Duke University
Reviews

Phenomenal Professors

I have had some great professors in my graduate program. I have learned quite a bit and have enjoyed in depth discussions on topics I am passionate about. Overall great classes and my graduate major suits me well.

Fantastic

Wonderful student, dedicated professors, comfortable environment. I feel at home.

Strict but Fair

Though punishments are served when necessary, safety is the priority. If your friend is in need of medical attention, you are free to contact campus security with no fear of getting yourself in trouble and only a minor note on your friend's file.

Like We Fell Out of a Movie

The most unique thing about this school that has continued to baffle me is that everyone in the school is fit. And I'm not talking about stick thin or 26-inch biceps, but I mean we're all healthy and generally conscientious about our health. And I don't know about any other school but I feel like it's a novel thing.

You'll Never Get Bored

I gotta hand it to Duke, they really take care of their students well. I mean where do I start. You'd be a fool to think that they didn't have good athletic centers. I mean...it's Duke. That aside they have a bunch of places to study. The libraries are stocked with books and desk help. You can even get your electronics fixed in the Link (the students' electronics resource located in Perkins library). There is ALWAYS something going on in the school, from dances to pumpkin catapults to famous speakers. And the campus is also beautiful and has the Duke gardens so if you're tired of all of the academics, then you can just stroll in and get lost.

NO RULES!!!!

Duke only worries about plagiarism and cheating. Unless you're doing something explicitly dangerous or a more violent crime, you will often get a slap on the wrist if you're caught at all. People often brag about drinking out of solo cups in front of police officers, and as long as you are with friends and not passed out or acting belligerent, you will be ok. Drugs are less tolerated, but once again that's if you get caught. People often stash liquor in their fridges, even on east campus which is supposedly "Dry".

Duke Diversity

The black people here really self segregate. I'm not being racist, I am black.

Public Policy

The work load is intense. You may have been top of your class in college, but you won't be here. Do not come to this college just because your family wants you to go to a top ten school. You will end up really unhappy.

Not Many Relationships

The dominant style for guys on campus is pretty fratty - think lots of lax pinnies, and often corresponding attitudes to go with them. Both guys and girls here generally fall into 2 categories - ones who care about their appearance and put effort into looking perfect, or nerdy ones who wouldn't know good clothes if they hit them in the face or are too busy studying to care about their looks.

Dating isn't really a thing at Duke; hooking up (especially while drunk) is the norm. This is especially true in the Greek scene, from what I'm told by Greeks.

Apartments

Althouth you're required to live on campus for 3 yrs there's plenty of off campus apartments that are close by

Basketball...Enough Said

Sports are a huge part of Duke. Students wait for days in tents to get basketball tickets. Tailgate before football games was a huge social aspect. Lacrosse is another huge favorite, both for boys and girls teams.

West Campus Facilities Are Great

Wilson Gym on West Campus has tons of equipment and space. The libraries on West are spacious, comfortable, and great for studying and writing papers. Brodie Gym on East Campus is a bit small, but otherwise very user-friendly. Lilly Library on East Campus is a bit dreary and hard to work in. Both campuses have great buildings, layouts, and are gorgeous.

Women's Studies

The Women's Studies program is extremely interesting and provacative-- not easy courses, but always interesting and cutting edge. I would never consider myself a "feminist" but am considering a WS minor because I loved the classes so much.

Night Studying

The typical nightlife at Duke consists of books and libraries.

Duke Has World Class Faculty...

Duke has world class faculty. They expect you to be responsible for your work-- you are no longer in high school-- yet they are all very responsive to questions; they want you to succeed. That is not to say that there are some more 'lack luster' professors out there who don't fit that mold.

If you are interested in Public Policy, Engineering, Economics or Medicine, Duke has extremely strong programs. Then again, I personally lean towards the humanities and social sciences and am still very content with the offerings.

The workload differs from person to person, however the general consensus is that being a Duke student means having to do work (especially if you are an engineer or pre-med). Then again, if you got into Duke, you can probably handle it.

THE BEST

One word: TENTING. Basketball is the best. Though Football isn't that good, every single person goes to tailgate, which is absolutely amazing.

AMAZING

Duke does a really good job of keeping their stuff up to date and clean. The athletic facilities are akin to those of a country club, and campus is just beautiful in general.

Not That Pervasive

If you're looking, I'm sure you can find it. But it's not that big really. People smoke, but it's mainly alcohol.

Worth It!

For the first three years at least. The freshmen all live together, which is a great experience, but once you're upgraded to West campus, it's absolutely amazing. That's where all the parties are. The dorms are very well-sized and almost all have walk-in closets. If you don't get air conditioning, it can be bad, but I've never had that problem.

I Like It Here. Most of the Time.

I love Duke for a few reasons. I feel like my professors are immensely helpful and they really do care about what they are teaching, which is what I am here for first and foremost. I don't like that Duke is in such a small city with little to do. Since I don't have a car, I often feel isolated.

The other draw of Duke is the people--I really like my friends. They are not crazily ambitious or oppressively competitive, but there are some people here who make themselves stressed and busy just for the sake of being busy.

Really, Skip the Clubs

There is one really trashy club close by, it is called Shooters. Learn to avoid it. Somebody puked on my friend's legs while we were there, and there was a woman doing a headstand in the metal cage that hangs from the ceiling. Frat parties are not much better with the mystery pink punch and light beer. Leaves much to be desired.

Small Town Feel

Durham is definitely a small city. If you love the nature, this is the place to be. Otherwise you'll be surrounded with green and nothing else. Duke is one of the most active spots with concerts and festivals. Other than downtown Durham and the Tobacco District, there isn't much to see.

I Like to Eat...A Lot

Off East Campus (within walking distance) is Ninth Street and Brightleaf Square with many really good restaurants. Definitely check it out. You can also drive to Southpoint Mall where there is a Cheesecake Factory. A local place called Local Yogurt also has good froyo.

Realistic Policies

Policies at Duke are realistic. They address serious problems adequately, but allow college students to do what college students will inevitably do without unnecessarily harsh consequences. Campus police are prevalent but not feared.

Spirit

Athletics at Duke are truly unparalleled given the school's academic caliber. Though most of the unique aspects revolve around basketball (tenting, Cameron Crazies, Kville), athletics overall bring a fantastic sense of school spirit to the student body.