town that is as alive as any throughout the country. Small business co-ops, one of the nations leading farmers markets supplying local, homegrown foods, and beautiful scenery in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Athens is alive! More so than the average outsider thinks. All it takes is a couple of days there before you start thinking to yourself, "I love this place."

Nicolas

The Princeton review rated Ohio University as the number 1 party school in the United States, this has led to a lot of misnomers for the University and, to be honest, partially because of the ranking, applicant numbers are on the rise. Besides the "thirsty party school" reputation, Athens has received other negative stereotypes as the red neck university, but too bad these critics have never actually visited the campus. OU is a party school, there's no avoiding that fact, it's been statistically proven, but it is also: a top university for journalism, the number 3 best creative writing program in the nation, a leader in Language and Speech pathology research, a center for the arts with a recognized printmaking major as well as music and Art, have you heard their marching band? Anyway, this is but a taste of the University's accolades and, after living there for awhile, you realize there's a lot more going on than the house party down the street.

Nicolas

The Princeton review rated Ohio University as the number 1 party school in the United States, this has led to a lot of misnomers for the University and, to be honest, partially because of the ranking, applicant numbers are on the rise. Besides the "thirsty party school" reputation, Athens has received other negative stereotypes as the red neck university, but too bad these critics have never actually visited the campus. OU is a party school, there's no avoiding that fact, it's been statistically proven, but it is also: a top university for journalism, the number 3 best creative writing program in the nation, a leader in Language and Speech pathology research, a center for the arts with a recognized printmaking major as well as music and Art, have you heard their marching band? Anyway, this is but a taste of the University's accolades and, after living there for awhile, you realize there's a lot more going on than the house party down the street.

Samantha

Since Ohio University is ranked by the Princeton Review as the #1 Party School among U.S. universities, our reputation often portrays the stereotypical OU student as an alcohol-fueled party animal. While OU does have a great social environment, our statistics show that isn't the case. Most Ohio University colleges & programs are nationally ranked or recognized. The E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at OU ranks as the second in the nation; and our Creative Writing program is listed among the top five. The OU College of Business ranks in the top percent in the nation, and includes the 19th best public school of accountancy. With prestigious rankings like this, anybody can see that academic also have a high priority. OU does have a party scene, like any school, but one visit to campus will highlight that as only a portion of what life on campus offers. Students here can't be defined by whether or not they choose to party; the focus on academics, community, and personal growth make up each OU student. We don't have a stereotype, unless that stereotype is to be driven to personally succeed.

Sarah

A major stereotype of students at our school is that we are major party animals. This is because we are voted number one party school in the country. This however is untrue, there are plenty of students who take their studies seriously and don't party all the time. No matter what college you go to there will be an opportunity to go out and have fun, which is certainly true of Ohio University students. Your preference is the most important thing.

Matthew

Ohio University students are stereotyped as partiers. Recently, the school has been rated #1 party school in the country. Although the school has a prevalent party atmosphere, the students themselves are not all about partying. I know plenty of students and friends who are successful before even graduating. The president of ACRN, a student organization I am involved with, interned at MSNBC's Meet The Press studio. I myself have interned at Alternative Press Magazines in Cleveland, Ohio. We are successful, but we also know how to have a good time.

Madison

I have found that when many people think of Ohio University, they presume the students to be outrageous, hardcore partygoers; It seems as if they believe education comes second to the students. However, this stereotype is fortunately false. I am proud to say Ohio University's students are wonderful people who have a passion for learning and enjoy having fun in their spare time as well.

Madison

I have found that when many people think of Ohio University, they presume the students to be outrageous, hardcore partygoers; It seems as if they believe education comes second to the students. However, this stereotype is fortunately false. I am proud to say Ohio University's students are wonderful people who have a passion for learning and enjoy having fun in their spare time as well.

Roger

The stereotype of students at Ohio University is party animals. This stereotype is not true. At Ohio University we have 32 bars near campus, and the city hosts a Halloween block party each year, which gives us a party school reputation. Truth is most of the party goers are students from other schools who come to Athens to visit and enjoy the festivities. Students at Ohio University are typically invovled and promote safe and reduce drinking on our campus.

David

Much like any other learning institution, Ohio University has many people who could easily be labeled and placed into groups according to how they are perceived by their peers. I am personally against such labeling, but I find it to be prominent amongst a lot of my friends. The most common stereotype are people affiliated with Greek life, because although they comprise a relatively small percentage of the populous here at OU, they somehow manage to stand out wherever they are. Most frat guys dress and act like a typical "bro": They wear Sperry's or other expensive boat shoes; cut off shirts in the Spring; NEVER cargo shorts, only dress shorts; various colored Polo shirts; khacki slacks and snapback hats; etc. They all LOVE to party, and getting drunk never seems to get old for them. They wear their Greek letters proudly and are easily spotted from afar. Sorority girls are similar in their attitudes. Many of them carry around bags with their Greek letters on them and tend to only associate with other Greeks. They are mostly robotic and oftentimes promiscuous, and they ALWAYS end up at the bars regardless of their age. Greeks LOVE the bars. Aside from Bros/Jocks/Greeks, there aren't many other relevant stereotypes here at OU. There are tons of unique people, a lot of stoners/hipsters, etc. Mostly everyone who isn't in a clique is very friendly and interesting. However it does seem that we do let in a lot of people of a sub-par intellect.

Valerian

Recently, my school was rated the #1 party school in the country. While students at Ohio University do like to have fun, the extent to which we like to have fun is vastly overrated. The truth is, students at OU work hard and most of us are here to get a quality education.