Erin
Undoubtedly, the most popular of all student run organizations is Greek life. Miami University is one of the oldest, and with that has many different sororities and fraternities that are very active. Because of this, partying is a large subculture at Miami University. On weekends, many students either go to house parties of bars uptown. Still, a large number of students do not engage in these activities. If you do not wish to engage in drinking, there are plenty of other things to do. Miami University always plans activities such as movie nights, lectures, ice skating, bus trips, and cultural events; there is always something else to do.
Outside of Greek life, student publications, such as the television station, radio station, Miami Student newspaper, and literary magazines attract many members. Even if a student is not involved in one of these media-based organizations, he or she is very aware of them, as they are made accessible to the student body. Religious organizations tend to be very popular as well, with a wide variety available to students depending on size, religion and social preference. Coupled with the many churches available on campus and in Oxford, religious activities are a big part of life at Miami.
Athletics are also very prominent at Miami University. Football games always attract many students, and weekends often revolve around games. Men’s hockey also sells many tickets, and students become very spirited for the games. Varsity athletics receive a lot of support, and for other students there are club sports and intramurals. Miami University is definitely a very active campus, with students running or walking at all times of the day, all seasons of the year. With top notch facilities, both leisure and formal sports activities dominate student life, and most students value being physically and socially active.
The biggest drawback to student life lies is Oxford itself. It is a small college town, and does not offer very much in form of entertainment. The uptown area consists of a few restaurants, bars, and gift stores. There is also a public library, art building, Kroger’s, and small movie theater with limited showings. There is nothing wrong with Oxford; it is simply limited in what it offers. Most students find more things to do either on campus or, if they so choose, drive to Cincinnati or Dayton, which are relatively close by. The student life is very active, however, and most instead find something to do on campus.
Caitlin
One of the most popular student activities is our Greek life here at Miami University. Don't let that set you back from doing something other than joining a fraternity or sorority, though! Miami does offer an incredibly vast amount of other activities ranging from activities involving your major all the way to volunteer work! As a non-greek affiliated student, I have found many other activities and groups that are just as enjoyable! One of my best experiences here at Miami involving an organization was when I was accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. This is a society that is, indeed, nationwide but offers chapters for different colleges. It was an amazing experience involving success leadership teams where five society members came together every other week to discuss long-term or short-term goals. It motivated us all to be the best we could be and not become discouraged if something went wrong!
From my experience at Miami University, most of the friends I have made came from the dorms in which I have resided. My freshman year I met some of my best friends and I continue to meet new people every day! There is always a smiling face walking through the hallway ready to greet you! Many of my friends decided to join a sorority and fraternity, but this has not kept us from being the best of friends still! If anything, my friends in Greek life have introduced me to new people, creating the opportunity to make new friends!
Athletics at Miami University are very prominent, especially our Hockey team! You can find most students waiting in line at the Goggin Ice Center on the weekends to watch the big game! During the fall, students also enjoy attending football games at Yager Stadium. It's always a great time to meet friends there, even if you don't watch the game closely! This is a great way to show your Miami pride by cheering on the student athletes!
If on a Saturday night you'd prefer not to drink, do not worry! Miami University has a great program that offers plenty of fun activities on the weekends! You can enjoy a movie at the Shriver Center or even find your community council baking down in the kitchen of your dorm or painting bricks or coffee mugs! There is always something to do and there is no added pressure to drink on the weekends!
Caitlin
One of the most popular student activities is our Greek life here at Miami University. Don't let that set you back from doing something other than joining a fraternity or sorority, though! Miami does offer an incredibly vast amount of other activities ranging from activities involving your major all the way to volunteer work! As a non-greek affiliated student, I have found many other activities and groups that are just as enjoyable! One of my best experiences here at Miami involving an organization was when I was accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. This is a society that is, indeed, nationwide but offers chapters for different colleges. It was an amazing experience involving success leadership teams where five society members came together every other week to discuss long-term or short-term goals. It motivated us all to be the best we could be and not become discouraged if something went wrong!
From my experience at Miami University, most of the friends I have made came from the dorms in which I have resided. My freshman year I met some of my best friends and I continue to meet new people every day! There is always a smiling face walking through the hallway ready to greet you! Many of my friends decided to join a sorority and fraternity, but this has not kept us from being the best of friends still! If anything, my friends in Greek life have introduced me to new people, creating the opportunity to make new friends!
Athletics at Miami University are very prominent, especially our Hockey team! You can find most students waiting in line at the Goggin Ice Center on the weekends to watch the big game! During the fall, students also enjoy attending football games at Yager Stadium. It's always a great time to meet friends there, even if you don't watch the game closely! This is a great way to show your Miami pride by cheering on the student athletes!
If on a Saturday night you'd prefer not to drink, do not worry! Miami University has a great program that offers plenty of fun activities on the weekends! You can enjoy a movie at the Shriver Center or even find your community council baking down in the kitchen of your dorm or painting bricks or coffee mugs! There is always something to do and there is no added pressure to drink on the weekends!
Shannon
Greek Life is really strong on Miami's campus, but it is far from the only activity that people can be involved with. As a member of the greek community, many of the activities that I know about are related with my sorority or other sororities and fraternities, but I love going to events held by other groups on campus such as the Fashion club's annual Fashion Show or the After-Dark events on the weekends as an alternative to going uptown. I love my sorority, but I have still been able to keep so many of my friends from freshman year due to traditions that we made such as going to hockey games, weekly dinners, and movies at the local movie theater. Miami has a lot to offer every student, and if you look for something you are interested in, you are sure to find it.
Rachel
There are plenty of opportunities for students to attend seminars and lectures that appeal to their interests outside of the classroom. Since beginning my semester in August I have listened to all sorts of guest speakers, from Iranian ex-consulates to women's rights advocates. These seminars can also act as a great way to meet people who share common interests. In fact, I met my boyfriend at one.
There is a prevalent dating scene at Miami for several reasons. The nickname "Miami merger" is applied to any couple that gets together and stays together during and after their Miami experience. One great thing about Oxford is that there is no shortage of venues that cater to couples who are looking to have a romantic evening out. Establishments like Sushi Nara, Stella, and Paesanos are great off campus options. Looking not to break the bank? Places such as La Mia Cucina, Panache, and 1809 are all delicious alternatives if all you can afford is a meal plan compatible "swipe date".
Ronnie
As a freshman, you will be required to live in the residence halls. This could possibly be the most fun you have in your four years at Miami. I came to Miami alone, and within the first week i forgot about how much I missed my home and high school. Although, my roommate and I didn't see eye to eye on everything we still managed to get out of our room and interact with the other students in our building. One of my closest friends I met on the first floor of my residence hall freshman year. The people you meet freshman year tend to stick with you even after college. Another great way to meet other students with similar interests is by joining a fraternity/sorority, clubs/organization, or a sports team. Like high school, all of these groups provide you with the opportunity to meet people with similar interests as your own. The only thing I regret about college is not taking advantage of all of these earlier in my college experience.
Angela
My response is expected and I won't fail to deliver. I don't actually think that there is one most popular activity/group here at Miami University. We have so many programs offered that each has their own particular group. That sounds cliquey and you're right it is, almost. The beauty about our various activities and groups is that anyone and everyone can join, and if that's too big a commitment that people are free to simply partake in the delights that each has to offer. Theater kids can act in a school production while studying for their major, or they can join the school's organization called Stage Left and enjoy their hobby with as much participation as much as they can. Students still buy tickets to see all the production whether it's from the diehard theater fanatics or if it's a production by those who found their hobby. It's the same for those who sing, paint, dance, talk, debate, skate, play sports and pretty much anything anyone can think of.
Melissa
It would not be fair to not name Greek life as being one of the dominating student groups on campus. Almost 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students on the Oxford campus are greek. This can end up being a great way for students to make friends, socialize and it also makes the campus seem smaller. Each fraternity or sorority also has a philanthropy for which they have open events to raise money throughout the year. A group which I am a part of is called Adopt-A-School. I love it because it was created by a group of Miami students and places volunteers in different schools around Oxford to help in the classroom. It is a great way to get real-life experience while also feel like you're making a difference. Hockey games are a HUGE deal on campus. People bring tents and camp outside the rink just to be first in line to get tickets for the student section, which is always full. There is a large number of student groups and organizations and at the beginning of each semester there is a fair where each one sets up a booth for interested student to come and learn about the different opportunities. "Uptown" is a popular place to go, especially Thursday through Saturday nights because all of the bars are open late. My favorite memories, however, come from sitting with my friends hanging out in the basement or living rooms of our dorm, talking, laughing and (sometimes)studying until the middle of the night.
Todd
A big part of college are the groups and activities that you are involved in, at Miami you have many choices. These choices start your freshmen year when you are constantly reminded of the various groups on campus during freshmen orientation. Though it can be annoying to get hounded by various groups, if taken advantage of these groups can turn out to be a big part of your time at Miami.
Dorm life at Miami is awesome!! Though I cannot say I would rather be in a dorm than off campus, Miami does make their dorm life fun. Walking through the halls of Emerson my freshmen year I was met with doors open and people ready to have fun and just hang out. RA's are some of the most welcoming people at Miami and most try and get you involved in something on campus.
Taylor
The most popular things for people to do at Miami are go out, go to frat parties or sorority events, and go to sporting events. I met all of my closest friends in my freshman year dorm and I know a lot of people did. Although, many people met their friends through fraternities or sororities. Hockey games are so popular that people wait in line all day just to get good seats! They are so fun to go to and it's a must for Miami students. There is a movie theater uptown, plenty of restaurants, and a ton of events uptown that don't involve drinking! I don't drink so I can have a great time without having to drink. You can even go to bars and not drink! Nobody will care if you don't drink