Question about student life at Furman

[u/Epicstar-]

I'm currently looking at colleges for poli-sci and international relations, and Furman is in my top three (along with Gettysburg and American University, but more so GBurg and FU for financial reasons). I really like Furman's campus and location, but have heard a lot about how student life is generally pretty boring and not very fun. Any specific takes agreeing/disagreeing with this statement? Additionally, I'm also considering Greek life if I end up going to Furman. Any information about the fraternities there and their reputation and whatnot?

[u/bigstuff00]

All three of these will be called "boring" by someone because they aren't big SEC and Greek life don't run the campus. They're all academically focused schools that have a party or two every once and awhile.

From my experience, FU has plenty to do for someone who likes the outdoors and who isn't looking for social gatherings were the people are hundreds deep. It's not a dry campus and there will be plenty of fun had so long as you aren't looking to do a keg stand on the president's lawn.

[u/Ewokboi → u/bigstuff00]

This. You can find the parties if that is your thing. Or if you want to avoid them its also possible to have a social life outside of it. This is going to be my old fuddy duddy take but outside probably a few colleges, you can have a great student life experience at most places. Also most frats at Furman are pretty reputable. Yeah you're probably gonna get hazed but you'll come out with a lot of good networking. Up to you.

[u/RProgrammerMan]

I had a fun social life at Furman. Most of the drinking parties are organized by the fraternities. But I dont really know what its like at other schools. The best way to make friends is to join a club or play a sport. Theres always a few kids who get lost in party life and do t make it to graduation, do dont do that.

[u/avemflamma → u/RProgrammerMan]

are you indeed a man who programs in R? R is the arch nemesis of every student in the bio department here it seems lol

[u/RProgrammerMan → u/avemflamma]

Not much these days but I used to a lot. I actually like working with R. Coding comes with a frustrating learning curve. Once you have the basics down its better.

[u/Odd-Hat-1411]

Parent of an incoming student at FU. I'd go based on your own judgment and best fit than those who aren't going with you but have lots of opinions. The list of schools you have isn't exactly Animal House themed.

You'll find a way--if you're inherently social, you'll draw those around you, especially at a smaller school. If you depend on others to be social, then you'll just need to be attentive during that first year to "find your people" or Greek house.

I did look at FU Greek life with more focus on sororities and was pretty happy with it. I was in Greek life at a major university during the glory days, and I know the modern system looks different. I liked what I saw at FU. For house names alone, FU has solid well established fraternities and sororities, and the handful of reps I met all seemed solid (as I'd expect Rush Coordinators to be). The deferred Spring rush system seems like a good approach for the residential campus, which might actually allow for something like a bit of an on-campus chapter-house structure, as it moves the older students to apartments to allow for parties to happen.

Like all things in Greek life goes, it's all about the house no matter where you go, so if you get the right fit house, you'll have a good time anywhere. If it's a bad fit, you'll eventually drop.

[u/OneBrick25]

You’ll find plenty to do at Furman. Drinking is rampant. Especially with underclasses. Also be prepared for everyone. And I mean everyone to be in your business. It’s ridiculous.

[u/Few-Refuse1153]

Definitely a big culture of “going out” to downtown Greenville, as well as on campus parties. In my personal experience, Greek life was emphasized. Because of the smaller school size, there’s a strong sense of community!