<p>sparke - I’m not very familiar with the program, other than it exists. I think it used to be called the Howard Hughes Summer Research Forum. Maybe someone else can comment?</p>
<p>roble - Taking a structured tour is best; I’m pretty sure they operate daily and give a great overview of main West facilities, school history, academics, and culture. Some additional considerations:
-check out some of dining options on campus - grab a bit to eat at one of the on-campus eatieries maybe in the Bryan Center or West Union. There is also an Asian restaurant (Grace’s) on Central campus that serves a mean bubble tea ([Duke</a> University Dining](<a href=“http://www.dining.duke.edu/locations.html]Duke”>http://www.dining.duke.edu/locations.html))
-I think that the tour only covers West campus, but Duke’s campus is much larger…you should also take a look at East campus (where all the freshman residence halls are located), Central campus (where upper-class apartments, the Duke Gardens, on-campus grocery store, Nasher Museum of Art, Freeman Center for Jewish Life, etc. can be found), and the Science Drive area (where research labs, basic sciences including bio, chem, and physics and engineering bldgs. are located). Here’s a map: [Welcome</a> to Duke University - Campus Map](<a href=“Duke University Maps”>http://map.duke.edu/)
-Also if you can get in, take a look at the dorms on East, on West, and maybe an apartment on Central. That gives you a good exposure to the types of living arrangements over all the Duke years.
-If you have time, check out the Duke Forest and Lemur Center. It’s unfortunate that I graduated without ever having visited the place, and I was a bio major for shame! I heard from ppl. who’ve been that its pretty cool.
-Sit in on a class that interests you. That’s a great way to get a feel for academics. After all, it will be what you’re paying for. Here’s a list of all the summer classes in session: [Schedule</a> of Courses](<a href=“http://www.siss.duke.edu/schedule/1245]Schedule”>http://www.siss.duke.edu/schedule/1245)
Good luck!
-and almost forgot, of course - check out the athletic facilities - it is Duke afterall! Brodie Rec is on East, Wilson Rec is on West, and there’s always Cameron Indoor, K-Ville, Wade Stadium, etc.</p>