The UA has the second-best college newspaper and is ranked 18th among the best party schools in the nation, according to a Princeton Review student survey.
The University of Texas at Austin took the No. 1 party school spot for the second year in a row, beating out second-ranked Pennsylvania State University and third-ranked West Virginia University.
Brigham Young University was voted the most “”stone-cold sober”” school for the 10th straight year.
The results, which were released in the Princeton Review’s “”The Best 361 Colleges,”” were compiled from surveys taken by more than 100,000 students from college campuses across country.
The UA was also ranked No. 11 in use of hard liquor and No. 19 in beer drinking.
Not making into the top three party schools didn’t bother students, who said they feel a person’s social life depends heavily on the individual.
“”I’d say it depends on the person,”” said accounting senior Mark Lonnecker. “”If you want to party, you’re going to have the opportunity at any school, including U of A.””
Rachel Shadron, a biology freshman, agreed and said she didn’t feel being the No. 1 party school is all that special.
“”Every school has parties,”” Shadron said. “”I’m here for school. I’d rather have a school with good academics.””
The idea of students prioritizing academics over partying appeals to Juan Garcia, vice provost of academic affairs, who said that students are becoming increasingly educated about the responsibilities that come with consuming alcohol.
“”There has been a universitywide effort to educate students on their rolls in their education,”” Garcia said. “”Students themselves are more aware of their responsibilities.””
As for the No. 18 party-school ranking, Garcia said, “”I don’t do much partying, so I can’t comment on how accurate that is.””
The Arizona Daily Wildcat dropped from the top college newspaper to No. 2, coming in behind Yale University’s Yale Daily News.
Paige Nichols, an undeclared junior, said she agreed with the Wildcat’s place in the ranking.
“”I read it every single day,”” Nichols said. “”It has everything from local stories to police beat to interesting facts. I think it’s an awesome newspaper, actually.””
“”It’s a tremendous and exciting opportunity both for the students of the University of Arizona and the staff of the Arizona Daily Wildcat,”” said Nicole Santa Cruz, editor in chief of the Wildcat.
Santa Cruz said it is rewarding to know that the work being done by the newspaper is being noticed by students.