Duke's a diverse school with students of all sorts of races and backgrounds. The education is vigorous, so you'll get out whatever you put in. There are hundreds of student groups, academic opportunities and living environments to choose from, so once you've found your niche you'll have discovered that Duke is more than just a university, it's an entire college experience.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
During Orientation Week you'll learn the basics about campus (where everything is - classes, food, dorms, etc.) Although it might sound scary, I would recommend approaching an upperclassman (in your class, on the main quad, or in line for food) and ask them about campus life. After your second and third years, you've learned a lot about campus concerning the ins and outs of professors and classes, and upperclassmen are Dying to help freshmen avoid any mistakes they made in the past. Find a good mentor that fits your style, and you'll see doors opportunities open up for you.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Duke is not an patsy school. In order to get the A's that you got in high school, you'll have to work hard and apply yourself. Really, it all comes down to time management. Create a schedule for class, studying, and fun. Actually, there are a few campus offices that will even help make a schedule that fits your lifestyle (early bird, night-owl, etc.) Two centers come to mind, the Career Center and Academic Advising...they even give tips for great (free) tutors!
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The majority of Duke's dorms have been renovated or are scheduled for renovation in the near future. During the first year, all freshmen live on the same campus. It sounds like a pain, but it actually helps create a strong bond within your class that I've yet to see in any other college setting. While you're required to live on campus for at least three years, you'll have a wide variety of choices (substance free, apartments, suites, and standard rooms). Also, if you join a selective living group or frat, you have the option of housing with them.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Duke's food is Great! There are so many options (Mediterranean, Oriental influence, Hispanic, etc). There are over 40 eateries on campus, and more than 30 off-campus businesses that deliver to your campus address.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There are Hundreds of student groups and clubs at Duke. From bowling to console-gaming, to volunteer work, to club sports, you're sure to find something that grabs your attention. Duke also has a variety of sports teams, so going to basketball and lacrosse games is always a favorite weekend pass-time. Depending on the weather, you can find a campus-wide scavenger hunt (where you can win cash money). Also, we have frequent concerts and events (that are free to students). In the past, we've had artists such as Ludacris, Wale, and several European bands perform for the students.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
With the networking and connections you'll make throughout Duke, it is Worth the Buck! My freshman year, I had a very prominent professor offer me a job after I graduated (that's a Huge opportunity)! You'll have the option to do professional level research with faculty members, or you can be sponsored to attend prominent conferences throughout the country (at no charge). Duke has an amazing integration of students and faculty, so if you take advantage of the tools you're giving, you will Enjoy It!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Duke Basketball is HUGE! The rivalry between Duke and UNC (ugh) is unparalleled by any other. Both the men's and women's teams play in Cameron Indoor Stadium where students pack the house to watch the action. However, if you'd like to witness the Infamous Rivalry Game first-hand, you'll have to team up with some students and tent outside the stadium because the seats don't last long! Tenting is a Large part of student culture, because everyone wants to be there for the game.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Duke has Hundreds of student groups you can join. Here's a link to the website of organizations with a small description about each one: http://duke.collegiatelink.net/organizations
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Duke has a multitude of Greek organizations on campus. NPHC, Panhel, Inter-Greek Council, and IFC (Inter-Fraternity Council) are just to name some of the umbrella groups. All that you need to know about Greek Life at Duke can be found at the following website: http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/greek
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The campus is located in the heart of Durham. For that reason, there are people from the town who come on campus. However, we have a very active Duke Police Department, with deputies on every campus. To be honest, I see multiple Duke Policeman each day on campus (even late at night when I'm leaving the library). The bus system runs pretty late, so you'll almost never have to walk home. But if you're out later and you don't feel comfortable walking home, you can call Duke Safe Rides and they will take you to your dorm/apartment free of charge.
Duke's a diverse school with students of all sorts of races and backgrounds. The education is vigorous, so you'll get out whatever you put in. There are hundreds of student groups, academic opportunities and living environments to choose from, so once you've found your niche you'll have discovered that Duke is more than just a university, it's an entire college experience.
During Orientation Week you'll learn the basics about campus (where everything is - classes, food, dorms, etc.) Although it might sound scary, I would recommend approaching an upperclassman (in your class, on the main quad, or in line for food) and ask them about campus life. After your second and third years, you've learned a lot about campus concerning the ins and outs of professors and classes, and upperclassmen are Dying to help freshmen avoid any mistakes they made in the past. Find a good mentor that fits your style, and you'll see doors opportunities open up for you.
Duke is not an patsy school. In order to get the A's that you got in high school, you'll have to work hard and apply yourself. Really, it all comes down to time management. Create a schedule for class, studying, and fun. Actually, there are a few campus offices that will even help make a schedule that fits your lifestyle (early bird, night-owl, etc.) Two centers come to mind, the Career Center and Academic Advising...they even give tips for great (free) tutors!
The majority of Duke's dorms have been renovated or are scheduled for renovation in the near future. During the first year, all freshmen live on the same campus. It sounds like a pain, but it actually helps create a strong bond within your class that I've yet to see in any other college setting. While you're required to live on campus for at least three years, you'll have a wide variety of choices (substance free, apartments, suites, and standard rooms). Also, if you join a selective living group or frat, you have the option of housing with them.
Duke's food is Great! There are so many options (Mediterranean, Oriental influence, Hispanic, etc). There are over 40 eateries on campus, and more than 30 off-campus businesses that deliver to your campus address.
There are Hundreds of student groups and clubs at Duke. From bowling to console-gaming, to volunteer work, to club sports, you're sure to find something that grabs your attention. Duke also has a variety of sports teams, so going to basketball and lacrosse games is always a favorite weekend pass-time. Depending on the weather, you can find a campus-wide scavenger hunt (where you can win cash money). Also, we have frequent concerts and events (that are free to students). In the past, we've had artists such as Ludacris, Wale, and several European bands perform for the students.
With the networking and connections you'll make throughout Duke, it is Worth the Buck! My freshman year, I had a very prominent professor offer me a job after I graduated (that's a Huge opportunity)! You'll have the option to do professional level research with faculty members, or you can be sponsored to attend prominent conferences throughout the country (at no charge). Duke has an amazing integration of students and faculty, so if you take advantage of the tools you're giving, you will Enjoy It!
Duke Basketball is HUGE! The rivalry between Duke and UNC (ugh) is unparalleled by any other. Both the men's and women's teams play in Cameron Indoor Stadium where students pack the house to watch the action. However, if you'd like to witness the Infamous Rivalry Game first-hand, you'll have to team up with some students and tent outside the stadium because the seats don't last long! Tenting is a Large part of student culture, because everyone wants to be there for the game.
Duke has Hundreds of student groups you can join. Here's a link to the website of organizations with a small description about each one: http://duke.collegiatelink.net/organizations
Duke has a multitude of Greek organizations on campus. NPHC, Panhel, Inter-Greek Council, and IFC (Inter-Fraternity Council) are just to name some of the umbrella groups. All that you need to know about Greek Life at Duke can be found at the following website: http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/greek
The campus is located in the heart of Durham. For that reason, there are people from the town who come on campus. However, we have a very active Duke Police Department, with deputies on every campus. To be honest, I see multiple Duke Policeman each day on campus (even late at night when I'm leaving the library). The bus system runs pretty late, so you'll almost never have to walk home. But if you're out later and you don't feel comfortable walking home, you can call Duke Safe Rides and they will take you to your dorm/apartment free of charge.