Student Accommodation near The Fuqua School Of Business

Establishment and Naming: The business school at Duke University was founded in 1969 as the Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1980, it was renamed the Fuqua School of Business in honor of J.B. Fuqua, a self-made businessman and philanthropist who had a long-standing relationship with Duke University.

Mission and Culture: Fuqua aims to develop leaders of consequence who champion innovative ideas and possess the ability to bring out the best in others. The school is known for its strong emphasis on "Team Fuqua," a collaborative and inclusive culture where teamwork, mutual support, and diverse perspectives are highly valued.

Academic Reputation: Fuqua consistently ranks among the top business schools globally, recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential faculty. It is particularly noted for its strengths in areas like health sector management, finance, and marketing.

Global Perspective: The school emphasizes a global understanding of business, with many programs incorporating international experiences and attracting a diverse student body from around the world.

Innovative Programs: Fuqua offers a range of MBA programs, including the Daytime MBA, Accelerated Daytime MBA, Global Executive MBA, and Weekend Executive MBA, as well as specialized master's programs in management and quantitative management. Many of these programs have a STEM designation, reflecting their analytical focus.

Research and Faculty: Fuqua's faculty are actively involved in cutting-edge research across various business disciplines, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical business insights. The school has several research centers focusing on areas like leadership and ethics, social entrepreneurship, energy, and health sector management.

Alumni Network: Fuqua boasts a strong and engaged alumni network of over 28,000 graduates worldwide, who are known for their collaborative spirit and willingness to support current students. Notable alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook and Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

Student life at Fuqua is characterized by a vibrant, collaborative, and highly engaged community.

• "Team Fuqua" Culture: This is a defining aspect of the student experience. Students are encouraged to work together, support each other's success, and leverage the diverse talents within the community. This ethos is evident in classroom teamwork, club activities, and social interactions.
• MBA Association (MBAA): The MBAA is a 100% student-run leadership team that plays a significant role in shaping the extracurricular life at Fuqua. It oversees over 50 active clubs and organizations and provides strategic input to the administration on student policies and operations.
• Student Clubs and Organizations: Fuqua offers a vast array of student-led clubs catering to professional interests (e.g., Finance Club, Consulting Club, Marketing Club, Tech Club), identity and affinity (e.g., Black & Latino MBA Organization, Women in Business), and social and recreational activities (e.g., Wine Club, Outdoors Club). These clubs organize events, speaker series, career development workshops, and social gatherings.
• Leadership Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills through club leadership roles, participation in the MBAA, and various co-curricular programs.
• Social Activities and Networking: Fuqua fosters a strong sense of community through numerous social events, including "Fuqua Friday" gatherings, cohort dinners, international trips, and sporting events (especially Duke basketball games). These events provide ample opportunities for networking and building lasting relationships.
• Academic and Professional Development: Beyond coursework, student life includes case competitions, guest speaker events featuring industry leaders, career workshops organized by the Career Management Center, and opportunities to network with alumni.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Fuqua actively promotes a diverse and inclusive environment, with various clubs and initiatives focused on supporting students from different backgrounds and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
• Engagement with Duke University: Fuqua students are also part of the broader Duke University community and can access university-wide resources and events, including recreational facilities, cultural performances, and athletic events.
• Student Governance: Selected Executive MBA and Master of Quantitative Management (MSQM) students serve as class representatives, acting as liaisons between students, faculty, and administration. The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) also represents the interests of graduate students across Duke.
• Housing and Location: While many MBA students live in off-campus apartments in areas like Ninth Street, the sense of community remains strong, with students frequently gathering on and off campus. Durham offers a vibrant environment with a growing food scene and cultural attractions.

Most Fuqua MBA students live off-campus. Here are the most popular areas:

Erwin Road / LaSalle Street Area:

• Location: Immediately adjacent to West Campus, Duke Hospital, and Fuqua.
• Pros: Closest commute to Fuqua (walkable or very short drive/bus ride). Primarily large, modern apartment complexes popular with graduate and professional students. Often considered quieter than Ninth Street or Downtown.
• Cons: Fewer walkable restaurants/bars/shops compared to other areas; feels more suburban/campus-adjacent.
• Best For: Students prioritizing proximity and convenience to Fuqua above all else.

Ninth Street Area:

• Location: West of Duke's East Campus, requiring a short bus ride (via Duke Transit) or bike/drive to Fuqua.
• Pros: Consistently rated the most popular area for Fuqua students according to housing guides. Vibrant social scene with numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops (including grocery stores like Harris Teeter). High concentration of students, making social gatherings easy. Mix of large apartment complexes (e.g., Station Nine, Berkshire Ninth Street, Solis Ninth) and some rental houses/duplexes.
• Cons: Can be noisier/busier than Erwin Road. Rents are typically high due to demand and location.
• Best For: Students seeking a lively social atmosphere, walkability to amenities, and easy access to both East and West campuses via bus.

Downtown Durham:

• Location: The city center, about 1-2 miles from East/West Campuses.
• Pros: Offers a true "city feel" with walkability to a wide array of upscale restaurants, bars, breweries, DPAC, and the American Tobacco Campus. Many newer, amenity-rich apartment buildings (e.g., One City Center, Foster on the Park, Liberty Warehouse, Aura 509, Beckon).
• Cons: Requires a commute to Fuqua (bus, bike, or drive). Generally among the most expensive rental options.
• Best For: Students who prefer an urban environment and want easy access to Durham's dining and entertainment scene.

Old West Durham:

• Location: Between West Campus and Ninth Street.
• Pros: Charming neighborhood feel with rental houses and duplexes. Offers convenient access to both campus and Ninth Street amenities. Often more affordable than Ninth Street apartments.
• Cons: Housing stock is generally older; fewer large apartment complexes with extensive amenities.
• Best For: Students looking for a balance of proximity, neighborhood charm, and potentially slightly lower rent than prime Ninth Street or Downtown locations.

As a Fuqua student primarily based on Duke's West Campus, you have several ways to navigate the campus, Durham, and the surrounding region:

On Campus:

• Duke Transit: This free campus bus system is essential. Routes connect West Campus (where Fuqua is located near Science Drive) with East Campus, Central Campus, Duke Medical Center, and various parking lots. This is the main way to travel between different parts of Duke's large campus.
• Duke Vans: A free, on-demand ride service operates during late-night hours within a certain radius of campus, useful when standard buses run less frequently.
• Walking/Biking: West Campus is walkable, and biking is also feasible. Fuqua is located near Science Drive.

Around Durham:

• GoDurham & GoTriangle Buses: Your DukeCard typically grants you a free pass for the GoDurham city bus system and the GoTriangle regional buses. This allows travel throughout Durham and to nearby cities like Chapel Hill and Raleigh. Routes like the 6 and 11/11B are useful for accessing areas near campus and downtown.
• Cars: Many graduate students, including those at Fuqua, find having a car beneficial for commuting from off-campus housing, running errands, and exploring the region. On-campus parking requires a Duke parking permit, which can be purchased annually or daily. Specific lots are designated for students near the Fuqua area (check Duke Parking & Transportation for current options and costs).
• Ride-Sharing & Car Sharing: Uber and Lyft are readily available. Zipcar car-sharing also operates near campus, offering discounted memberships for students needing occasional car access.

To/From Durham:

• Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the closest major airport, located about 20-25 minutes away by car. Accessible via taxi, ride-sharing services, or potentially GoTriangle regional buses (may require transfers).
• Train: Amtrak serves Durham Station (DRM) downtown, offering connections along the East Coast via routes like the Carolinian and Piedmont.