There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding which college you want to go to - academics, extracurriculars, sports, and, of course, who is throwing the wildest parties! College is a time to plan for your future, but you're young - don't you think you deserve some time to have fun and create awesome memories to look back on when you're older? Duh! So for people looking for a wild weekend that's coming off the heels of a Thirsty Thursday, these are the party schools that you definitely want to consider attending.
9. University of Delaware – Newark, Delaware
This school has parties so outrageous that the city of Newark actually had to step in and pass legislation that banned unruly gatherings. Excuse us city of Newark, but this is America, and the right to get together and rage face is about as American as apple pie and shotgunning a 40 oz in between beer pong shots! Naturally, the students didn't listen, and parties were extended to begin at 11 AM and end long after the sun has gone down. If you think you can keep up with these natural-born party animals then consider sending in your transcript, just don't forget to chant, "Number one! Number one!" which has become a popular school slogan.
8. Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana
Ever imagined what Mardi Gras might be like if it took place year-round? Well, Tulane is that dream turned reality, as students from this school make many pilgrimages between classes to the infamous Bourbon Street to unwind and just go nuts. Although you can expect to enjoy parties both on and off-campus, don't turn to this school if you're into athletics, as all that time partying has left Tulane a little lacking when it comes to sports.
7. Syracuse University – Syracuse, New York
If you asked the folks of an older generation who attended Syracuse (of 'Cuse as it is often called) they would likely tell you that it is a respectable place full of eager-to-learn students passionate about rigorous study and academics. Well, we have some news for those geezers, times have changed, and Syracuse has become one of the top party schools in the country thanks in large part to the school-sponsored Mayfest. Mayfest was originally a block party meant to give students a chance to celebrate having survived the cold New York winter. It has now become one of the wildest events in the US, and performers like 2Chains, Kesha, and Saba have even shown up to perform and party with fun-loving students.
6. West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia
Most people would consider it a disadvantage to live in a city in the middle of nowhere, with no direct airport and not much to do. We consider it the perfect recipe for a college party town, and that's exactly what happened at WVU. Since there's really no other way to blow off steam students have to create their own fun, a challenge that the Mountaineers have aced. The town is home to Fat Daddy's, which to this day holds the record for most Fireball shots consumed in a single night. Additionally, students pooled their resources and created a recurring event called Fallfest, attracting thousands of students and famous musical talent to help this college earn the reputation that it has today.
5. University of Illinois – Urbana and Champaign, Illinois
You can't say "Illinois" without saying "noise!" and that's exactly what the students at UICI love to make. Partying here is a lifestyle, and local bars are often packed with students 7 days a week. In fact, if you really want to see the lifeblood of this town look no further than those boozy establishments, which seem to be constantly expanding thanks to the many dollars spent there by students looking to have a good time. In spite of the cold winters Illinois sees nearly every single bar has a rooftop section and yes, they are always packed with students no matter what!
4. University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona
Most of the schools on this list so far have been situated along the eastern and midwestern parts of the United States. But we have to remember what the West Coast offers that the rest of the nation doesn't - year-round warm weather which means pool parties, and lots of them! Greek life and tailgating at UA have become infamous, with even the Rolling Stones writing in 2012 that the school resembles something closer to a modern-day Animal House as opposed to a school of academic learning. Definitely not something you want to miss out on!
3. San Diego State University – San Diego, California
As if it weren't enough to live in one of the most beautiful cities in America, San Diego State University students also enjoy a school that boasts some of the biggest parties in the nation. Greek Life here is huge, and three undergraduate universities all within range of each other mean that there are plenty of students looking for a good time! If partying along the Gaslamp district starts to get a little too dull for you, you can always hop across the border to Mexico, where cities like Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada offer bars specifically designed to cater to college students.
2. University of California, Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, California
A few hours' drive north of San Diego lies another picturesque California city where students from far and wide come to throw the biggest, wildest parties and make each rager and longer and louder than the last. We're talking of course, about Santa Barbara or, more specifically, the island of Isla Vista where UCSB is located. That's right, there's literally an entire island dedicated to college partying! Out of a population of 24,000 people, 90% of them are college students. Here's a crazy statistic: the students of UCSB are believed to consume 10% of all the alcohol in the entire state of California! So take good care of that liver after graduating.
1. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
Coming in at first place on our list is Arizona State University. This school is so nuts that ASU actually destroyed Greek row in an attempt to bring the students under control. It failed naturally, and the school ended up rebuilding it bigger and better than ever. In addition to the now-massive Greek life, ASU also has tons of bars and clubs to pick from at Mill Avenue and old-town Scottsdale, meaning that there's hardly ever a dull moment to be had here!