College is a time to make new friends, further your education, learn more about yourself, and for some, to find the hottest party spots on campus. These 17 schools are home to some of the wildest college parties in the country.
Colorado State University-Boulder
With progressive policies and dozens of adventure activities, Colorado is becoming one of the trendiest spots to hang out with other young people. Colorado State University-Boulder is considered one of the 30 public Ivy League schools and has an enrollment of around 30,000. For a night out, students often go to a part called “the Hill” where house parties can go on all night long.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is one college that loves partying as much as it loves its football. The school is located in Oxford, Mississippi and is commonly called “Ole Miss”. Members of its nearly 24,000 student population boast that its nightlife is some of the best. The main spot for students to let loose is in the Square, where shops, bars, and other fun events can be found.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is located in Athens, Georgia, and is a short drive away from Atlanta. It holds the title for oldest state-chartered university in the country, and its students are some of the brightest. The U.S. News and World Report ranked it 20th on its list of public colleges. That doesn’t mean the Bulldogs don’t like to have a good time too. The campus has a high level of involvement in fraternities and the downtown area has a wide range of bars and nightlife to choose from.
DePauw University
One of the lesser known colleges on the list, DePauw University has some of the liveliest crowds. The private, liberal arts school is located in Greencastle, Indiana. With only around 3,000 students, it is the smallest on the list. Its Greek life is one of the cornerstone of its party life. Almost everyone is in a fraternity or sorority. In 2014, Princeton Review even dubbed it the most obsessed with Greek life. The Monon Bell Classic between its rival Wabash College is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year.
Florida State University
Some of the largest and craziest house parties can be found around Florida State University. The campus is located in Tallahassee, Florida and has around 40,000 students. Sports are an integral part of campus life and the after class scene. The craziest parties often happen around sports events like home games and championships.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
With a nearly 45,000 student enrollment total, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the best places to party in the state. For the past three years, it has made it onto Princeton Review’s annual list. Students often find that there is something to do any night of the week with an ample supply of fraternity houses and a wide variety of local bars and clubs.
Michigan State University
With a top NCAA football team, Michigan State University is one of the hottest colleges to have a good time, especially if its on a Saturday night during football season. One of the biggest events is the annual Cedarfest, in which the student body gathers around East Lansing to drink all night and celebrate being a Spartan. The event has a history of being rowdy and even causing a few riots. The official event has been banned and revived several times, but university students often pull together their own unofficial gathering regardless. The university has over 50,000 students, one of the highest student populations in the country.
Ohio University
Ohio University is also located in a town called Athens in Ohio. It is close to the state’s capitol Columbus. The student body has tons of different wild events to choose from, and even a drinking right of passage that many students do before graduation. It’s called Bong Hill, and as you can guess it involves a lot of alcohol, a bong, and walking up a huge hill. One of the biggest bashes of the year though is the Mill Fest. The music festival has been called the “Coachella of Ohio” and attracts college-aged attendees from nearby areas to listen to live bands, consume alcohol, and party into the night.
Tulane University
Tulane University is a private college with an enrollment of around $13,000. It is located in the heart of New Orleans. When you are located in a city known for having some of the best nightlife, events, and music in the country, it’s hard not to make a list for best party schools. Obviously, Mardi Gras is perhaps the biggest event for the student body. Oftentimes classes are either cancelled or on holiday for the parade and festivities. So, it’s the perfect time to let off some steam from the semester.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin at Madison may seem like an unusual one to be on the list of top party schools. But don’t let the Wisconsinites’ cheese hats fool you. They know how to have fun. It was even named the number two party school in a ranking by Playboy magazine in 2013.
The college town has tons of free concert and events year-round. Around Halloween, the annual Freak Fest draws a crowd in the closed-off main street. Attendees can drink, dance to live bands, and parade around in their costumes.
University of Texas
They say everything in Texas is bigger, and the college party scene is no exception. The University of Texas has one of the highest student populations with over 50,000 enrolled. Some of the prime spots can be found in the West Campus or the bar-lined 6th street. One of the biggest events of the year is called the Round Up. The Greek life community organizes this huge music fest that has featured DJs and rappers such as Waka Flocka Flame and A$AP.
University of California Santa Cruz
Playboy has also named the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) in its top schools list. Being one of the few West Coast colleges on the list, UCSC embodies the laid-back fun culture that the area is known for. There are only around 18,000 students at this branch of the campus, but the nightlife is still thriving. Each year, the 4/20 pot event brings thousands of partygoers to the campus to celebrate.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is another unexpected top list contender. Located in Iowa City, the campus is home to around 30,000 total. Home football games and tailgates are some of the most popular and wild occasions. There are also tons of bars and clubs in Downtown Iowa City that cater to the 21 and older crowd.
