| Full-time undergraduate program |
The Greek system is not as strong as at other schools. Only about 1/3
of the population is in the Greek system, which is great for those who
do not feel a need to rush. There are really about 6 large and popular
fraternities and sororities (three a piece), though more exist. There
are fewer bars now than when I attended, since Kelly's, The Prime
Minister, and Smokey Joe's have all closed with no replacements. It is
very much still a bar school, however, since there are no frat or
sorority houses on campus and a relatively dry campus policy in effect.
Pennsylvania's beer & liquor laws don't help at all. The most popular
venue and special is Brownie's 23 East in Ardmore on Fridays for happy
hour. Live music (usually good), $5 cover and 50 cent beers & 75 cent
rail drinks. It gets mobbed but is always a good time. There are a lot
of student organizations, with the community service efforts the most
popular. These include Habitat for Humanity, service trips, Special
Olympics, and Balloon Day (for kids). On campus events such as concerts
are not too common, and even when they do come there isn't a good venue
on campus. Philadelphia is a quick train ride or drive away though, so
anything you would like to do is a short ride away. Access is easy with
3 public transportation stops into Philly on campus. You can get to
museums, bars, restaurants, concerts, and pro sports venues. There is
also a Ticketmaster on campus, which is sometimes invaluable. If you
have a car, Manayunk is a great place to go all week. The university
athletic programs are wide ranging and very competitive, competing in
the Big East or Atlantic 10 (1-AA football). The men's basketball team
is the most popular, but the women's basketball team has garnered a lot
of national attention lately and the football team is consistently
ranked in the top 10 of 1-AA. Intramural sports run year round with
leagues and tournaments, and about 80% participate in one facet or
another. They are student run. The undergraduate student body is kind
of small, though it is the largest in the suburbs, at between 6500 and
7000. There are many other schools nearby and in Philly to expand the
college-age crowd.
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