<p>So I’ve heard that Emory is kind of a “work hard, play/party hard” kind of school and I’m not planning on partying while I’m there. I was just wondering if the kids who don’t party are considered weird or generally have less friends cause an alumni of my high school who goes to Emory now said that the first few weeks or something are party hard weeks and when people tend to make new friends.</p>
<p>No, you will not be looked at strangely if you don’t party. Partiers (or people other than friends, associates, acquaintances, w/e) could really care less about what you do. The only thing true about the first two weeks is that it is probably the most intense in terms of socialization (this happens at almost every school, this isn’t just Emory. It is stereotypical college life) and partying simply because it is add/drop/swap period. Professors will generally not ramp up the rigor of their courses at this point in time (they want a solid class size and student body. They don’t want to give an assignment as the class is fluid). This pattern allots much more time for socialization because there is little (or less pressing) academic responsibility. Given this, many will party. Others who don’t party will socialize through various means. Groups will form from those in your hall, those met at orientation events, class, and the many social events sponsored by entities of the university during this period. It’s really easy. Those who do not party do not become outcasts at Emory. I think that the campus is fairly balanced in this area. It really only seems somewhat intense because the events get lots of “press” and the scene is very visible. With that said, it was apparently much more intense in the 90s and early 2000s (when full-blown kegs were unrestricted). Not like that at all now. So many more events get a solid crowd and a reasonable level of attention outside of the party scene so that the latter isn’t dominant (again, it’s noticeable, but not dominant). Also, note that Emory’s party scene is much less pronounced than at least 2 of our southern peers (you can guess who they are) and state schools of course. In fact, it is probably less pronounced than most schools w/D-1 sports, public or private, top or not.<br>
Just don’t worry about this. You will not be banished to social hell if you don’t party and you will make plenty of friends. I’m not the biggest partier (I’ll sometimes go to smaller events, but certainly not often or frequently. I normally just hang out w/friends of whom I have plenty. We’ve become quite open and creative in what we consider fun. We can have fun while dry which is a bit more than many can say)</p>