This article was originally published on Kueez
Some people look for a university that has the best academics, while some look for the school with the best social life. For years, students have been competing for their school to be the top party university by throwing over-the-top ragers and having wild tailgates. Each year, The Princeton Review conducts a survey to determine which school holds the wildest reputation, and you might be surprised to see who made the top spot. Check out the list to see if your school is known for having a crazy social scene.
1. University Of Virginia: Charlottesville, Virginia
At the University of Virginia, there is a large focus on football and basketball season. Between students and alumni, we don't know who throws a better tailgate before each football game. During the tailgates, there is never a shortage of beer and alcohol, so you never have to worry about sobering up for the game.
Besides the athletics, there is also a long-standing streaking tradition at UVA. We can imagine that students are not sober during these activities because everyone needs some liquid courage. If you are not into streaking or football, there are plenty of frat parties to attend because Greek life is important at this school.
2. University Of Massachusetts: Amherst, Massachusetts
While UMass may only have half as many undergraduate students as other schools on this list, that doesn't mean the students don't know how to throw down. The school is known for its annual blowouts like the Halloweekend festivities and the massive pre-St. Patrick's Day event, Blarney Blowout.
The Blarney Blowout attracts students from all over New England to come for a weekend-long party, which usually ends with over 50 arrests. This event dates back to the '70s, and the tradition is still going strong. On a weekly basis, students can also find house parties and go to the off-campus bars.
3. George Washington University: Washington, D.C.
Due to its proximity to the country's capital, the students at George Washington University have plenty of places to go clubbing and party. During elections, the students attend black-tie affairs with bottomless champagne to celebrate the win or mourn the loss of their chosen presidential candidate.
Since the Inaugural Ball only happens once every four years, Greek life events and Spring Fling fill in the gaps to keep the people's social lives busy and boozy. When students aren't attending events, they can be seen frolicking through the streets of DC to the newest bars and the most happening restaurants.
4. University Of Arkansas: Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is situated in Fayetteville, which is a picturesque college town. Students always have something to do on weeknights because the city is the best place to live, work, and party. Many students attribute their busy social lives to the football and basketball seasons.
The Razorbacks have won 44 NCAA championships, so the students have plenty of things to celebrate when it comes to sports. The school has a strong Greek life presence, and many students say that there is a frat party almost every night of the week.
5. College Of Charleston: Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston alone is a happening city with plenty of things to do between all the bars and restaurants. Therefore, the students at the College of Charleston have plenty of options throughout the week. From live music to the charming southern bars, this city is the perfect college town.
Besides the vibrant night-life of the city, there are always house parties on campus. Also, after a long night of partying, the students in Charleston can enjoy the best late-night waffles and chicken.
6. University Of Miami: Coral Gables, Florida
Who wouldn't want to go to school right next to Miami with some of the most famous nightclubs on the east coast? At the University of Miami, students not only enjoy warm Florida weather, but they are also so close to the beautiful Miami beaches. Most students would describe the school as a tropical paradise, so partying fits right into their vacation lifestyles.
At the University of Miami, the students are very proud of their athletic teams, so tailgates are an important part of the weekend culture. The biggest game of the year is against their in-state rivals, the University of Florida, and students will defend their school until the very end.
7. University Of Michigan: Ann Arbor, Michigan
"GO BLUE!" It would be an understatement to say that the University of Michigan students have school pride; it is more like they live, breathe, and die for the Wolverines. The student sections of football games are always packed with drunken people who have just come from boozy tailgates that started four hours before the game.
The girl in the background is a perfect description of how we would feel after waking up at 5 AM each weekend to party before the football games. The University of Michigan has a significant Greek life presence as well, so you can expect many house parties throughout the week. They work hard and play much harder.
8. Michigan State University: East Lansing, Michigan
At Michigan State University, the students have just as much school pride as those at their in-state rival school. They party hard for their athletic teams, and their Greek life is top-notch. Not to mention, East Lansing has a vibrant nightlife for all students to enjoy each night of the week.
From karaoke to dance bars, the town has it all, so you can always find something to match the mood of the night. When students aren't out on the city or attending rivalry-filled football games, they are partying the night away at the massive house parties on-campus.
9. Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
"Geaux Tigers!" At Louisiana State University, almost everything revolves around sports. From football season to basketball, these students are always ready to chug a beer and cheer on the Tigers. Not only do they love to cheer on their athletic teams, but Baton Rouge also has a lively party scene.
From packed bars to soulful restaurants, there is plenty to do in this historic city. Like New Orleans, Baton Rouge is also a prominent party place for Mardi Gras. Students spend days drinking and celebrating in the streets for this glorious event. No matter what season, there is something exciting for LSU students.
10. University Of Connecticut: Mansfield, Connecticut
In the northeast, it is difficult to maintain a party school vibe when temperatures are freezing, and there are two feet of snow on the ground. However, UConn is making a name for themselves, not only in sports but also in the party scene.
UConn's men and women's basketball teams have been winning championships and important games for a few seasons now, so students have many things to celebrate. According to the Princeton Review, 78 percent of students are going out Wednesday through Saturday.
11. Ohio State University: Columbus, Ohio
With over 50,000 undergraduate students, there are plenty of opportunities to party. Ohio State University has the highest enrollment in the US because the school not only offers great academics, but they also have an excellent campus life for students. OU is a "wet campus," which means students can legally purchase alcohol at school.
Once students turn 21, or have a good fake ID, they head off campus to the nearby High Street. This area has some of the best bars in the state, which is a big draw for students who are looking for a fun social scene. Besides parties and bars, OU is known for its rowdy football games with students boasting lots of school spirit.
12. University Of Ohio: Athens. Ohio
There must be something about Ohio that makes for a raging party scene because the University of Ohio is also one of the top party schools. Between Athens and Columbus, Ohio, the state has an ongoing competition between which school will make the list.
The University of Ohio has huge events like the Athens Halloween Block Party and Spring Fest that invite students and alumni to party all day and all night. Recently, the school's Greek life has been on thin ice with the school's administration, but that hasn't stopped students from engaging in all kinds of rowdy behavior.
13. Florida State University: Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University is known as the "college town that never sleeps," and they live up to that reputation. Between the wild parties, clubs, and fantastic restaurants, FSU students have so many social opportunities. It also helps that they have warm, sunny weather year-round.
Within Florida, there is a rivalry between all the universities for the top spot on the party list, and FSU has grabbed that spot this year. Not only does the school have the best social scene in Florida, but it is also only a 2-hour drive from the top spring break destination, Panama City.
14. University of Southern California: Los Angeles, California
The University of Southern California is a unique school because it is surrounded by one of the boujiest cities in California. Los Angeles is filled with celebrities, shopping, and amazing night clubs, so USC students have access to it all. With a hefty price tag of $60,000 per year, wealthy USC students can throw some over-the-top parties that put many universities to shame.
USC also has a thriving Greek life that gets many donations from famous and wealthy alumni. The students have strong school pride for their basketball and football teams, so you can always expect the games and tailgates to be exciting. There is also a campus bar that is typically packed from early in the morning on Saturday till closing time.
15. University Of Iowa: Iowa City, Iowa
"Fight! Fight! Fight! For IOWA." At every sporting event and tailgate, you can hear thousands of students chanting the University of Iowa fight song because these students have a lot of school spirit. The school has a longstanding reputation of being a party school, and they continue to maintain that status.
The University of Iowa has a heavy Greek life presence and a local bar scene that is hard to compare to other schools in the region. The students are continually finding new ways to out-drink eachother and make it onto the Barstool Iowa Instagram page.
16. Rutgers University: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Set in the downtown area of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers University has plenty of things for students to do. From the bars to crazy day-long parties, these students know how to wreck their livers and have a good time.
There is a famous local bar, Olde Queen Tavern, that has been open for 90 years, and it is like one big frat party on the weekends. The location of the school is also perfect because it is close to Philly and New York, so students can easily get to new clubs and bars if they need a change of scenery
17. University Of Maryland: College Park, Maryland
The University of Maryland is situated in the heart of College Park, Maryland, where 40,000 undergraduates throw weekly ragers. There are three main bars that students flock to, including Turf, Cornerstone, and Bents. These places are always packed with students ready to have a good time.
If you are one of the people who don't like waiting in long lines, then there are plenty of frat parties to attend. Greek life at UMD is very important, and it is one of the best in the country. There are so many things to do on and off-campus, so you will never feel bored on a night out.
18. Indiana University: Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University has always been known for its wild social scene. Students at IU are highly involved in Greek life, and they have major school spirit, so there is no shortage of fun. Many of the student's parties have been on the news for one reason or another.
Besides the on-campus parties, Bloomington has a local bar scene that students rave about because the bars are some of the best in the country. There is one well-known bar, Nick's English Hut, that has been open since 1927, and it is often packed with students.
19. University Of Alabama: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The University of Alabama is not only known for its incredible football team, but it is also known for its wild parties. It is considered to be one of the most fun schools in the south, and many students would agree.
About 35 percent of students are in Greek life, so there are always parties and mixers to attend. With 66 different Greek organizations, the school has a place for pretty much everyone. Tuscaloosa offers students a wide variety of entertainment options, from clubs to casual bars.
20. University Of Georgia: Athens, Georgia
As one of the oldest schools in the United States, the University of Georgia has a long reputation for partying hard. The campus is located in the heart of Athens, and it is surrounded by over one hundred bars. There are so many places to go that students will never be bored on the weekends.
UGA students also take pride in their school's football team, so when it comes to tailgating, they go hard. It is like one giant party before the game, and then the post-game parties are even crazier. The school is also well-known for its academics, but we don't know how anyone studies when they party so much.
21. University Of Texas: Austin, Texas
Grab your cowboy boots and turn up the country tunes because UT Austin is the pride and joy of Texas party schools. Austin has a happening social scene, so when you throw in college students, the bars get crazier and more packed. Students and alumni love to party all day long to support the Longhorns.
Besides the bars, UT also has a thriving Greek life that rules the campus when it comes to partying. There are plenty of frat parties to attend on the weekend. If you aren't a frat party kind of person, then you can explore the rest that Austin, Texas, has to offer.
22. University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, Colorado
The University of Colorado Boulder is nestled right next to the Rocky Mountains, which makes it an exciting school for skiers, snowboarders, and just in general snow lovers. The school has plenty of on-campus parties for younger students to attend.
For those who can legally get into the bars, Hill Street is the place to be on the weekends. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, which offer students a large variety of nightlife. Also, the off-campus house parties are what you would see in famous college movies.
23. University Of Florida: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida is another school that competes for the state's top party school spot. The school's football and basketball teams are always highly ranked in the SEC, so the school's students have something to be proud of. This also gives them a good reason to party.
Besides the wild on-campus parties, Gainesville also has a large club and bar scene. While the parties are mainly on the weekend, there is usually something to do each night of the week. The students are never bored and probably never sober.
24. Wake Forest University: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Wake Forest University has something special that makes it a contender on the party school list. The school's Greek life dominates the campus with 50 percent of female students in sororities, and 30 percent of male students in fraternities. Although the school does not have Greek housing, the organizations have off-campus lounges where they throw their wild themed parties.
Even when there isn't a frat party to attend, WFU students can go to the off-campus bar called Last Resort. They have $1 draft beers, which is an unbeatable price for broke college kids. There are also plenty of local bars for students to gather in when they need a break from the sweaty frat parties.
25. University of California, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara, California
In the picturesque city of Santa Barbara, UCSB is situated in Isla Vista. This beachside town is 90 miles outside of LA, but it is home to some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Students party along the beautiful California waters and they always have something to smile about at this school. UCSB also has a large Greek presence, so frat parties are always an option.
As you walk down Greek row, you can see students enjoying the warm weather with beer pong and corn hole on the front lawns of their homes. Each year, UCSB students throw major Halloween and summer parties that account for ten percent of all alcohol consumption in California.
26. University of Wisconsin-Madison: Madison, Wisconsin
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, there are over 40,000 undergraduate students, and each year this school makes it onto the top party school list. Each year, the school holds the largest Halloween party called Freakfest, and it is one of the most exciting events of the year. People come from all over the state to attend.
Madison is a vibrant city that has plenty of bars and restaurants, so students are never bored with their list of places to go. UW also has a significant Greek life presence on-campus, so there are plenty of frat parties to attend on the weekend. Students can always find something to do each night of the week.
27. Arizona State University: Tempe, Arizona
Not only does ASU have the highest acceptance rate in the US, but it also is the top party school in the country. Like U of A, ASU gets warm weather all year, so students are always able to enjoy the pool parties and sun. The school's Greek life is notorious for throwing wild parties, and recently the school tore down Greek row to rebuild it because of all the wear and tear from partying.
Despite not having Greek housing, there are still many parties because almost all housing options come with a pool. The apartment complexes turn into daytime clubs on the weekends, so good luck trying to study. For students who want to go off-campus, there are many nearby bars on Mill Avenue or in Old-town Scottsdale.
28. University of Delaware: Newark, Delaware
The fighting blue hens at UDel go so hard when it comes to partying, so much so that the state had to pass legislation to ban student thrown parties. In 2019, the students partied too hard for the year-round residents of Newark, Delaware, so they lobbied to have a law passed against these wild gatherings. Although it is illegal, the students have not stopped their partying ways.
Although house parties might be banned, there are still plenty of things to do. There are many packed bars on Main Street that students go to each night of the week. Also, there are secret house parties, now that the unruly ones have been shut down by locals. This new law might affect their spot on the party school list.
29. Binghamton University: Binghamton, New York
Binghamton University in upstate New York is not only known for its chilly winters, but it is also known for being a gold standard of SUNY schools. These students don't care what the temperature is because they are going to party. Since there is not much to do in the remote area, students' only options on the weekend are to party.
Each day of the week there is a different house party at Binghampton. Students hop from one off-campus house to the next as they find the best place to dance and drink. Although you are bound to be a sweaty mess by the time you reach the last house, you are guaranteed to have a good time.
31. Coastal Carolina University: Conway, South Carolina
Coastal Carolina University is located where most people spend their spring break. It is a short drive from campus to Myrtle beach, so you know where to find students on the weekends. The beach boardwalk has many places to eat and enjoy oneself all year long.
There are also many bars on-campus for those who want to stay close. Although Greek life is not a large part of the campus, there are still many house parties for students to check out.
30. Tulane University: New Orleans, Louisiana
When your school is located in New Orleans, right next to Bourbon street, there is no way it won't make the top of the list for party schools. At Tulane University, there is something to do each night of the week between rowdy frat parties and the endless list of bars and clubs.
Not only is the regular nightlife a blast, but the school is right in the center of some of the biggest Mardi Gras parties. For an entire week, students are partying all day and all night to celebrate the holiday with fun outfits and copious amounts of alcohol. It is surprising that anyone can drink after Mardi Gra
32. Syracuse University: Syracuse, New York
Syracuse University is usually recognized for its incredible academic programs, but recently it has gained a party school reputation. This newfound fame is because of the annual Mayfest, which is a huge block party. Students hop from house to house and party all day long. There have also been musical guests like Ke$ha and Snoop Dogg.
While it might be hard to find the motivation to leave bed during the harsh winters of upstate New York, the students at Syracuse never let the snow kill their party vibe. There are plenty of local bars like Faegan's Pub where students can win a night of free drinks if they correctly call a coin toss. Hint: always pick heads.
33. Pennsylvania State University: State College, Pennsylvania
With over 40,000 undergraduate students at Penn State, there is a wide variety of people who love to party. From their incredible athletics to the strong Greek life presence, there is always a reason to party in Happy Valley. The students have a strong pride for their school, so they are always repping Penn State whenever they can.
For Penn State students, there are plenty of options between Wednesday to Saturday to party. From the local bars to the giant frat parties, these students can drink for days on end and still manage to show up to class. The school had a crackdown on their greek life, which lowered their ranking on the list.
34. West Virginia University: Morgantown, West Virginia
While some schools have strict rules about house parties because of local residents, West Virginia University is quite the opposite. This party school is in the middle of nowhere, and there is not much to do off-campus, so students throw huge house parties each week. As you can see, many times, the party extends out of the house and onto the street.
The biggest party of the year at WVU is Fallfest. Each year, thousands of students attend the festival, and some of the biggest DJ's and musicians in the world have headlined this crazy festival. During Fallfest, people also go to the local bar where they continue the party into the late-night hours.
35. University Of Mississippi: Oxford, Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss, is a classic southern school. From their "Football Fridays" and serious tailgates, this school has longstanding party traditions. With over 32 percent of the student body in Greek life, the school is a fun place to be on the weekends.
The Rebels are known for their beer consumption. After a baseball game win, there is always a beer shower for the team. There are parties almost every night of the week, and the best time is fall because the students love to celebrate football wins.
36. University of Illinois: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois is a top contender for the midwest's biggest party school. Despite having mediocre sports teams, the students still find reasons to party. Also, 25 percent of the student body is involved in Greek life, so there are plenty of on-campus parties to attend throughout the weekend.
During the week, UICI students pack themselves into the nine campus bars as well as the local restaurants and even bars in the surrounding area. There have been a few new restaurants and bars popping up near this college town, so there are many unique places to try each night of the week.
37. University Of Kentucky: Lexington, Kentucky
Between the horse races and one of the best basketball teams in the country, there is plenty to love about the University of Kentucky. UK is always highly ranked in the SEC for basketball, so it is a fun season to party and celebrate the team's wins. The Greek life presence at UK is strong, so there is a frat party almost every night of the week.
Besides the on-campus parties, there are always things to do on State Street. The parties here are out of control, so prepare your liver. Also, students often refer to Lexington as "LexVegas" because there are so many fun bars and clubs. During the Kentucky Derby, students also enjoy dressing up and celebrating this age-old tradition.
38. University of Arizona: Tucson, Arizona
With warm sunny weather year-round, the University of Arizona is known for its over-the-top pool parties. Between on and off-campus pools, you will always have a place to cool off and drink to escape the desert heat. Besides the pool parties, the school also has incredible tailgates, and Greek life is very prominent.
Greek life at U of A is just like the movies. There are crazy themed parties that last until the wee hours of the morning, and they are always a good time. There are also plenty of off-campus bars that students love to attend. It is like a dream for someone who hates winter.
39. University Of South Carolina: Columbia, South Carolina
Some people would be embarrassed that their school's mascot is called a cock, but people embrace it at the University of South Carolina. From tailgates in the fall to basketball games in the spring, there is always a reason to drink at this southern school. The students have so much school pride, and when the team made it to the final four in March Madness, everyone jumped in the school's fountain.
Although Greek life at USC accounts for only 16 percent of the student body, many people would say that it feels much bigger. There is always a frat party on any given day of the week. Besides the on-campus parties, there are plenty of fun bars to try off-campus.
40. San Diego State University: San Diego, California
With a backdrop like San Diego, SDSU is a school filled with happy beach-loving students who also know how to throw a rager. From the remarkable Greek life to the beautiful beaches, there are few things not to like about this SoCal school. The sports teams give students a reason to tailgate and day drink while frat parties keep the evening exciting.
In the surrounding area, there are many bars and fabulous restaurants for SDSU students to try. Also, the school is only 19 miles from the border of Mexico, so students under 21 can spend a weekend without worrying about the legal drinking age. It is also close to many other schools in the San Diego area so that students can mingle with people from different universities.