Southern Methodist University Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Laura

There are always student organizations hosting events on campus. On any given weeknight, I may have to decide between going to see a recent movie that Program Council is showing, attending the Hispanic Association's Salsa Night, or hearing a Tate Lecture by Regis Philbin...oh, and did I mention all of those are free?!

Laura

There are always student organizations hosting events on campus. On any given weeknight, I may have to decide between going to see a recent movie that Program Council is showing, attending the Hispanic Association's Salsa Night, or hearing a Tate Lecture by Regis Philbin...oh, and did I mention all of those are free?!

Kate

A lot of kids choose to get involved with Greek life, and second semester of your freshman year, your friends will completely change depending on who goes Greek or not. I'm not sure on the statistics, but it feels like everyone that isn't socially awkward or uptight went Greek, and once you're committed, basically every night of the week will be filled with mixers, parties, formals, chapter meetings, or just going out to dinner and hanging out with someone else in your fraternity or sorority. Second to Greek life, a lot of people get involved with Christian groups on campus, and the student council group is pretty big too. Personally, i'm part of the human right's group and a Christian group called One28 that meets Monday nights for small group and Wednesday nights for a big service. Unfortunately, most of the door shut automatically for fire safety concerns, but Perkins and Smith (which i hear are scheduled to be torn down next year or the year after?) have the old fashioned doors so they do stay open, and it's really a big perk to living in one of those two dorms. Football games are honestly very rarely attended. People are more into the "boulevarding" which is what we call our tailgating before the football games, and since it lasts for hours, most people are too tired to go to the actual game or just don't care. Some people go for the first half, but very few student fans are left by the end of the game. I've heard of some people going to basketball games, and i've been to one myself, but sports in general aren't too popular here. For all incoming freshmen, there's something called "AARO" that is kind of like orientation over the summer where you spend one night in the dorms getting to know other incoming freshmen, and then there's something called "Mustang Corral" which is a weekend retreat for all incoming freshman right before classes start. It's awkward, but everyone feels that way, and it really does help you get a feel for the students before the year even starts. I met my closest friends on an expedition with the Hilltop Scholars (a first-year program that you are preselected for when you're admitted if you have good grades and leadership). It was the summer before I started coming here, and there were about fourteen of us split into two groups backpacking in Colorado for a week with no showers--- so we really got to know each other well. While I sure wouldn't do it again because the whole no showering thing was gross, I am so thankful that I got that opportunity because without it, I don't know if i would have met the two girls who are my best friends here. As for weekends, I don't really know of many people who don't do the whole drinking and partying scene, but there is a cute little shopping center with nice places to eat out within walking distance, and I know i've done that a couple of times instead of going out. First semester, no one is really dating, but second semester i've seen a few couples that have formed. The majority of the dating scene is very hook-up oriented, and it's not uncommon to hook-up with more than one guy in a night and laugh about it the next morning with your friends. That's not my style, but I know of a lot of people who take that approach.

Jacob

By far, the most visible organizations at SMU are fraternities and sororities. Joining a fraternity has been the best experience I've had at SMU. My closest friends are all my fraternity brothers. Fraternity and sorority parties at SMU differ from those of other schools due to the affluence at SMU. Instead of keggers at houses, most parties happen in rented out clubs/bars in uptown Dallas. Like most Greek systems, SMU's Greek life is known for dominating the social scene, but there is far more to it than parties. Greek organizations provide far more unity to the campus than they do division. They are highly involved in local and national philanthropies, and most leadership positions on campus are occupied by Greek students. SMU has many fun and memorable traditions. The most popular of these traditions is the Boulevard. As an alternative to tailgating before football games, SMU students party on tree-line Bishop Boulevard for the most picturesque party in the nation. The Boulevard is a huge booster of school spirit, and every student participates. SMU has a thriving student government with both elected positions and non-elected positions so that any interested student can participate. SMU offers the Tate Lecture series which offers students the opportunity to meet and ask questions to world leaders.

Maddie

I would believe the greek life is the main activity or group at the school. It seems like most women are partaking in sorority life.

Sarah

There are so many organizations that it's hard to write about all of them. We have a lot of fraternities, sororities, religious groups and so on that try to get people to join them when advertising at the student center. It's a great idea to get involved in school organizations because you can meet people that share the same views you do and you can make new friends!!

Sarah

Most important student activities at SMU is GREEK LIFE.

FCG

I am currently involved in a professional organization named ALPFA, an association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. I am also part of Kappa Delta Chi Inc a sorority in campus that is an organization dedicated to service for the University and the community with especial emphasis on the Hispanic population. Last week we had our homecoming weekend. During this week we have various events for the queen and king and end up the day with a football game. Organizations have tents in the boulevard and student tailgating before the game. After the game there are many outside parties. One of the main traditions of SMU is the game against TCU, this is a big game for both school and a way to demonstrate our pride. I currently live off campus; there are many apartments complex around the area and plenty of activities to do. There are two big malls close to campus, as well as theaters, parks, bars, and more. SMU is located close to downtown in a friendly neighborhood.

FCG

I am currently involved in a professional organization named ALPFA, an association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. I am also part of Kappa Delta Chi Inc a sorority in campus that is an organization dedicated to service for the University and the community with especial emphasis on the Hispanic population. Last week we had our homecoming weekend. During this week we have various events for the queen and king and end up the day with a football game. Organizations have tents in the boulevard and student tailgating before the game. After the game there are many outside parties. One of the main traditions of SMU is the game against TCU, this is a big game for both school and a way to demonstrate our pride. I currently live off campus; there are many apartments complex around the area and plenty of activities to do. There are two big malls close to campus, as well as theaters, parks, bars, and more. SMU is located close to downtown in a friendly neighborhood.

Jeremy

Greeks, greeks, greeks.

Quinn

Partying with fraternities and sororities. Late nights at Fondren Library studying. and Dallas night life.

Reese

sororities and franternities are big. they don't dominate the social scene so not everyone is in one but everyone knows someone who is in one and even if you're not involved its easy to be involved on the sidelines with frat parties, formals, away weekends, relay for life, sorority events and parties, etc. everyone is really spirited at smu and goes to the games even though we're not very good at sports. the big thing is "boulevarding" which is tailgating except its held on the boulevard which runs up and down the centre of campus. if i was awake at 2 am on a tuesday i would probably be leaving the bars with my friends (first semester, M Street Bar is where everyone goes on tuesdays) or late-nighting at a fraternity house. if i don't feel like going out i might be hanging out in my friends rooms or doing work at the library. traditions are really important at smu and they might seem a little corny but everyone gets really into them and they're actually fun. one of the biggest ones is the celebration of lights and thats where everyone gathers outside of dallas hall (the main building on campus) and its lit up with christmas lights and everyone has candles and sings carols. its cute.

kevin

If you want to go greek, this is your place. Otherwise it's tough to really get involved unless you are part of a large student organization or in one of the sports teams.

Sara

Greek organizations are by far the most popular on campus, every party has to do with them. Football games are a sort of ongoing joke. People go to the boulevard (our version of tailgating), but don't stay for the game; although, some diehard fans do. Since our soccer team is so good, they sometimes get more fans than the football team. Close friends are easiest to meet in the dorms. Prop your door open from the beginning of the year and you'll meet a lot of new people. The best tradition on campus for the year is Celebration of Lights which is done every year in the beginning of December. At the end of the celebration, lights on Dallas Hall (the oldest building on campus), as well as on the nearby trees are lit which creates an amazing spectacle which is left up until the holiday season is over.

Jessica

Greek life is VERY important to the SMU culture. Athletic events, guest speakers, and campus events are very well attended. I met my closest friends through greek life/sorrority sisters. Tuesday and Thursday nights are big party nights for SMU. Frat parties, etc are always held on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday nights. If I am awake at 2am on a Tuesday I am most likely coming home from a bar. Traditions/events that happen each year: Tailgate for every home football game, Homecoming week, Celebration of Lights, Rush, Relay for Life, Spring game. Fraternities and sorrorities are VERY VERY VERY important to most students on campus.

Blair

I'm in a sorority and I find that they are focused on social life more than on philanthropy or bettering themselves or the community. SMU students have little interaction with the community around them, we live in a bubble. I am in a sorority and rarely go to parties or drink, it is frustrating how important this part of life seems to be on campus.

mari

Social life = Greek life. Theres always something going on and the location of SMU just 3 mins from downtown Dallas is a huge plus, from amazing shopping and restaurants to every type of bar possible all within a short distance. Dating is dating like every other school I think, there but not a big deal. The library and student center are open 24 hrs and so are alot of cafes in the area. Theater, dance, and athletic events are big and we get very important guest speakers on a regular basis like Tony Blair, Vincente Fox, and Anderson Cooper for example. Those events are smaller and students are allowed to ask questions and engage with the speaker.

Benton

SMU PD ruin the social life at this school. They are more worried about busting college kids for drinking rather than dealing with drugs and more serious crimes at this school.

Becca

the most popular groups on campus are the greek sororities and fraternities. a large portion of the student population is greek but there are those who aren't. most of the activities are open to the entire campus. i'm in a sorority on campus as well as a sport team. my first year, i lived in an upper-classman dorm because of my sport, so it was a totally different experience than living in a freshman dorm-quiet, not very social, mostly juniors and seniors. athletic events are popular, especially basketball, but football will gain more popularity in the coming years with June Jones. before every football game, we boulevard, not tailgate, on the main road into campus.

Marisa

Greek life is pretty big even though there are tons of people who never join a frat/sorority. It isn't a big deal if you are not a part of greek life, there are many other groups you could join including the business fraternity. People party all the time, and alchohol is prevalent in the dorms. I met my closest friends through different groups I was involved in.

Jesse

There is a ton of extraciricular activities. You just have to get involved! When you get involved with things that interest you, you are most likely going to meed like minded people. The largest activity on campus is Greek Life. It is a HUGE deal on campus and depending on how you choose to look at the situation it could be a way to party every night or it could be a way to make a lifelong friendship with some amazing peers.

devon

our football team is getting better and even when they aren't winning getting to go on the Boulevard is a ton of fun. it is true what the t-shirt says: "we don't tailgate, we boulevard". everyone on campus who chooses to tailgate is on the boulevard at the same time and it really is a lot of fun. every dorm has been renovated so they're all really nice now. greek life is huge. for the most part you're either an athlete or greek, and even some athletes are in greek life.

Leigh

You can join intramural teams which many people enjoy. You can join many of the different clubs and organizations. We have guest speakers and dance performances. There is a museum on campus. Also, the dorms really help you meet people. Some of my best friends I met simply because we lived on the same hall. Freshman year is a great experience, and it really helps set the mold for the rest of your college experience.

Jessie

I think SMU is like any college campus. You'll find the people who go out and party every night and then those who don't like to party and never do, and anyone in between. From my experience you find the people you're looking for and do what fits with you morals.

Ryan

Everyone is involved. You will find your group of friends and feel like home. Boulevarding is HUGE, although I do wish people went to the games more. There is always something to do, even in Fondren Library. Greek Life is huge, but only if you make it that way, like I said before, anyone can find a home here. Theme parties, frat parties are always fun and attract the majority of campus.

Katherine

Unfortunately the dorm doors close automatically, so the dorms are not as social as they could/should be. The Tate Lecture series is a fabulous opportunity for students to see speakers like- Vicente Fox, Anderson Cooper, and Tony Blair. A lot of people drink, but I have met tons of people that decided not to drink freshman year. They still went to parties. A lot of them also got involved in christian groups on campus, went to movies, comedy clubs, etc.

Hannah

Greek life rules the social scene. The frats have some of the best parties during the year, they take care of transportation and the themes are a tun of fun to dress up for.

Terry

The social life here is amazing. With 10,000 kids at SMU, you will always be able to find something to do on any given night.

Charlie

There is a heavy heavy emphasis on Greek life at SMU - Many students are in a fraternity or sorority. People party very often... there is always some kind of party on Thurs-Sat nights. Unfortunately, there is not much to do on a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking. Wesley is a campus ministry that is amazing! There is a weekly worship service on Wednesday nights and you can get involved in a small group Bible study that meets one night during the week. It's an amazing place to meet great people who share your same beliefs.

Cody

At SMU, pretty much every activity revolves around alcohol.

Robin

Greek life is huge, close to 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. There are parties every weekend where fraternities rent buses and rent out bars around Dallas so there is no drunk driving. DDs are usually appointed if there are no busses. Students leave their doors open all the time as stealing is a rarity. Athletic events are pretty popular although not as much as the tailgating beforehand. SMU has some of the best guest speakers in the country. In the past year we've had people such as Anderson Cooper and Tony Blair. Dating is very common. Frats usually have parties with sororities where you can meet guys or girls. If youre awake at 2am on a tuesday youre probably getting back from the bars and post-gaming at a frat house, apartment or dorm somewhere...

Casey

Greek life is a big part of the social life here at SMU, if you have the chance to join a frat or sorority, i highly recommend it! I am involved in the Texas Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi (Pi Phi) and if i could do it again i would not change a thing! students in the dorms dont leave their doors open, they sometimes bolt their doors but the RA's dont really like that, some people tape their locks so that they can open and close them without a key. Athletic events are pretty big first semester but then when people see that they actually have to start working hard it kind of dwindles down. The dating scene is pretty crazy it seems like the most random people get together, but its SO much fun and everyone is always looking for a good time! I met my closest friends two were from home and we grew closer by moving here, and the others by opening my mouth and not being shy! I can make the wall talk back to me so thats what i would do, it might take a second to see who are truly your good friends, but once you do they are awesome! If im awake at 2am on a Tuesday im probably out because the bars close at 2! but if i get back to the dorm we are going crazy waking some people up or just sitting in the hall talking to friends! People party every every EVERY night. if you want to go out. you can, there is ALWAYS A PARTY. you dont have to go but the main question asked is "are you going out tonight?" I love how if you want to go out you can, it reminds me of new orleans! Last weekend i drove to Galveston TX with a friend of mine and we rented a hotel room and beach bummed it for a weekend, then came back and studied! it was AMAZING!

Jaclyn

Many people are involved in religious organizations on campus and greek life is very prominent (especially in the party scene). I met most of my closest friends in my dorm freshman year and when I joined my sorority in the spring of freshman year. Guest speakers are fabulous! I don't attend as many as I should, but I did see Sheryl Crow and Dashboard Confessional, etc.

Ainsley

-countless activities occur in all aspects of the scale. -involved student government, campus wide activities -LOTS of exciting guest speakers -plenty of old traditions, which are not upheld because the athletics are so pathetic and unexciting

Jen

greek life is huge. fall semester is full of theme frat parties every weekend. sporting events arent that big of a deal, except for the football tailgating. the dorms are a great way to meet people, but going through rush is where i really met my closest friends i still have now

Rachel

Greek life is huge. There is always a great themed Fraternity party to go to. Students are very social in dorms and on campus. Everybody is ready to meet people. People party a good amount but not too much. There is always someone to go out with and a place to go, but always someone to stay in with and study. Dallas is GREAT!

Andrew

Frats and sorrorities. Football team, frat. Yes we leave our doors open. Not very right now. Yes, we had Tony Blaire a couple of weeks ago, that was interesting. Through rush. At the bar or with a lady friend. Casino Night, Jungle, Figi Island, Brown bag, BOULEVARD. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, we are a party school. Very important, Very. Last weekend we (FIGI) went to austin all weekend, Drank, Partied, floated the river and had fun. So much, Mavs game, symphony, movie, theater, tons, we just choose to drink.

Rob

Grek system is the only organization that matters to SMU.

Morgan

Greek life is big, but not necessary for everyone. Rush is in spring semester here, not in fall, which is good. Football sucks, but they're trying. Our soccer and basketball do pretty well (and rowing). Social Life- Dallas has everything, including its club area, Deep Elem. (sp?)

Charlie

STAY IN FRESHMEN DORM YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR!!! Its an easy way to meet ppl quickly. Doors are always open. Its not that way in most of the other dorms. I didn't, and I only knew 1 person coming here. I was really lucky in going potluck for my roommate, and we ended up being best friends (and in diff sororities so we don't just hang out with girls in our sorority). Tues & Thurs are the big party nights on weekdays..esp Thurs. Frats will have parties then, usually themed one (FUN!) and then of course the weekends.. If you don't go out on certain nights.. hope that others don't otherwise you might be in your room watching a movie by yourself or doing hw. Everyone seems to get a lot of hw at the same time though, so you can usually find a group of friends together in the library. Greek life is HUGE here. I highly recommend it. Its an easy way to meet ppl. Best decision I've made here.

Darren

Social life is cool. There are a lot of frat parties, but if you like to just relax and hang out, there is a place for that as well.

Travis

There are groups and all that. Everybody around here falls into one or another. I'm not in any of them but attend a few things. I'm in the Greek life. It's great and widely recognized. Greek events are the main ones that bring attendance. Dorms are friendly, a few kids on your hall won't fit in, try not to be one and it'll be more fun. Athletic events don't get much attendance, but we're in the process of changing that. My best friends are my fraternity brothers, but as a friendly person, I'm still friends with the guys from last year when I see them and meet more people from other fraternities and in classes (some). Girls are great, finding the right one can prove difficult-you'll know more when you get here. If I'm awake at 2am, which I am, chances are I'm finishing Last Call and figuring out if she's coming back, or I'm hanging out indoors with my friends. The days of house parties are over, though they may be used for pre-parties, you go to the bar at about 11:30. Thursday is the biggest party night of the week in these parts. Fridays and Saturdays are typically good too and you're expected to be out, sometimes they're the chill nights at the bar though. Tuesday nights can get high attendance at the bars too. Honestly, you can have a night to go out just about every night, but you don't have to. "What can you do Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking?" -I don't know, I haven't done it, but surely there's something. I'll ask around.

Brittany

VERY incolved activities, and SOOO much going on everyday. I am alwasy busy, so I dont personally attend very many events.

Haley

Greek life is huge. I'm involved in Chi Omega and our philanthropy is the Make a Wish Foundation. Security in the dorms is very tight here.

Emmerson

If you are awake at 2 am on a Tuesday, you either are studying for a huge test you have the next day or are leaving a bar at closing time.