MAIN Education Colleges Top Party Schools

Sure, getting your degree is important — but what about prospects for partying down with new friends in a congenial atmosphere far from home?

The Net's a gold mine of information on top party schools across the nation, starting with annual picks from the Princeton Review. Also find out what others have to say at online student communities with their own options for the best college football towns and tailgating action, beer keg extravaganzas, and weekend bar scenes ...

Princeton Review Top Party School Picks 2009

1. Penn State - University Park (University Park, Pennsylvania)

Tailgating on Saturday afternoons is almost a required course, with extra credits for the late nite bar scene on College Avenue. In short, get swept up in Penn State football or get out.

2. University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida)

One of Florida's top college towns caters to students' every whim. So even if you're not invited to a party at the more than 3 dozen fraternity or sorority houses, don't despair. The downtown club scene awaits.

3. University of Mississippi (University, Mississippi)

The Greek life is what makes Mississippi's ubiquitous appearance on party school lists year after year. If you're not a jock or a cheerleader, (and wouldn't find yourself attending a fraternity or sorority party for love nor money) than maybe Ole Miss is not for you...

4. University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)

Another top accommodating college town, Athens Georgia offers a lively downtown while the on-campus Greek scene is also hot, hot, hot.

5. Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)

More party action all the time, with bars packed almost every night together with a rockin' October Halloween fest that has become the stuff of Athens legend.

6. West Virginia University (Morgantown, West Virginia)

Receiving top pick last year for primo party school, thanks to Morgantown's wall-to-wall bar scene, and the best college football (see Mountaineers) tailgaiting in the nation. Not to discount WV's very sociable Up All Night weekend program for non-drinkers.

7. University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)

This is Texas, so expect a BIG party atmosphere encompassing a huge sports crowd as well as gargantuan off-campus fun at Austin's Sixth Street bar scene.

8. University of Wisconsin (Madison, Wisconsin)

Home to rabid fans of college football, basketball AND ice hockey (go Badgers!), Wisconsin UW-Madison has long held a reputation for academics, political activism, and drinking. And not necessarily in that order.

9. Florida State University (Tallahassee, Florida)

As in California (see above), the sun and the sand beckon. Study hard and you, too, will get keep up a GPA of 4.0 in the Fun Department. Where's the party?

10. University of California - Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)

The beach, the girls, the parties. Welcome to California, dude!

More picks for top party schools around the Web:

Campus Grotto - Best Party Schools - Check out their Top 18 picks and why, along with related resources for best college party themes and drinking games.

Top Party Schools - PubClub.com - Centered around the college football scene with Top Ten picks for party scenes along with rankings for Best Stadium, Bet Looking Co-Eds, Best Cheerleaders, et al.

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Best Spring Break Destinations | College Football

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