<p>NU is big on school pride but it comes in many different forms. Some are hardcore sports fans who really know what’s going on play by play in the game. Some go to the games and have no idea what’s going on but are there anyway just to cheer on the school and show off their pride in going to Northwestern. Others skip the games altogether but wear their purple in style and head to town to hit up classy bars/shopping, etc. (that’s no less of a way to show off school pride). Btw, where else can you see manly dudes wearing purple gloves and/or purple sweatpants? That’s right, nowhere! (ok maybe Amherst or Williams…).</p>
<p>As for partying, what’s wrong with that? If you hate it, you can certainly stay in and you will have PLENTY of work to accompany you (and people will respect your decision to stay in). However, most people here end up going out at least once or twice a week. Parties are pretty tame though and typically end early (like 2 as opposed to 5 in a state school).</p>
<p>Fraternities/sororities are basically socialite clubs (ever watch Social Network?), much like other clubs that do a lot of stuff together. I know people in business or academic groups that might as well be in fraternities because they do much of the same bonding, networking, etc. Fraternities/sororities are basically just really intense clubs that are great for lifelong friends and NETWORKING. If you get stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to be rescued, just call your brothers and they will go out of their way to rescue you. They collectively have extensive contacts and some have really wealthy parents who will welcome you into their homes in Geneva or some faraway land you just happen to be in. Like in the real world, looks do matter, but it’s not like you have to be super hot to be in the best ones. As for the anti-superficiality argument, not one person in this world doesn’t care about looks-- we all strive to beautify ourselves in some way or another. We care about the looks of our potential partners too-- honestly, would you rather think about Ozzy Osbourne or James Franco?</p>