Alice Dai, 2020
EAST CAMPUS
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
Because all first-years live together on East Campus, as you make that transition to college life it’s comforting that you can turn to anyone in your dorm or anyone in the first-year dining hall and know that they’re going through the same things as you. A cohort-based First-year Experience, Writing 120, and Marketplace brunches create a sense of solidarity and community that is foundational to the Duke experience. Just a five minute bus ride from the Gothic style West Campus, the Georgian style East Campus showcases beautiful red bricks from its residence halls to the library, auditorium, and recreation center.
The first year feels like a summer camp filled with wickedly intelligent 18 year-olds. There are bunk beds, too many ice cream socials, and friends who don’t yet know about your obsession with socks. But this camp doesn’t end after a few weeks.
QUADEX
IT'S NOT WHERE YOU LIVE BUT HOW
QuadEx represents an all-encompassing living and learning initiative that leverages Duke’s rich history, core values, and vibrant spirit to elevate and harmonize the social, residential, and academic experiences of undergraduate students. Within the QuadEx framework, various components and support systems collaborate synergistically to fortify on-campus communities, facilitate deeper exploration of intellectual passions, and foster the holistic development and well-being of our students.
Upperclass Student's Guide
Make Your Best Duke
Duke has endless opportunities to choose from. How can first-years make the most of their early days on campus? In this guide, upperclassmen share some advice on how to make a smooth transition to life at Duke.
“Walking to Pincho Loco with my Faculty-in-Residence once a month for free ice cream, the East Campus Carnival, and concerts at Coffeehouse — those are some of my favorite first-year memories.”
— Rachel Collins, Class of 2026
“Try a meal at the Freeman Center—especially on dairy days. Some of the best food on campus!”
— Gabby Mendoza, Class of 2027
“I quickly became very close with other students in West House. During the fall semester, we’d all have dinner together every night at Marketplace, squeezing ten or twelve people into a table meant for six. There was so much laughter at every meal.”
— Stella Kaye, Class of 2029
“My first year at Duke was filled with meals at Marketplace, relaxing on the quad outside Lilly Library, and so many other great moments. I loved going on runs around East and heading downtown just minutes away—there’s always something to do.”
— Connor Biswell, Class of 2026
“One of my favorite memories is sitting outside Baldwin on the lawn. When the weather was nice, we’d pull the blue chairs into a circle and spend time together—music playing, laptops out, but mostly just enjoying being with friends. During the first few Saturdays of fall, we’d also have informal watch parties in the common room for away Duke football games—never planned, just understood we’d all be there, catching up and getting ready for the week ahead.”
— Ben Childress, Class of 2026
