University of Georgia Top Questions

What are the most popular student activities/groups?

Alex

Probably Greek life is the most popular group. Student activities are going on every day/night and there is something for everyone.

Jennifer

FOOTBALL! Gymnastics is also really popular!

Ha

Sports and intramural sports are extremely important activities, but sororities and fraternities have big events too.

Olivia

There are so many student activities and groups on campus, it is so easy to get involved in whatever you enjoy! One of the biggest groups on campus is the Greek system, which is composed of various Fraternities and Sororities that are all involved in various philanthropies in the Athens area. Another main organization is that of the Student Government Association. SGA is a touch organization to get involved in, but once you do the rewards are endless. SGA members are involved in the UGA government, and there are various boards and panels that all have a major influence on various parts of campus life. Mock Trial is another organization that is really fun to be involved in, it requires a lot of time with practices and out of state tournaments, but the team bonds that are formed in this group last forever.

Ian

Football is king at UGA. I'm personally not a big fan of football, but when it is football season, no one will let you forget it. The stadium is massive and is right next to the student center, so most people pass it at least once daily. As I've said before, there are a wide variety of students, so the activities are just as varied. Some people love to hit the downtown bar scene and get blitzed on a Saturday night while others will simply spend that time studying. One cool thing that UGA does is called UGA after Dark. It is held on Fridays free of charge for students. The activities vary from event to event, but one time I went there was a climbing wall and belly dancers outside and food inside. It was a bizarre event, but I enjoyed it. For people who are into fraternities and sororities, despite a bad general reputation not all of them constantly swell like liquor. There are a few co-ed business fraternities one campus as well as some that cater to specific majors or groups. I honestly don't know how some of the people in the more extreme fraternities do as well as they do. I've known a few people in the honors program that will spend their weekends completely wasted but still do better than me on an exam the next Monday. As far as some areas go, I can't speak to them. I don't live in the dorms, and I already have a girlfriend, so I haven't been looking at the dating scene. I also haven't been to any parties, but they happen pretty often. If you want to party but don't enjoy alcohol or drugs, the fraternity Phi Slam holds dry parties and raves every so often. They are loud and too crowded for me, but for people looking for that aspect of partying minus the alcohol, that exists.

My

I can't tell you what are the most popular groups on campus because there is a lot of them, each catering to the interests of different people. I don't think I can go wrong with people liking the athletes though. They're sort of the "celebrities" you could say, although I don't think so...but don't tell them that. I am here and there. I've been a member in a choir, a tae kwon do class, a fencing team, and a dance company so I've been trying to do a little bit of everything. Usually the only people that leave their doors open are freshman students because...they're encouraged to. If you leave your door propped open in other dorms it'd be considered a fire hazard. I met my closest friends because their doors were always open in our freshman dorm.

Joo-Sub

There are so many events going on at UGA drinking and non-drinking to take advantage of and its so easy to meet new people.

Chiara

The most popular student organizations are through the Center for Leadership and Service, which are run by faculty, such as the Arch Society, which represents the University, and Student Government. Volunteer UGA is also very popular, and in encompasses dozens of organizations geared towards volunteering and serving the Athens and other communities. There are always inter mural sports to get involved in, and there is a very large environmental community full of different clubs with specific interests/goals. Organizations often "table" in the center of campus to promote their club and upcoming events, and the University holds an organization fair every semester. As for dorm life, it is different at each dorm, but my freshman year I lived in Creswell, the one thought of as the main, most exciting freshman dorm, where students are encouraged to interact and leave their doors open. Many students meet their friends on the hall they live on, through rush for greek life, and in various organizations. Many also fine their significant other through these things, although the most common is through dorm life. Football is a religion at UGA, and students of all groups come out to support the Dawgs. After the games, the bars down town are swarming with students. Most students party a few times a week, the most popular nights being Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, unless it is football season, in which case it is Saturday instead of Friday. Frat parties are very popular, especially raves, and many different types of students attend. If you are looking for something to do that does not involve drinking, there is Dawgs after Dark, which is a carnival run by the University once a month. As for the rest of the time, Athens is rich with culture and there are always various bands performing at venues down town.

Gina

For journalism majors like me, working for the Red & Black is a popular activity. I was just hired there this semester. The Red & Black is UGA's student-run newspaper and has been voted the best college newspaper by Editor & Publisher. It's office is off-campus on Baxter Street. You get involved with the Red & Black by submitting between one and three samples of your work, whether you're a news writer, a variety writer, a sports writer or a photojournalist. Once you're on staff, you get paid (not much) for your submissions. Working for the Red & Black is an awesome learning experience that looks great on a resume, especially if you can work your way up to editor. Other campus publications, such as Ugazine, can offer valuable writing and editing experience as well, and Magazine Club helps students get connected with organizations they may be interested in getting involved with after graduation. At UGA, football is a big deal. Almost everything you see has "Dawgs" scrawled across it. Even the bus marquees encourage the Bulldogs to victory throughout football season. You don't have to like football here. Just don't mention it. One neat thing about UGA is the variety of guest speakers that visit us. Every semester usually sees an interesting lecture series hosted in the UGA Chapel. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, art, ethnicity, gender and so on. Only around 11 percent of the campus population pledges Greek, but that's a fairly high number for any single university. Anyone driving down Milledge Avenue enjoys gazing at the gargantuan fraternity and sorority houses. Deciding whether or not to go Greek is up to the individual. I went through half of the week-long rush and decided it wasn't for me, but some people really benefit from the professional and social connections they make in their fraternities and sororities. Aside from the regular Greek groups, there are also some that focus on specific areas of interest, such as the co-ed business fraternity or the women's music fraternity. There is never too little to do in Athens, and for many UGA students, the weekend starts on Thursday. We have plently of places to eat, unique shops and interesting events. The music scene leaves students with no shortage of cheap shows to attend. The 40 Watt downtown is one of the most popular concert venues. Athens also has some beautiful parks and trails. Bear Hollow, for example, is free to to get into and resembles a small zoo. Those in more of a movie mood can visit the Tate Center's dollar theater, as well as the one located near Athens' mall. In addition, Cine, a theater in the downtown area, specializes in obscure and foreign films. UGA also has its own art and natural history museums.

Wendell

Wesley Foundation -Christian Church Group Greek Activities- Varies Habitat for Humanity Student Government Association

Shelby

Most students are affiliated in the greek system but also we all participate in charity organizations like relay for life or UGA Heros. We are really big on philanthropy at UGA.

Gina

For journalism majors like me, working for the Red & Black is a popular activity. I was just hired there this semester. The Red & Black is UGA's student-run newspaper and has been the best college newspaper by Editor & Publisher. It's office is off-campus on Baxter Street. You get involved with the Red & Black by submitting between one and three samples of your work, whether you're a news writer, a variety writer, a sports writer or a photojournalist. Once you're on staff, you get paid (not much) for your submissions. Working for the Red & Black is an awesome learning experience that looks great on a resume, especially if you can work your way up to editor. Other campus publications, such as Ugazine, can offer valuable writing and editing experience as well, and Magazine Club helps students get connected with organizations they may be interested in getting involved with after graduation. At UGA, football is a big deal. Almost everything you see has "Dawgs" scrawled across it. Even the bus marquees encourage the Bulldogs to victory throughout football season. You don't have to like football here. Just don't mention it. One neat thing about UGA is the variety of guest speakers that visit us. Every semester usually sees an interesting lecture series hosted in the UGA Chapel. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, art, ethnicity, gender and so on. Only around 11 percent of the campus population pledges Greek, but that's a fairly high number for any single university. Anyone driving down Milledge Avenue enjoys gazing at the gargantuan fraternity and sorority houses. Deciding whether or not to go Greek is up to the individual. I went through half of the week-long rush and decided it wasn't for me, but some people really benefit from the professional and social connections they make in their fraternities and sororities. Aside from the regular Greek groups, there are also some that focus on specific areas of interest, such as the co-ed business fraternity or the women's music fraternity. There is never too little to do in Athens, and for many UGA students, the weekend starts on Thursday. We have plently of places to eat, unique shops and interesting events. The music scene leaves students with no shortage of cheap shows to attend. The 40 Watt downtown is one of the most popular concert venues. Athens also has some beautiful parks and trails. Bear Hollow, for example, is free to to get into and resembles a small zoo. Those in more of a movie mood can visit the Tate Center's dollar theater, as well as the one located near Athens' mall. In addition, Cine, a theater in the downtown area, specializes in obscure and foreign films. UGA also has its own art and natural history museums.

Gina

For journalism majors like me, working for the Red & Black is a popular activity. I was just hired there this semester. The Red & Black is UGA's student-run newspaper and has been the best college newspaper by Editor & Publisher. It's office is off campus on Baxter Street. You get involved with the Red & Black by submitting between one and three samples of your work, whether you're a news writer, a variety writer, a sports writer or a photojournalist. Once you're on staff, you get paid (not much) for your submissions. Working for the Red & Black is an awesome learning experience that looks great on a resume, especially if you can work your way up to editor. Other campus publications, such as Ugazine, can offer valuable writing and editing experience as well, and Magazine Club helps students get connected with organizations they may be interested in getting involved with after graduation. At UGA, football is a big deal. Almost everything you see has "Dawgs" scrawled across it. Even the bus marquees encourage the Bulldogs to victory throughout football season. You don't have to like football here. Just don't mention it. One neat thing about UGA is the variety of guest speakers that visit us. Every semester usually sees an interesting lecture series hosted in the UGA Chapel. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, art, ethnicity, gender and so on. Only around 11 percent of the campus population pledges Greek, but that's a fairly high number for any single university. Anyone driving down Milledge Avenue enjoys gazing at the gargantuan fraternity and sorority houses. Deciding whether or not to go Greek is up to the individual. I went through half of the week-long rush and decided it wasn't for me, but some people really benefit from the professional and social connections they make in their fraternities and sororities. Aside from the regular Greek groups, there are also some that focus on specific areas of interest, such as the co-ed business fraternity or the women's music fraternity. There is never too little to do in Athens. We have plently of places to eat, unique shops and interesting events. The music scene leaves students with no shortage of cheap shows to attend. The 40 Watt downtown is one of the most popular concert venues. Athens also has some beautiful parks and trails. Bear Hollow, for example, is free to to get into and resembles a small zoo. Those in more of a movie mood can visit the Tate Center's dollar theater, as well as the one located near Athens' mall. In addition, Cine, a theater in the downtown area, specializes in obscure and foreign films. UGA also has its own art and natural history museums.

Chasity

I would say that the most popular student activities and groups would be any sports on campus, Greek life, and service opportunities. Sports are very important to the economy and spirit of Athens. Greek life has events like date nights, socials, and formals that are very popular. I am personally involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, Habitat for Humanity, and the Global Engagement Learning Community. I think service is very rewarding and UGA offers plenty of opportunities to help out in the community. Since UGA is the #2 party school in America, we obviously do party quite often. I personally don't. I like to go camping, go to the local independent movie theater, or go to concerts. There are plenty of things to do if you don't drink. Athens is a great place to explore and learn.

Skye

Football is extremely popular at UGA. Many people tailgate and dress up to go to the games. (I was never too into sports and ended up selling my tickets for a decent amount of money FYI!) Aside from sports, there are a number of other really fun things to do: concerts, street festivals, movies, parties... the list goes on! I've met a lot of people at these events that I'm good friends with now. There are also really great public speakers that come to UGA. A couple months ago, an investigative reporter came to the journalism school to talk about his job. Because of this, I've become increasingly more interested in journalism. Something that is really popular for those with the meal plan is "snellibrating." Snelling is a 24 hour dining hall that is open during the week (not the weekends.) If you're hungry really late or need to pull an all-nighter this is a great place to go. Some people go out on Thursdays for "Thirsty Thursday" and then end the night at Snelling. Even if you don't drink there's a lot you can do. Parties will pretty much always have drinking but most people don't pressure you to do anything you don't want to. Sometimes if I'm not in the mood to drink, I just carry around a cup of water/soda so people don't dwell on it too much. This mainly occurs at frat parties but house parties are also a ton of fun! Even if you're not in Greek life, you can still find great (often better) parties/events.

Yasmeen

My best piece of advice - don't be afraid to get involved and to put yourself out there! Let your interests determine which organizations and clubs you join. I guarantee you that there is a group on campus that is interested in the same things you are, and if not it is so easy to start your own organization. For sports, find a group of friends or hall mates and do an intramural team. This is an amazing way to stay active, meet new people and have some friendly competition. If volunteering happens to be your thing, simply go to the volunteer fair held each year and you will be overwhelmed with opportunities. I work with an organization each week called Learning Ally, their mission is to record books (both textbooks and pleasure reading) for those with reading and visual disabilities. I volunteer there because reading has always been a favorite hobby of mine, and I find happiness in helping someone else be able to read. I know it can be a daunting experience, coming to a new place and having tons of new people and experiences thrown at you. Take it one day at a time. Initially focus on finding a good group of friends, personally I met all of my friends through my hall in the dorms. This is such a common way that people meet, and in your first few months in the dorm it is a great idea to leave your door open or venture onto adjoining halls. People are so friendly and open that first semester because everyone is in the same boat and wants to make new friends. I remember thinking as a freshmen that I was never going to meet people because i decided not to go greek; even though it may seem like greek life has a huge presence on campus, you are not alone if you decide that is not the path for you. Between living in the dorms and joining organizations, I met more people my freshmen year than I can even remember. My friends and I became closer by venturing out to sporting events or catching a movie at Tate. UGA has so many opportunities to explore the campus and community, all you have to do is look on the master calendar, or pay attention to fliers on campus - I promise if you do, you will stay busy every night of your four years here.

Christine

The most popular groups are UGA HERO and Habitat for Humanity or something like that. Again, I cannot emphasize enough that UGA is really large so despite the fact that these are the largest groups, there are so many other groups that are big as well such as the school newspaper, the Red and Black, PRSSA, etc.

Ashley

Well there are soo many its almost Impossible so I am going to be bias. I love ugaMiracle, a nonprofit organization raising money to the children's health care network. There is also Uga Heros (don't know much about that) and Relay for life is big here as well The groups I am also involved in is my sorority which I love, and I also love Fashion Design Student Association. This organization provides an outlet for individuals who want to become fashion designers even thought we do not have a major for it at the university. And athletic events that are highly prized is the Football team and gymnastics. Dawgs after dark is offered for those who don't drink that setup carnivals or even trips out to amusement parks and other fun places. Sorority and fraternity are apart of the life here at Georgia but you dont need it to have fun! I love my sorority but I dont need it to have a great college experience Dating here for me is almost impossible. I gave up and found my boyfriend back at my home town. Guys are pompous here and believe they can get almost any girl and STEER CLEAR of frat guys... they are immature little boys... do not waste your time if you can or just be friends with them till they grow up which may be after graduation.

Cleo

The University of Georgia is a large campus, which means it offers more opportunities. UGA has a large Greek system, but that's not all it has to offer. There are literally hundreds of clubs and organizations to get involved with, from Relay for Life to volunteering at local hospitals, raising guide dog puppies to traveling abroad on service trips. Athens also offers a ton of things to do with your friends. You can get feta fries downtown at The Grill at 2 a.m., play Frisbee on Herty Field, go for a run at the Georgia State Botanical Gardens or even take a trapeze class! There are always campus events going on, whether it's a lecture, a play, a protest or a sporting event. It's nearly impossible to be bored in the Classic City. We're only a short drive from the outlet malls in Commerce, and our music can't be beat. No matter what you're interested in or who your friends are, there's plenty to do in Athens. This is one of the most unique towns in the country, and it's never hard to find ways to spend your weekends here. College allows you to try multiple different activities and clubs, all without serious, piggy bank-breaking commitments. The best thing to do is to just dive in and get started.

Jordan

UGA is a faily large school, with an unlimited number of academic and social organizations. The best part is that future employers don't really care what clubs you joined and which ones you didn't, so sign up for what you think will be the most interesting and fun.

Staci

Football is king here. Nothing is even close to the fanfare that goes along with football season in Athens. Alumni roll in with RVs & SUVs in UGA decor Friday nights, sometimes as early as Thursdays, & start tailgating for the games. It doesn't matter if the game starts at 7 PM or 12 in the afternoon, you wake up at 8 AM if you want a good spot for tailgating. One of the most popular spots for tailgates is North Campus- it is usually so crowded you cannot even move. If you want to go out, you can find someone who will go out with you every single night. People will always be downtown. Going out is a great way to meet people but if you aren't into going out or partying, there are plenty of other things to do. There are always concerts & events going on all around Athens.

Tara

Everyone needs to float down the Braod River before you leave. There is nothing more fun and relaxing in the summer time. If you don't want to drink at a bar on a Friday or Saturday night, see a film at Cine or sing karaoke at one of the sushi joints. When you get here, sit with a new person every time you sit down for a meal at Bolton and your circle will expand so fast you'll forget you left home.

Hannah

What's the most popular 'club' on campus? Obviously its none other than... greek life. I tried this little bit of fun and it simply did NOT work out for me. I've always considered my self a little sorority girl and whatnot. My friends even jokingly called me 'sorority girl' in high school... it only seemed natural to join one in college. However, once I joined.... it was COMPLETELY different. I was paying wayyyy toooo much money for Not enough fun. I planned on parties and socials all the time, but instead.. they were 2 or 3 times a month... and nothing but rules, rules, and more rules. I came to college to have fun, not to have someone tell me I need to do my hair for class everyday and 'bronzer makes a good sorority girl happy'. Whatevs...

Stephanie

most popular: greek life but not exclusively. other organizations, like student council, and tons of student organizations are somewhat popular. athletics are huge!! everyone goes downtown and drinks regardless of whether we win or lose. drinking is a large part of uga culture.

Alex

most things revolve around drinking, and the frat/sorority scene is huge.

Sam

Greek life is of course very popular. There are many opportunities to get involved with philanthropies and other things to help out the community. There are concerts and artsy things going on around campus every day. I met my closest friends through my sorority. If you awake at 2 AM there is always something to do. You can be downtown, eating at one of the many restaurants that do not close until way later, or just hanging out with your other friends that probably are not sleeping either. Football is HUGE at Georgia. There is nothing like a fall Saturday where there is a football game. Even if you are not a football fan, you will enjoy these Saturdays.

Morgan

There are many different sororities and fraternities. I am so proud to be apart of one. You meet so many new people and have so many new friends. There is ALWAYS something to do at georgia. Different organizations plan different things every night. There are things off campus as well such as bowling and a mall (which isn't very big, but still fun) You make college as fun as you want. If you choose to sit around in your dorm, that's what you will do. However, you can go wherever you want with whoever you want.

Anil

UGA Football By a mile. From my experience me and my roommate always left our room doors open but not the door to our apartment suite. Athletic Events are VERY popular. Dating scene is good considering good looking people all around. If I'm awake at 2 am on a tuesday I'm probably trying to cram or goofing off. People party every week. Frats and Sororities are very important here. Last weekend I went fishing actually. You can do lots of things that don't involve drinking, like dancing, bowling, movies, karoeke, pool, or maybe just watch a sporting event. Off campus the only place to go is downtown, great food, great bar scene, great night life. Great walking city too. don't need a car.

Andy

Fraternities and Sororities are incredibly powerful on campus. They run almost all of the Student Government and keep bars downtown in business. Yet, people who are not Greeks are not considered dorks at all. Greeks and non-Greeks mingle nicely. Few relationships cross the line though- Greeks don't date non-Greeks. We have a 24-hour dining hall and a 24-hour study facility. Anyone can grab a piece of pizza at 2:00 am. Freshmen are required to live on campus, and mostly only freshmen do. Housing availability is limited; most people move off campus because they have to. Some upper-classmen, mostly athletes, live in the apartment-style dorms in East Campus. Because of this, the dining halls are flooded with mostly freshmen as well. The food on the meal plan is AMAZING! Once I moved off campus I knew I wouldn't go back to eat dinner and get my money's worth.

Alex

People party a lot and some sleep a lot. Not much on the dating scene; the guys at UGA have it too easy with their being lots of easy girls. During the fall, everyone goes to the games. My advice: branch out and try something new. Don't stick to the same old friends. This is your time to try something else.

Lucy

These are lots of things to get involved in at UGA. The extracurricular groups are constantly putting on fairs and advertising their organizations to try to get people involved. If your thing is music, acting, sports, academics, service, or you simply want to be in a social sorority or fraternity, you have many options. UGA has an impressive Greek system which many houses on campus. UGA brings in many concert series and renowned speakers. I shook hands with a former president while in attendance. It is definatly considered a party school and downtown Athens is famous throughout the South, but there are students who do not drink for sure, and in my experience they never felt left out because of this.

Amanda

Probably the most popular groups are the Greek organizations, but even so, I just joined Delta Gamma this semester after a year and a half as an independent and I absolutely enjoy being part of it. The Greek organizations are so helpful to UGA with all the philanthropy that goes on. Athletic events are HUGE. Football --bigger than life to some people. But we not only have a great football program, we have the gymnastics, swim and dive, tennis, and basketball that are awesome as well.

Sara

While some people who aren't in Greek life think that PanHellenic dominates the majority of students on campus, it's actually composed of a very small percentage for how big the school is - only like 18{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or something. But it's definitely a great way to get involved! I loved dressing up for dances in high school, so having semi formals and date nights in college is great! Plus it's so funny to go out on a Thursday night when all the sororities and fraternities are having socials to see all the crazy outfits. So while pledging a sorority or fraternity is great for some people, for others, it's not a priority. And there's tons of stuff to do outside of Greek life - UGA has hundreds and HUNDREDS of student activities. You kindof have to search to find the ones that work for you, but your dream organization is guaranteed to be there. The social life of students at UGA is definitely something to be envied! There is always something going on, and living in the dorms freshman year, the doors are always open. It's such an inviting and fun atmosphere. During the fall, especially, there's such a busy, social feeling in the air. Band parties at fraternities on Friday nights are a great and fun way to kick off the weekend, and obviously tailgates on Saturdays before games are some of my favorite memories so far at Georgia.

Carson

In the dorms, students are very social and excited to meet new people. They leave their doors open. As a freshman, I would say that it is the best experience. I would also say greek life is a great way to meet friends, but it is by no means the end all be all. It can be stressful, and you will still meet a lot of people if you opt out.

Sara

Athens is a GREAT town for singles- there are plenty of attractive people looking for some action. This is at its peak during football season. It has been said that UGA has the hottest girls in the South, and from what I've seen it's true. Being greek is important if your greek, but outside that it isn't really a big deal. There are a lot of greek organizations (27 fraternities and 18 sororities) with between 20 and 200 members each.

Cat

Greek is the most popular. Next is the student run charity organizations- Dance Marathon and UGA Hero. You can meet your life time friends here at UGA.

Karen

Again, don't have a lot to offer here. I have lived on campus for all 4 years (including a summer semester), but never as Housing staff. I've lived in 3 different communities during that time, so I should know a bit about dorm life. (FYI: if you talk to housing staff, they're "residence halls" not dorms, apparently there are negative associations with dorms.) Freshmen tend to live in the high rise dorms, but they have started to gain whole buildings elsewhere on campus due to an increase in freshmen class size. There were a lot of sorority girls on my hall who were very friendly. Since they moved in 3 days before I did, they were great friends by the time I got there and I never quite fit in. I felt strange keeping my door open because I didn't really feel at home with the hall. Others kept their doors open, even if they weren't in. We were definately a spectrum. The summer dorm I was in was very quiet and doors were always closed unless someone was going through it. It makes for a very un-friendly feel. For the other 3 years, I've lived in the same dorm (and the same room). Rutherford is different from the other dorms. We're in a historic building that still has the feel of an old home instead of a hospital or a hotel. We're home to the FRC, so we have a community feel. The doors in Rutherford are usually wide open. We're also different because we have a mix of all years. This year we are approximately half freshmen because this year's freshmen class is the largest UGA has had since the freshmen live on requirement. We also have a large number of 4th year and beyond students. The older students don't have as much time to socialize, but there's still plenty of interaction because the freshmen frequently walk around and talk with students with open doors. Athletic events are super popular. Football is our biggest sport. Once on campus, you're pretty much stuck there for the day. Traffic is crazy. Tailgaters take over every open space. Parking is near impossible. And everyone is loud all day long. It could be a night game, but the tailgaters still arive at 8 in the morning and cheer on another game they're watching (they set up TVs). The gymnastic meets are also very popular. Some of the girls are olympic competitors and we always do very well. Even if we're losing, the basketball team seems pretty popular. My dorm is about a 7 minute walk to where most of the teams play, so the games are big enough to disturb the traffic flow around our building. Now that Snelling is open 24 hours on weekdays, a lot of students are eating at 2 am. Personally, I'm usually doing homework at that time every week. We have a lot of night owls, so there's a decent amount of activity around that time. UGA never really sleeps. There is a huge music scene in Athens. While a good bit of the concert type activities serve alcohol, it is certainly not necessary for students to drink at them. There are also performances (music, dance, plays) occuring constantly on campus. Many are free, but student tickets are usually under $12. Some of the performances are professional, but others are our students. And if all else fails, there's always shopping down town or going to the movies.

Meggan

I was involved with an a cappella group. It is so nerdy but one of the most fun things i've ever done and I made my best friend there who introduced me to many other friends. the dating scene SUCKS if you want something real. I'm telling you, there are so many hot girls that guys can't appreciate a good thing when they have it--even if she's hot too. They just get too distracted. I've only had luck with older guys or guys from out of town. Wow, immaturity is everywhere here. But, if you don't want something serious, it's GREAT! People party a lot, I can usually find someone to go out with any night of the week, although I've found that my body prefers one night a week. That doesn't happen much though. Take advantage of it, though, it's the only time in your life that you'll have so many people to go out and have fun with. Don't take early AM classes. Some people thrive in Greek life. I would hate the structure and deadlines and rules, but I also know some really cool, normal greek people. it's rare though. Nevertheless, greek life is huge at UGA and it's definitely an exclusive society type thing sometimes. There are plenty of non-drinking things for people to do. Dawgs after Dark is fun--a bit nerdy, but fun. This weekend we had a potluck at my house, I played a concert with my friend at the 40 watt, then went drinking and played pool. Saturday I went out and mingled and got in an argument with a guy for being prejudice toward my friend when he found out she was Jewish (the jewish/black/asian cultures are very strong here, by the way). I met my closest friends studying abroad and it was awesome.

Sheryl

Greek organizations are a big deal on campus, as well as philanthropic organizations. I am in a sorority and also am a member of Relay for Life. In dorms it depends on the hallmates, but leaving doors open is pretty common. Athletic events are popular, especially football and gymnastics. Opportunites to see guest speakers, attend forums, and see plays are common, but not extremely widely attended. Most traditions revolve around football season and tailgaiting. Partying is done pretty often, weekends and also weekdays.

Davis

greek is popular.... im in a fraternity and play uga lacrosse some students leave doors open athletic events happen all the time dating scene is very nice i met my friends through lacrosse and my fraternity @ 2am tues im prob workin on a project every year we play UF in jacksonville in football. sat night not drinking there are plenty of things to do off campus you can kayak down the broad river, go hunting, go to the botanical gardens etc...

Robin

I was not a part of greek life at UGA, but I did have a good bit of friends that were. I don't feel like i missed out on anything. I had the best time at UGA and will never forget the friendships I made there and the good times I had going out. Also being a liberal arts school there was a good variety of musical and theater choices students could attend. During football season, of course the tradition is to tailgate. Tailgating and the GA football is a huge part of my family and its a time we can all gather together.

Wendy

Greek life is pretty big here, but so is Dance Marathon. You can pretty much find anything to do here. I love PRSSA because I want to pursue a career in PR, and I've gotten so many networking opportunities through this fantastic organization. MOST kids in dorms leave their doors open to meet new people. Sports are a HUGE part of UGA; people always complain when they get bad seats to a sporting event. There are a bunch of great guys at UGA, but there are a bunch of bad ones as well. You pretty much have to look around until you find somebody you are compatible with, but it will happen. My closest friends actually ALL lived on my hall freshmen year, and we all happened to stay in touch. If I'm awake at 2 AM, I'm either hanging out with my friends or doing homework! I'm usually sleeping though. People party ALL the time as freshmen, but people slowly calm down. It's currently a Saturday night, and I went to a friend's house and hung out. SO, drinking doesn't HAVE to happen all the time here.

Carmen

Football is a must! Duh! That's why most people want to go to UGA- to be bulldawgs. Party on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then at least one other weeknight. Frats and sororities are pretty important- on a scale of 1-10, they're probably a 7. Dawgs after Dark is the best thing to do on a weeknight that doesn't involve drinking. It's fun and chill at the same time.

Hunter

The most popular groups are Intramural or Club Sports Teams, or philanthropic clubs (HERO and Dance Marathon). I am involved with Club Lacrosse: we practice 3 times a week and have games on the weekends. But we drink together and hang out together! Students in the dorm do leave their doors open. GEORGIA FOOTBALL is very popular, as are the gymnastic meets. People date, and they eat dinner downtown. I met my closest friends in the dorm. I was probably downtown in Athens on Tuesday, or I was just up late studying, or I was hanging out. It's all relative. Georgia football is the strongest tradition- Saturday afternoon tailgating and a game. People party A LOT. Greek life is a major part of school, it almost feels like the world of Athens revolves around Frats and Sororities (which is annoying). Last weekend I went downtown to drink with friends, studied, and slept. There isn't much to do on Saturday if you don't drink.. You can watch a movie? Off campus I drink, or go shopping.

Jonathan

Greek life. Phi Kappa Literary Society is the best student organization on campus with a rich history starting in the early 19th century, and it is a great activity for improving my skills as a speaker as well as my confidence outside the Hall.

Kate

football is probably the most popular event at UGA. the game are so much fun. everyone gets dressed up in red and black and cheer on the dawgs. people party a lot here but you do not have to go out. personally, it is hard to keep up but when I do go out it is always a great time. friends from other colleges are always coming into town on the weekends to go out and party. greek life is pretty big here but then again there are a lot of people. rush, at least for girls, is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be here. the NYT ranked UGA at the top of the list when talking about the worst rush on campus' around the country which is SO NOT true.

Erin

Greek life is pretty big at UGA. UGA students are also extremely involved in philanthropic programs like HERO and Dance Marathon. Personally, I am involved in Pi Beta Phi which has allowed me many opportunities to get more involved in other ways on campus. Students in dorms leave their doors open depending on where they live, who they live with, and their personal preference. Athletic events are extremely popular. Football is by far the most popular. The dating scene is hit or miss, but there are plenty of opportunities to meet someone. I met my closest friends through my sorority and some of my classes. If it were 2am on a Tuesday, I would either be up studying or out with my friends doing something. You can find someone to party with pretty much any day of the week.

Candler

Athletic events are always crazy at UGA because people actually care about them. The greek system is huge even though the administraion is firmly against it, especially Michael Adams. Social events are going on 24/7.

Mary

The Greek Life is the largest form of social organizations.

Elizabeth

Off-campus I dine, hang out with friends, go to movies, drive to Atlanta, mentor, and attend entertainment events. There is not a ton to do without drinking - movies, dinner, campus performances, Atlanta venues, athletic events, etc. I'm Greek, so the sororities/fraternities are important in my eyes (especially for someone from out-of-state), but everyone that I have talked to who is not Greek does not regret it in ANY way. Everyone ends up downtown together anyways. People party a lot - Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays are big days, but there are often Greek events on Wednesdays and there are ladies' nights, etc. on Mondays and Tuesdays that students sometimes go to. Annual traditions / events: First Friday pep rally, football, founders' day, homecoming, national signing day, G-Day scrimmage, dance marathon, relay for life, etc. I met my closest friends through my sorority and my hall during freshman year. My guy friends I met through other Greek friends. Living with someone you don't know during freshman year is a great way to make close friends. The dating scene sucks - some guys are "southern gentlemen", but the majority still don't have the guts to ask girls on dates. It doesn't seem like a lot of guys are anxious to find one girl. The girls are all pretty attractive at Georgia and outnumber the guys, so competition is fierce :) Athletic events vary on popularity. Football is huge. Gymnastics has been KILLER the past few year and that attendance is high. Basketball has a large following, especially since we've improved in the past three years - but this year has been a stumbling block. Guest speakers attract attention, but are not often promoted very well and are during the day when students have class. The theater presentations are not widely talked about, but I think attendance is okay. Students in freshmen dorms DEFINITELY leave their doors open! The freshmen dorms are filled with over 900 freshmen in each, so everyone wants to meet everyone. In smaller dorms, the doors may be kept closed a little more and in East Campus Village, the doors are often closed. This is where upper-classmen and athletes live and the living conditions are really nice, but by this point most students have their own friends.