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Duke University is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, USA. It's known for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields like medicine, law, business, engineering, and public policy, as well as its rich history and vibrant campus life.

• Type: Private research university
• Location: Durham, North Carolina, USA
• Founded: 1838 (as Trinity College), moved to Durham in 1892
• Academic Divisions: Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Law, Fuqua School of Business, Sanford School of Public Policy, and others.

Duke offers a diverse and engaging student life experience, with a wide array of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Campus Setting:

Duke's campus is large and scenic, with a mix of Gothic architecture and modern facilities.

It's divided into distinct areas like West Campus (the main hub), East Campus (primarily for first-year students), and Central Campus.

The campus provides a mix of green spaces, academic buildings, residential halls, dining facilities, libraries, and athletic venues.
 

Residential Life:

All first-year students live on East Campus, which helps create a strong sense of community for newcomers.

Upperclassmen have various housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and houses.
 

Academic Culture:

Duke has a reputation for rigorous academics and a strong emphasis on research.

Students are encouraged to engage in intellectual debates and pursue their academic interests deeply.

There's a focus on interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across different fields of study.
 

Extracurricular Activities:

Duke has a very active student community with a vast number of student organizations, clubs, and societies (over 300). These cover a wide range of interests, from academic and cultural groups to sports, arts, and service organizations.

Athletics are a significant part of Duke culture, particularly basketball, which is a major source of school spirit. There are also opportunities for participation in various sports, including varsity, club, and intramural teams.

The arts play a role on campus, with student groups and university-sponsored events in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
 

Diversity and Inclusion:

Duke strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment, with resources and support services for students from various backgrounds.

There are centers and initiatives dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ support.
 

Student Government:

Duke Student Government provides a platform for students to voice their concerns, advocate for change, and shape the university community.
 

City of Durham:

While the campus offers many amenities, the city of Durham itself also contributes to the student experience.

Durham is part of the Research Triangle, a hub for technology and healthcare, offering potential opportunities for internships and careers.

The city has a growing food scene, arts and culture, and entertainment options.

Duke's location in Durham offers access to attractions both on campus and throughout the vibrant Research Triangle area.

On Campus:

• Duke University Chapel: The stunning Gothic centerpiece of West Campus. Attend a service, concert, or simply admire the architecture.
• Sarah P. Duke Gardens: 55 acres of world-renowned public gardens with diverse plant collections, water features, and walking paths. A must-visit for relaxation and beauty.
• Nasher Museum of Art: An acclaimed museum featuring modern and contemporary art, as well as collections spanning various cultures and periods.
• Duke Lemur Center: Home to the world's largest collection of endangered lemurs outside Madagascar. Tours must typically be booked in advance.
• Cameron Indoor Stadium & Duke Basketball Museum: Experience the electric atmosphere of a basketball game (if possible) or visit the museum celebrating Duke's rich basketball history.

In Durham:

• American Tobacco Campus: Historic tobacco factories transformed into a lively downtown hub with restaurants, green spaces, a theatre (DPAC nearby), offices, and regular events.
• Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC): Hosts major Broadway tours, concerts, comedy acts, and other performances.
• Ninth Street District: Eclectic street adjacent to East Campus with unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and a lively atmosphere.
• Brightleaf Square: Another revitalized tobacco warehouse district with boutiques and dining options.
• Eno River State Park: Beautiful state park just north of Durham offering hiking trails, fishing, and scenic river views.
• Museum of Life and Science: Excellent interactive museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits, including dinosaurs, a butterfly house, and animal habitats.
• Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP): Catch a minor league baseball game with the popular Durham Bulls.
• Downtown Durham: Explore the revitalized city center's diverse culinary scene, breweries, bars, historic architecture, and local shops.

Nearby:

• Chapel Hill: Visit the University of North Carolina campus and explore the shops and restaurants along Franklin Street.
• Raleigh: North Carolina's state capital offers major museums (NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NC Museum of Art), government buildings, more dining, and nightlife options.

Navigating Duke's expansive campus and the city of Durham involves several options:

• On Campus (Duke Transit): Duke operates a free and extensive campus bus system that is crucial for getting around. Buses run frequently connecting East Campus, West Campus, the Medical Center, Central Campus, and other key locations like Smith Warehouse and Nasher Museum. This is the primary way students travel between East and West Campuses. Duke Vans also offer free, on-demand rides within a specific radius of campus during late-night hours when buses aren't running as frequently.

In Durham:

• Public Buses (GoDurham/GoTriangle): Duke students receive a free bus pass valid on the GoDurham city bus system and the GoTriangle regional system. GoDurham routes like the 6 and 11/11B serve areas near campus and connect to downtown Durham. GoTriangle route 400 connects Durham, Duke, and Chapel Hill.
• Walking/Biking: Both East and West Campuses are walkable within themselves. Walking or biking between East Campus and nearby areas like Ninth Street is common. West Campus is larger, but still walkable. Durham is becoming more bike-friendly, and Duke offers resources and incentives for cyclists.
• Cars: While not essential, especially for underclassmen living on campus, many upperclassmen and graduate students living off-campus find having a car convenient due to Durham's layout. On-campus parking requires purchasing a permit, with various options available (annual, occasional, free night/weekend passes). Off-campus parking varies significantly by neighborhood and apartment complex.

To/From Durham:

• Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves the region and is about a 20-30 minute drive from Duke. Accessible via GoTriangle buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttles.
• Train: Durham Station (DRM), located downtown, is served by Amtrak's Carolinian and Piedmont routes, connecting to cities along the East Coast and within North Carolina.