Written by Chagmion Antoine
When Alfred University decided to do away with the Greek system entirely, a good portion of the party scene went with it. Also, stricter drug laws nationally mean no parties on campus. If you're over 18 and you don't mind being packed onto a tiny stage, you can dance until 2 a.m. at Gentleman Jim's. No matter what, you'll probably end up at a house party. Thirsty Thursdays, an Alfred tradition, are the most popular. Live DJs spinning a creative mix of drum and bass, reggae, hip-hop, and house keep the crowd jumping until 4 a.m. Everyone is welcome, and you can chill out or dance all night. Nobody will try to grind on you, and occasionally, there's even a breaker's circle.
It can be frustrating to look for the "college party scene" at Alfred. The "Animal House" formula just doesn't work out here. Students are too subdued, and the liquor usually runs out before anyone can get sufficiently uninhibited. Instead, there's something very endearing about the Alfred routine: Go to the bar or drink at home before you head out to GJ's to grind some poor bastard till the club closes at 2 a.m., then see if you can drag him to a house party. The entire campus seems to commiserate on the weekends—it's truly a bonding experience. Sometimes, kids venture out into Rochester looking for something better, but usually they return just as uninspired—it's in their heads. Deep down students know that the whole pursuit is a bit silly.