UChicago's 'Where Fun Goes to Die' Moniker?

I've heard UChicago referred to as the place 'where fun goes to die.' Can anyone from UChicago shed some light on this? Is it really that intense or is it just a stereotype and what steps does the school take to balance out academics with fun?

UChicago's 'Where Fun Goes to Die' moniker is a long-standing in-joke among its student body. UChicago is indeed known for its rigorous academic environment, where students are expected to be intellectually curious and put a good deal of effort into their studies. However, the phrase is pretty tongue-in-cheek, and it's not indicative of a complete absence of fun.

It's important to remember that "fun" is subjective. Some students at UChicago relish the intellectual challenge and thrive in its atmosphere of deep discussions and debates. They find fun in learning, exploring ideas, and pushing their academical boundaries. So if you are a student who loves to learn and is excited by the prospect of intellectual challenges, you might very well have a lot of fun at UChicago.

For all its intellectual rigor, UChicago does understand the importance of a balanced college experience. The school offers a variety of resources to support students and ensure they have opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. For instance, the university hosts many extracurricular activities, student-led clubs, and community events, with everything from intramural sports teams to dance troupes, and from movie nights to cultural showcases.

There's also an event called "Kuviasungnerk/Kangeiko," affectionately known as "Kuvia," which is a week-long festival held annually in January to celebrate the university community and its resilience in the face of Chicago's frigid winters. It culminates in an early morning Polar Bear Run, where students take a lap around the quad wearing as little clothing as they're comfortable with in the freezing weather.

Ultimately, while UChicago does have a culture of intense academic rigor, there are ample opportunities for students to relax, have fun, and pursue non-academic interests. The 'Where Fun Goes to Die' moniker is more of a playful acknowledgment of the university's academically intense culture rather than a literal description of life at UChicago.