It's Only Getting Better

Introduction
My best advice to students coming in is to wait at least one semester before going Greek. As a freshman, I felt a lot of pressure (both from Sorority girls and Fraternity guys) to join a sorority from the very first day I got to Mason. The Greek community here isn't as huge as it feels- but it is EVERYWHERE you turn, especially for the first two weeks or so of each semester. I finally did end up going Greek, but not until my sophomore year and that is something I have never regretted. Because I waited, I had an entire social circle outside of my Greek friends and that really had made a difference. There are too many girls (and guys really for that matter) that I know who know nothing about Mason or the area that hasn't been shown to them by their greek organization because they joined their first semester in college. Keep in mind Greek life take up a lot of time, and it can be a lot of fun- but its nice to know that you have other options as well.

Campus Life and Social Life
Before you turn 21 (or obtain a good ID that says you are) most weekends will probably be spent either at a fraternity party (no Greek affiliation required if you're female, if you're not you might have to join one to be allowed in after they're finished with recruiting for the semester) OR at a friend's apartment/dorm. If there is a party being thrown on campus, they are more likely to happen in the student apartments or townhouses where the RA's aren't as strict than they are in President's Park (freshman housing). If you are going to hang out with the greek crowd, many fraternities will "host" nights at bars- meaning they are standing at the door and part (if not all) of your cover charge is going to their fraternity. These are usually crowded nights and there is always a band or dj- AND its almost always 18 and up. Also, club promoters are always leaving 18 and up "party" fliers around campus for various clubs in DC.. again, always with a DJ.

Once you hit legal drinking age there are so many bars that stay packed with young people on the weekends all the way from Fairfax to Washington. At some point, you'll have to go to the infamous neighborhood in DC, Adams Morgan, known mostly for U St. which is lined almost entirely with bars of all kinds. Being in DC gives you an unique experience- you can go anywhere from an 80's retro club to a hookah bar and only have to walk a block.

The weekends start on Thursday night, so avoid Friday classes at all costs. Academics
George Mason has an amazing Economics department, many of our professors have been awarded prestigious honors. We also have a first tier law school (meaning it is near the top of the list nationally) George Mason was called "Virginia's best kept secret" by one of the college counselors I spoke to when trying to make my decision because it is a newer school and it is growing so fast. Mason is quickly on its way up, and our academic departments are improving more and more each year.

Student Body
I believe George Mason hold first place for most diverse school in the nation, so there is no "typical" student. We have many international students, and lots of school sponsored cultural events. Really, I feel like Mason is one of the few places you are safe to say no matter WHO you are, there is a group you will feel at home with at Mason. That being said, Greeks tend to be the most visable group on campus, paticularly in Johnson Center (student center/food court) because they all sit in the same section at large tables with their brother/sisters and a whole lot of them where letters to school so you know who they belong to. Don't be intimidated if you don't think that's you thing- only 10% of the student population actually went Greek according to the Princeton review.

In Closing...
You can look forward to Mason Day which usually features live concerts outdoors, tailgating, all sorts of booths set up and activities to participate in. Most teachers will cancel classes for this day (it's during the Spring semester) and most students take full advantage of this day off and quickly warming weather with traditions like "Kegs and Eggs". Also, our school social events tend to revolve around our basketball team so Midnight Madness, which kicks off our basketball season and Homecoming, which consists of a HUGE school wide tailgating party before our big game, usually draw really big crowds as well.