Feature

Top 10 Schools in USA Where Students Study Least

HOW are you supposed to focus on studying when there's so much more to do at college? While it might seem from our survey results that the students at these schools have gotten a little distracted from their main goals, the undergrads assure us that there is ample time to live life and to be involved, all while getting a fantastic education. The Princeton Review's survey of 122,000 college students for the 2010 edition of the "Best 371 Colleges" book revealed the top 10 colleges that offer so much college experience that students sometimes struggle to find time for the books.

1. West Virginia University
Set in the "heart of the mountains of West Virginia," West Virginia University combines pastoral charm with an emphasis on providing a strong academic tradition to a large student body. "If you apply yourself, the opportunities at WVU are endless." Like most large universities, "with a variety of majors," "life at WVU is what you make of it ... If you're able to handle making a commitment to your work, you can have a great time doing both!" West Virginia's academic curriculum excels in numerous areas, including engineering, premedicine, journalism, psychology, forensics, advertising, music and athletic training.

2. University of Maryland - College Park
The University of Maryland - College Park is a grand mix of "20-minute walks to class across one of the country's most beautiful campuses, [an introduction] to high-level courses taught by the nation's top researchers, [and] a motivated 'green' campus" as well as "crowded, smelly frat parties, [and] living-learning communities that can make the gigantic campus much smaller." It seems that "students are always having parties!"

3. State University of New York - University at Albany
Is SUNY Albany (UAlbany to those in the know) the perfect-sized school? Many here think so. Students describe it as "a big school numbers-wise that feels small." There are three distinct social orbits on the Albany campus. Some students take the initiative "by joining one of the many clubs or groups or getting involved with the student government." Others "party for a good time," telling us that "any night of the week you can find people to go out to the bars and clubs with you" and that "the average night ends between 2:304 a.m."

4. University of Mississippi
Though the University of Mississippi is generally known for social gatherings and highly attended sporting events, in recent years the school has taken major strides toward "making itself one of America's great public universities" providing "unique and challenging fields of study that helps distinguish Ole Miss academically." Solid programs in journalism, music, accounting, forensic chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, premedicine and Southern studies help round out the academic picture.

5. University of North Dakota
"Size and affordability are very nice draws" at the University of North Dakota. The number of undergrads here is ideal. There are more than 200 clubs and organizations. The student recreation center is enormous and state of the art. Students describe the overall academic experience at UND as "pretty good" "and not too stressful."

6. Louisiana State University
At Louisiana State University's flagship campus, you'll find "outstanding academics combined with a great college life." Some students here opt for only the latter as for many, "LSU is about football and partying." "Those who wish to apply themselves," however, "have ample opportunity and resources," and they can learn almost anything, since "the greatest strength of LSU by far is its diversity. [You] can come to LSU for sports, music … science, economics, or nearly any sort of humanities discipline you are interested in." The school is huge, which means "somewhere within that huge number is someone that you can get along with," but also it is easy to "get lost in the crowd."

7. Florida State University
Florida State University, "a major research university in Florida's capital city," provides students "with lots of opportunities for experimentation" while "making pivotal career decisions." Indeed, it's difficult to imagine a school that provides more options; FSU offers excellent programs in everything from business, psychology and education to music, graphic art and creative writing to meteorology, professional golf management and exercise science. The school even has a circus program! As at most big state schools, "The amount of student activities, sports clubs and organizations are endless."

8. University of Florida
"A top-tier research institute" that "is full of bright students who still know how to have fun," the University of Florida offers "an environment unparalleled by any other university in the world with its first-class amenities, athletics, academics, campus and students," enthusiastic students insist. An atypical student may be someone who doesn't party or may deviate from mainstream beliefs, practices or political parties, but for the most part, any student is accepted as a member of the Gator nation, and most "seem to maintain a well-balanced life of studying and socializing."

9. Florida Southern College
Florida Southern's lakefront campus is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on earth. As such, it's no wonder that students describe it as "very beautiful." Life here is "interactive" and "comfortable." The Wellness Center, the campus pool, and activities on Lake Hollingsworth are popular hang-out spots for students. While it's theoretically possible to "go out every night and party," "It's not your typical 'Animal House' scene" here.

10. University of Georgia
As at many large universities, campus life at University of Georgia offers plenty of activity: "Fun is a part of daily life with a dozen intramural sports each semester and many community activities (multiple movie theaters, bowling alleys, golf course)." "Ultimate Frisbee, walks around the multiple parks, days lounging on North Campus and spending lots of time downtown are a couple ways I like to have fun at school." "There are so many organizations that everyone can find a place that will feel like home or find a place to meet new people."

Article Source: The Princeton Review