Top Party Schools in the US 2023
College is often viewed as a time for exploration and socialization, where students can broaden their horizons and form new connections. The pursuit of fun and creating lasting memories are key components of the college experience for many students. For certain individuals, finding a college with a campus culture that values enjoyment is a significant consideration.
Some colleges, known as party schools, strike a balance between academic rigor and excitement that appeals to many students. These schools boast a lively social scene, featuring events like tailgates, college clubs, and bars. The best party schools provide students with ample opportunities to work hard and play hard, resulting in a fulfilling and enjoyable college experience.
In order to identify the best party schools, this ranking focuses on colleges situated in larger cities or towns where a significant portion of the population is college attendees. These schools typically have high enrollment rates, a strong Greek presence, and a diverse array of clubs and organizations.
Top 10 Party Schools in the US
Here are the Top 10 Party Schools in the US. Check out the brief description of the colleges below.
|
S.No |
Party Colleges in USA |
|
1 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
|
2 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison |
|
3 |
Indiana University Bloomington |
|
4 |
Michigan State University in East Lansing |
|
5 |
University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa |
|
6 |
University of Georgia |
|
7 |
Florida State University |
|
8 |
Pennsylvania State University |
|
9 |
University of Texas at Austin |
|
10 |
West Virginia University |
Let us see each school in detail.
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, there are several bars available to students, such as Illini Inn and Legends. The legal age to enter these establishments is 19 in Champaign and 18 in Urbana, allowing students who are not yet of legal drinking age to still partake in the nightlife.
Moreover, the university boasts over 1,800 student organizations, each offering various events and festivities throughout the year. During Quad Day, held annually in the fall, students can explore and learn about these different activities and opportunities to socialize.
Additionally, the university has a strong presence of fraternities and sororities, leading to numerous parties and events featuring alcohol, music, and entertainment. Students at this Big Ten school are also passionate about their sports teams, with football game days often involving lively body-painting traditions, tailgating, and participation in the Illini Pride student section.
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, established in 1848 and situated on Lakes Monona and Mendota, is a premier research institution globally. Recognized as the top college football town in America by the NCAA in 2015, the university boasts 23 Big Ten varsity teams.
When not participating in tailgating events, students can unwind at Der Rathskeller, a bar in the student union. Moreover, UW is located on State Street, a pedestrian mall with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars for students to explore. The Memorial Union Terrace is also a popular hangout spot for students, offering live music, beer, and refreshing lake breezes.
The university provides students with a vibrant Greek life and exciting events like Madison’s annual Brat Fest. The first Saturday in May, students can attend the Mifflin Street block party to celebrate the end of a long Wisconsin winter with thousands of fellow revelers.
3. Indiana University Bloomington
With over 750 student organizations and more than 65 fraternities and sororities, Indiana University Bloomington offers students a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Students eagerly partake in Hoosier traditions like welcome week and homecoming, annual events that have a celebratory atmosphere. The Little 500, a highly-anticipated bike race attended by thousands, is also hosted annually at IU. Furthermore, students participate in Dance Marathon, a weekend-long dance event that raises funds for a charitable cause.
IU’s football season is marked by the enthusiastic tailgating of students and fans, who extend the festivities across the campus. Moreover, basketball season at IU is launched by Hoops Hysteria, providing additional opportunities for college parties. The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall boasts one of the largest student sections in the country.
The city of Bloomington is home to several popular college bars, such as Kilroys Sports and Nick’s English Hut, that offer happy hours and late-night entertainment throughout the year. These bars are especially popular among students on game days.
4. Michigan State University in East Lansing
Michigan State University in East Lansing kicks off the academic year with Spartan Remix, an annual festival of art, music, and culture that sets a celebratory tone. The university’s lively Greek life provides students with numerous socializing and partying opportunities.
Students can attend on-campus concerts and sporting events, with tailgating and game-day traditions fostering a strong sense of community among MSU students. Campus clubs organize themed parties at local bars, such as Sparty Bar Mitzvah and Sparty Gras, organized by MSU’s Hillel Center.
To ensure responsible partying and prevent uncontrolled celebrations, MSU and the city of East Lansing work together to provide students with party guidelines. These guidelines encourage students to drink responsibly and avoid excessive partying.
5. University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, is known for providing students with a lively social scene. To kick off the school year, the Weeks of Welcome program hosts events with food, music, and festivities for both new and returning students. Greek life is popular at the university, with over 11,500 students participating and gaining access to college parties.
The Crimson Tide sporting events are a major source of celebration, with elaborate tailgating and partying taking place. Football games attract thousands of fans and students who can enjoy beer, food, and music. The school also offers a family-friendly pregame area. Long-held traditions like the Elephant Stomp and the Walk of Champions are also part of the tailgating experience.
Tuscaloosa boasts a thriving bar scene, with the University of Alabama campus located adjacent to downtown. Students have the opportunity to visit popular bars such as Houndstooth Sports Bar (self-proclaimed as Alabama’s favorite college bar), Alcove (Tuscaloosa’s smallest bar), and Rounders (a rooftop bar).
6. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia, located near downtown Athens, comprises 17 schools and colleges that encourage academic excellence and research innovation. Downtown Athens, which is situated 70 miles east of Atlanta, is home to numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants.
UGA has a prominent fraternity and sorority community that promotes leadership and diversity. They are also famous for their tailgating and college parties, including Pajama Jam, known as the “biggest party in the southeast.”
The university has a rich football tradition, and students can participate in elaborate tailgating events. These often involve all-day parties with music, drinks, and food. Football games between the Georgia Bulldogs and their biggest rival, the Florida Gators, take place at a neutral site in Jacksonville, Florida. These games are famously referred to as “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party.”
7. Florida State University
At Florida State University, students can enjoy a variety of events, games, and movies. Additionally, they can partake in the vibrant Tallahassee nightlife. Bullwinkle’s, located on the Tallahassee Strip, offers drink specials, music, and a tiki bar four days a week, while nightclubs such as TENN provide students with a chance to dance.
FSU has over 800 clubs and student organizations, providing plenty of opportunities for social gatherings on campus. With over 6,000 members across 54 fraternities and sororities, these organizations can serve alcohol at on-campus events and activities with university permission. Official Seminole tailgating parties also include music and gameday activities.
8. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, situated in University Park, is known for its lively party atmosphere, particularly during football season. Numerous fans and students gather to enjoy music and beer while tailgating before and during Penn State football games. Moreover, Greek organizations hold a strong presence on campus.
Food and beer have been provided by college bars like the All-American Rathskeller to the Penn State community since the 1930s. Other local favorites include Zeno’s Pub, which hosts beer festivals and live music events, and the Liberty Craft House, which boasts nearly 50 beers on tap. Students can enjoy a pub-style setting without having to leave campus by attending events like Winesdays at Whiskers.
9. University of Texas at Austin
The city of Austin, where the University of Texas at Austin is located, is known for its lively culture and artistic vibe. Annually, the university hosts RoundUp, which provides food, drinks, and music for both UT Austin students and the Austin community. Furthermore, campus-wide festivities usually accompany the event.
The Cactus Café and Bar is located on campus, and students can watch live music performances and participate in open mic nights on Mondays while enjoying an alcoholic drink. UT Austin students also enjoy celebrating and partying on football game days.
The vibrant music scene in Austin allows students to attend numerous concerts, and various local music venues offer a range of entertainment options. Every weekend, Sixth Street in downtown Austin is shut down for a street party where students can visit bars, pubs, and craft breweries without having to pay cover charges.
10. West Virginia University
Established in 1867 as a public land-grant institution, West Virginia University in Morgantown has a long history of providing quality education to students. Every fall, incoming first-year and returning students celebrate with FallFest, a week-long event that includes musical performances and free food vouchers. Some of the famous musical guests who have headlined the event in the past include Maroon 5 and Kanye West.
The nightlife and bar scene in Morgantown offer a variety of entertainment options for students. High Street is a popular spot for parties, while the Mountaineer Taphouse is a favorite among students for food and drinks. During football season, students can enjoy hours of tailgating before the games. Mountaineer Week is another annual event that allows students to showcase their school spirit. It includes a craft fair on campus, as well as contests and other fun activities.
TRENDING
Which is the Top Party School?
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has earned numerous academic accolades, including being ranked as the second-best accounting school in the country and the fourth-best engineering program globally. However, it is their reputation as the number one party school that stands out above all else. According to the Princeton Review’s annual college rankings, the university topped the list of party schools based on a survey taken by 136,000 college students nationwide. This should not come as a surprise to those familiar with the university’s drinking and party culture, where it’s easy for 19-year-old students to access alcohol in bars. Students would rather drink excessively than watch the poor football team play, and the unofficial St. Patrick’s Day celebration is one of the biggest parties of the year. As a result, the student body is always prepared to get rowdy, regardless of the day of the week.
What is a Party School?
A party school is a term used to describe a college or university, typically in the United States, that is known for a culture of heavy alcohol and drug consumption or generally prioritizing partying over educational values and integrity. The Princeton Review’s annual list is the most frequently cited collection of supposed party schools. In addition, Playboy magazine sporadically releases its own ranking of party schools. However, many schools object to being categorized as a party school, and these lists have been criticized by organizations like the American Medical Association for promoting risky behavior.
Conclusion
These schools are known for their lively social scene and offer students many opportunities to enjoy college life. They have high enrollment rates, strong Greek presence, and a diverse array of clubs and organizations. While being classified as a party school may have negative connotations, it can also indicate that the school provides a balanced college experience that includes both academics and social life. It is worth noting that the lists of party schools have been criticized for promoting risky behavior, and not all students may want to attend a school with a heavy focus on partying.
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