When you select an MBA program, you are not just choosing your learning environment, but are also committing to becoming part of a community. Each Thursday, we offer a window into life “beyond the MBA classroom” at a top business school.
Social life for students at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania picks up in preterm (August) and maintains a healthy—some may even say frenetic—pace right up through graduation. This includes several organized theme parties. The Foam Party is typically one of the first parties of the year and takes place during fall semester at the Shampoo Nightclub in North Philly. As expected, the star of the party is the wet foam being generated throughout the event by machines—and which can sometimes rise above head level. A word from the wise: wrap your phone, wallet and valuables in at least one Ziploc bag! The ’80s Party, first organized by the school’s Media & Entertainment Club in 2005, has grown in stature to become one of the biggest parties of the year. Students dress up like their favorite icons from the ’80s and dance the night away to hits by Madonna and Depeche Mode. Reportedly one of the biggest events of the spring semester is the Wharton 54 party. Sponsored by Out for Business, Wharton’s LBGT (lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered) professional and social club, the event is a tribute to the music, fashion and disco-fabulousness of the ’70s. The party is typically held at a high-end nightclub (the venue changes from year to year) and features student dance performances.
For in-depth descriptions of social and community activities at Wharton and 15 other top MBA programs, check out the mbaMission Insider’s Guides.