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 2010

1. University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)

One of the top picks in recent years and currently No. 1 on the 2010 list. A top accommodating college town, Athens Georgia offers a lively downtown while the on-campus Greek scene is also HOT HOT HOT.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. West Virginia University (Morgantown, West Virginia)

Another top party school pick, 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.

5. University of Mississippi (Oxford, 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...

6. 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.

7. 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...

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

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

9. University of Iowa (Iowa City)

In Iowa City students head straight for the pedestrian mall, the "ped mall" containing restaurants, local shops, and the major draw - over thirty bars. What's not to like?

10. Depauw University (Greencastle, Indiana)

The Greek community consists of fourteen national social fraternities (eleven of which have houses on campus) and ten sororities (six of which have houses on campus). Need we say more?

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.

also see -> Financial Aid Tips | Dorm Room Checklist

Best Spring Break Destinations | College Football

Anything but Clothes Party Costume Ideas

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