Choosing between Bucknell University and Lehigh University involves more than academics; student life plays a crucial role in shaping your college experience. This listicle breaks down the key aspects of student life at both schools, highlighting what makes each unique. Whether you prioritize campus culture, extracurriculars, or social opportunities, this guide is designed for prospective students eager to understand daily life beyond the classroom.
Campus Size and Setting
Bucknell University is a smaller, more intimate campus located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, with around 3,600 undergraduates. Its rural setting offers a tight-knit community atmosphere with access to outdoor activities along the Susquehanna River. Lehigh University, by contrast, is larger with roughly 7,000 undergraduates and is situated in Bethlehem, a city with a more urban feel. This means Lehigh students often have more off-campus dining, entertainment, and internship opportunities nearby.
Student Organizations and Clubs
Bucknell boasts over 150 student-run organizations, including a strong emphasis on arts and service groups like the Bucknell Concert Choir and Habitat for Humanity. The smaller student body often leads to closer interactions within clubs and more leadership opportunities. Lehigh offers more than 200 student organizations, ranging from Greek life to engineering-specific societies, reflecting its larger and more diverse student body. Lehigh’s clubs tend to be more specialized, catering to a wide variety of academic and cultural interests.
Greek Life Presence
Greek life is present but less dominant at Bucknell, with about 30% of students involved in fraternities and sororities. The community focuses on philanthropy and social events without overwhelming campus culture. Lehigh has a more prominent Greek scene, with approximately 40% participation, and it plays a significant role in social life, including large-scale events like formals and philanthropy weeks. Greek organizations at Lehigh often foster strong alumni networks that can benefit career development.
Housing and Residential Life
Bucknell guarantees housing for all four years, with traditional dorms and themed living communities like the Global Living and Learning House. The residential experience is a central part of student identity, with many students living on campus throughout their studies. Lehigh also offers guaranteed housing for freshmen, but upperclassmen often live off-campus in Bethlehem’s neighborhoods. Lehigh’s dorms include various living-learning communities tied to academic interests and cultural identities.
Campus Dining Options
Bucknell’s dining services focus on quality and sustainability, featuring the newly renovated Weis Center with options like the Market Place and the Bucknell Bakery. Many students appreciate the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian-friendly menus. Lehigh’s dining halls, including the University Center and the Rauch Business Center, provide a wide variety of cuisines and late-night options. Lehigh also offers meal plans that accommodate diverse dietary needs, which is important for its larger, more varied student body.
Social Scene and Traditions
Bucknell’s social life revolves around smaller-scale events such as the annual Springfest, which features live music and campus-wide festivities. The university promotes a community vibe with events like the Midnight Breakfast during finals week and the Homecoming Weekend. Lehigh’s social calendar is packed with larger events, including the famous Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry game, which draws thousands of students and alumni. Lehigh also hosts the annual Sayre Park Day, a beloved tradition blending outdoor activities and student performances.
Sports and Recreation
Bucknell competes in NCAA Division I Patriot League, with popular sports including football, basketball, and lacrosse. The campus offers excellent recreational facilities like the Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center, which features a climbing wall and an Olympic-sized pool. Lehigh is also NCAA Division I but competes in the Patriot League with a strong emphasis on rowing and wrestling, alongside football and basketball. Lehigh’s Stabler Arena and Taylor Gym provide extensive intramural and club sports options, attracting a broad range of athletic interests.
Arts and Cultural Opportunities
Bucknell supports a vibrant arts community with the Elaine Langone Center for the Arts, which hosts galleries, theater productions, and music performances. Students can participate in the Bucknell University Theatre or the Bucknell Symphony Orchestra, both highly regarded on campus. Lehigh’s Center for the Arts offers a wide array of performances, including student-run theater groups and the Lehigh University Philharmonic. Lehigh also boasts the Zoellner Arts Center, a professional performance venue that brings national acts to campus, enriching cultural life.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism
Bucknell encourages community involvement through programs like the Center for Sustainability and the Office of Student Engagement. Students frequently participate in service trips, local tutoring, and environmental projects in the surrounding rural communities. Lehigh has a similarly strong focus on civic engagement, with the Office of Community Service coordinating partnerships with Bethlehem organizations. Lehigh students often engage in urban revitalization efforts and social justice initiatives, reflecting the city’s diverse population.
Career Services and Networking
Bucknell’s Career Development Center provides personalized advising, internship placement, and alumni networking primarily geared toward liberal arts and engineering students. The smaller alumni base fosters close mentor relationships but limits the sheer volume of networking events. Lehigh’s Career Center offers extensive resources, including large career fairs, industry-specific panels, and a vast alumni network in the greater Philadelphia-New York corridor. This makes Lehigh particularly strong for students seeking connections in business, engineering, and STEM fields.
How to Choose
When deciding between Bucknell and Lehigh, consider the campus environment you prefer: Bucknell’s smaller, rural campus offers a close-knit community and outdoor lifestyle, while Lehigh’s larger, urban campus provides more social and professional opportunities. Think about your academic focus—Lehigh’s STEM and business programs are robust, but Bucknell excels in personalized liberal arts and engineering education. Also, evaluate the social scene: if Greek life and large-scale events are important, Lehigh may be the better fit; if you want a quieter, more intimate campus culture, Bucknell stands out. Finally, consider career goals and networking needs, as Lehigh’s extensive alumni network can be a significant advantage in certain industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which school has a stronger Greek life presence? Lehigh has a more active Greek life with about 40% student participation, compared to Bucknell’s 30%, making it a larger part of campus culture at Lehigh.
2. Is off-campus housing common at either school? At Bucknell, most students live on campus all four years, while at Lehigh, many upperclassmen choose to live off-campus in Bethlehem.
3. How do the social scenes differ? Bucknell offers smaller, community-centered events like Springfest, whereas Lehigh hosts larger events such as the Lehigh-Lafayette football rivalry and Sayre Park Day.
4. What are the dining options like? Both schools provide diverse dining options, but Bucknell emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing, while Lehigh offers a broader variety of cuisines and late-night meals.
5. Which school is better for career networking? Lehigh’s larger alumni network and proximity to major metropolitan areas give it an edge in career services and networking opportunities.
6. How accessible are arts and cultural programs? Both universities have strong arts programs, but Lehigh’s Zoellner Arts Center offers professional-level performances that enrich the cultural experience.
Final Thoughts
Both Bucknell and Lehigh offer vibrant student life experiences, but your choice depends on what environment and opportunities you value most. Bucknell’s smaller, rural campus promotes tight community bonds and outdoor activities, ideal for students seeking a close-knit atmosphere. Lehigh’s larger, urban setting provides more diverse social events, Greek life, and expansive career resources, appealing to those who want a bustling campus with strong professional connections. Reflect on your priorities in campus culture, extracurriculars, and post-graduation goals to find the best fit for your college journey.
Related
- Funny Quotes on Personal Finance Mistakes to Lighten Your Wallet Woes
- Funny Budgeting Quotes Every College Student Needs to Hear
- FedEx Shift Hours During Holiday Season Explained