What's campus life like at MIT?

I'm really interested in applying to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but I'm curious about the campus life there. I've read about the academics, but what about the social scene? Are there a lot of activities and clubs to get involved with? How's the dorm situation? I'm trying to get a balanced view before I apply, so any insights would be appreciated!

You're asking great questions, as it's essential to consider the social aspect of a college along with academic rigor, and MIT certainly has some unique aspects. MIT's campus life is known to foster a strong sense of community and a nurturing environment for its diverse student body.

In terms of extracurriculars, MIT houses several hundreds of activities and clubs spanning many interests such as arts, sports, cultural organizations, volunteer works, and tech clubs. As well as the gamut of research clubs and teams you might expect at a technical institute, from robotics to AI to bioengineering, there are numerous clubs dedicated to hobbies, political associations, and community service.

MIT particularly shines when it comes to the hackathon culture and inventiveness. You might have heard of MIT's "hacks" (pranks performed as displays of technical ingenuity), which also contribute to the notable spirit of fun, creativity, and challenging the norm.

As for housing, MIT has a 'housing lottery' system for incoming first-year students where they get to rank the dorms in order of preference and are then assigned to one. All undergraduates are guaranteed housing for all four years, and about 90% choose to live on campus, which gives you a sense of the appealing residential life. Each dorm has its own unique culture and traditions, so you can choose whether a quieter, more study-focused house or a more social and active dorm fits your way of life.

Something to remember is the collaborative environment MIT provides. The challenging academic atmosphere is balanced by a widespread culture of collaboration. I've heard several students mention that the first person they'd turn to when struggling with a problem set would be a classmate, not a book or the internet. There's a common saying, "Getting an education from MIT is like taking a drink from a fire hose", meaning the intensity of the experience might be overwhelming but it's equally rewarding.

All in all, MIT's campus life is vibrant, inclusive, and teeming with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and exploration situated within a close-knit, supportive community. I hope this provides a more nuanced image of life at MIT.