
Colgate University students have a variety of social activities to choose from, including parties, fraternities and sororities, sports, and cultural events. While some students complain about the remote location, others appreciate the diverse student body and the sense of community on campus. Social life revolves around drinking and partying for many, with Spring Party Weekend being a highlight. However, there are also alternatives for those who don't want to drink, such as concerts, dance festivals, and athletic events. Students also have the option to start their own clubs and organisations.
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What You'll Learn

Sports and partying
Colgate University has 25 NCAA Division I athletic teams and numerous club and intramural sports programs. Students can participate in a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities, including football, lacrosse, and hockey. The university has been trying to get students more passionate about sports teams, and almost any sporting event is great to attend.
When it comes to partying, there is definitely a big scene at Colgate. Students enjoy drinking and partying, with weekends and Thursdays being popular nights to go out. The university hosts tons of concerts, parties, and other events year-round, including Spring Party Weekend, which is described as an "outrageous" couple of days. Students also mention the fun of partying at fraternities and heading downtown to the bars.
Fraternities and sororities play a significant part in the social atmosphere at Colgate. Many students join these Greek organizations and form close bonds with their members. However, some students choose to avoid the party scene and alcohol altogether, and there are alternatives available for those who prefer not to drink.
While the social life at Colgate can be enjoyable for some, the remote location of the university can be a drawback. Getting around during the winter can be challenging without a car, and the buses are often unreliable. Additionally, there have been mentions of issues with housing and maintenance, with some students expressing dissatisfaction with their living arrangements.
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Fraternities and sororities
Students at Colgate report that joining a fraternity or sorority provides them with a home away from home and a foundation for leadership, academic, athletic, service, and interpersonal opportunities. Fraternities and sororities offer a dynamic mix of leadership development, community service, and unforgettable social experiences, helping students grow personally and professionally while building lifelong friendships.
Each fraternity and sorority has been asked to submit a policy specifying which students may join based on their gender. Any male-identifying or undergraduate student assigned male at birth is eligible to be a member of Beta Theta Pi, for example. Tri Delta, on the other hand, welcomes all who identify as women and strives to create a diverse community for members of different backgrounds.
Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority should be aware that there is a financial commitment involved. The chapters are self-supporting through dues paid by their members, and students are expected to pay dues and fees to maintain their membership.
New members are asked to participate in a variety of programs, including New Member Orientation, Alcohol Skills Training, and a Hazing Prevention Course. Each new member has the right to experience a new member process that is consistent with the institutional mission of Colgate University, as well as the right to ask questions and receive accurate answers, and to engage in leadership development opportunities.
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Concerts and dances
One of the most anticipated events is the Dancefest, which takes place twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. During Dancefest, various dance clubs at Colgate come together to perform in the Chapel, thrilling a packed audience. This celebration of dance and culture is a highlight of the university's event calendar.
In addition to Dancefest, Colgate University also hosts concerts featuring a range of musical genres. These concerts are organised by the university administration and student groups, creating a vibrant and diverse music scene on campus. Students can enjoy live performances by local and visiting artists, adding to the excitement of campus life.
For those who enjoy moving to the beat, there are also regular parties and social gatherings. Fraternity and sorority life plays a significant role in the social atmosphere at Colgate. Students can join or be invited to these exclusive social organisations, participating in their traditions and events, including themed parties and mixers with other Greek organisations.
While alcohol is readily available at these events for those who choose to partake, it is not a requirement, and there are non-alcoholic alternatives. Students can choose to socialise and dance without feeling pressured to consume alcohol. The university also offers a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, promoting physical wellness and providing alternative ways to stay active and have fun.
Overall, concerts and dances are an integral part of the student experience at Colgate University, offering a mix of cultural appreciation, social interaction, and entertainment that enhances campus life and creates lasting memories.
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Student accommodation
Colgate University guarantees on-campus student housing for all four years of undergraduate study. Students are required to live on campus during this time, which is designed to foster a strong sense of community and personal growth.
During their first two years, students live within the living and learning community of their Residential Commons. First-year and sophomore students live "on the hill", with specific affiliated residence halls. Sophomores interested in African and African American history and culture, for example, can apply to live in the Bryan Complex - Crawshaw House.
As juniors and seniors, students can make housing choices in line with their interests and personal growth. They can choose to join a community of peers, such as a fraternity or sorority, or an interest house, like the outdoor-themed residence, the Loj. Alternatively, they may opt to live in an apartment with close friends or in off-campus housing.
The university provides furnishings, utilities, and routine repair and maintenance services for student residences. Students are not permitted to have pets, except for small aquarium fish or approved assistance animals.
Room assignments are for a single or multiple-person room, and the university reserves the right to change these assignments if necessary. Students are expected to go through mediation when conflicts arise and must seek approval from the Office of Residential Life for room changes.
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International student life
International students make up a significant portion of the student body at Colgate University, with approximately 283 international students enrolled in 2020. The university is committed to providing a quality educational experience and support for its international students.
Pre-Arrival Support
The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides specialised support for international students before they arrive at Colgate. This includes guiding students through the visa and travel processes and assisting with any queries related to immigration services.
On-Campus Support
Once on campus, international students can continue to seek support from the OISS, which is located in McGregory Hall. The office works closely with campus partners to ensure a smooth transition to student life in the United States. The OISS team includes an associate dean, a director of international student services, and an assistant director of international student services, all dedicated to enhancing the Colgate experience for international students.
Student Life
International students at Colgate can get involved in numerous student groups on campus or start their own. There are also cultural and ethnic events held throughout the year, including concerts and Dance Fest, which happens twice a year. Additionally, international students can participate in the various athletic events and teams that Colgate offers, including 25 NCAA Division I athletic teams and numerous club and intramural sports programs.
Academic Experience
Colgate University is ranked highly for providing a quality educational experience to international students, especially those from Canada, Vietnam, and China. The university offers popular degrees for international students, including Liberal Arts General Studies, Economics, and Computer Science.
In summary, Colgate University provides a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, offering both academic and social opportunities to enhance their overall student experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Students at Colgate University can join fraternities and sororities, and there is a big party scene. There are also concerts and dance fests held twice a year, as well as cultural and ethnic events. Students can also attend sporting events, such as football, lacrosse and hockey games.
Drinking is readily available for students who want to partake, with many students drinking on the weekends and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, one student reports that they felt no pressure to drink during their first semester of freshman year.
Colgate University is in a remote location, with most things within a 45-minute walk. However, in the winter, it can be difficult to get around without a car.










































