What is campus life like at Lehigh vs. Tulane?

The biggest day-to-day tradeoff is that Lehigh feels more like a traditional residential campus with a tighter on-campus student scene, while Tulane’s social life is shaped much more by being in New Orleans. At Lehigh, a lot of student life centers on the hilltop campus, school traditions, Greek life, athletics, and club activities. At Tulane, students still use campus heavily, but the city is part of the routine in a way that changes weekends, nightlife, food, and service opportunities.

Lehigh’s atmosphere is often described as close-knit, spirited, and a little more self-contained. The campus has a classic college feel, and students tend to run into the same people often, which can make the community feel tight but sometimes a bit smaller socially. Greek life has historically been a visible part of the social scene, though it is far from the only option, and many students spend time in clubs, at campus events, or with friends in residence halls and nearby South Bethlehem.

Tulane is social too, but the energy is looser, more outward-facing, and more influenced by the city’s culture. Students talk a lot about restaurants, music, festivals, off-campus outings, and the general New Orleans atmosphere. Tulane also has a strong service culture, and community engagement is a real part of campus identity rather than just an extracurricular side note.

In terms of vibe, Lehigh can feel more structured and campus-centered, with colder weather and a more classic northeastern rhythm to the year. Tulane tends to feel more eclectic, lively, and less insulated, with a student culture that blends campus traditions with the city around it. If you want the place where daily life feels more distinctly "college campus," Lehigh usually fits that better. If you want a social scene that extends beyond campus almost by default, Tulane is the more distinctive option.