Visit Report by blackeyedsusan (Member since February 15 2005 with 990 posts) Visit Date - March 2008
Visit to Duke University in March 2008 by blackeyedsusan (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - The info session was informative and the admissions officer tried to stress what made Duke unique, but it sounded very similar to the talks at many other schools. Campus Tour:
Yes - There are no reservations for the tour/info session, so they weren't prepared for the large crowd that showed up -- only 4 tour guides. Ours didn't seem to stray from the script.
Duke University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 2 - Fair -
We didn't get a very welcoming, friendly feel from the students.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 2 - Fair -
They were professional, but not particularly friendly.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Duke has an enormous, beautiful campus. We walked through the Duke Gardens, which were gorgeous.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 3 - Good -
Many of the buildings are really nice on the outside, but don't seem as well-kept on the inside.
Dormitories: 3 - Good -
The tour didn't take us into a dorm.
Security/Safety: 2 - Fair -
Of all the campuses we visited this was the only one that DIDN'T mention safety AT ALL! No mention of blue lights, police, etc. Strange in light of the recent murder of a Duke grad student!
Overall Campus Impression: 3 - Good
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 2 - Fair -
Not a lot nearby.
City/Town/Community: 2 - Fair -
The city is close by, but not very interesting or safe.
Campus Visit Notes for Duke University:
Visit Description:
The campus is huge and stunning with pine forests, gardens and gothic architecture. The academics are top-notch and there amazing opportunities for students (research, internship, etc.) Unfortunately, it didn't seem very welcoming, and the students didn't seem very friendly. The city of Durham is a down-side as well.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Homewood Suites near Research Triangle was a good option if you have a car, although not that close to campus. They have suite-like rooms with a min-kitchen, free hot breakfasts and a happy hour.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Bullock's Bar B Cue -- a staple of Durham since the 1950's for southern food (fried chicken, brunswick stew, pies, etc.)
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We didn't get a very welcoming, friendly feel from the students.
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Duke has an enormous, beautiful campus. We walked through the Duke Gardens, which were gorgeous.
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Many of the buildings are really nice on the outside, but don't seem as well-kept on the inside.