Education Question: Academics + Social Life
Hi! 
I have a question that I hope people who know more about "game schools" can answer. After many months of consideration and research, I have decided an education in game design / development is right for me. I have always been interested in designing worlds and locations and actually forging them into unique experiences.
One school has had my focus for a while: DigiPen. While DigiPen does offer the rigorous academics I'm seeking, it doesn't provide the social aspect I'm looking for. I enjoy the out-of-school events in a typical college experience, such as the frequent parties. Therefore, I've had my eyes on two other schools:
University of Utah and their EAE program
Savannah College of Art & Design's Interactive Design and Game Development program, which is much less technical than DigiPen and Utah's programs, but will allow me to develop more as a designer and artist, which I prefer
So finally, here comes my question: does anyone have some insight into these three schools, and any recommendations for "game design" schools that offer both rigorous academics and the typical college social life? As a side note, I realize most people will recommend me getting a normal CS degree, however, I prefer my education to have an design/art focus as that is my main interest, and then I'll take on programming on the side!
Thank you so much for reading!
Replies
I went to SCAD. It was fine. Typical college experience, location etc. Savannah is a really nice town, lots of stuff to do and culture. I made lifelong friends there, some of whom live and work close to me here in LA and I'm thankful for their friendship and meeting them at school.
There are a few caveats to the school however. It's expensive and the financial stress this puts on you or your family if you have to take out loans, is not worth it. Financially I would recommend that you spend a year at a community or state school completely liberal arts credits like speech, composition etc. This could potentially save you tens of thousands. IE one class at SCAD is like 3 grand. One class at a state school was $600. The credits transferred without a problem.
I can't comment on the quality of the classes as I did not depend on them for learning explicit skills. Regardless of which school you go to; never depend on classes or professors to teach you all you need to know. Treat assignments as deliverables like you would have in the industry. Use classes as guidelines for your own self education.
What you do in class will most likely not be enough to land you a job.
As someone who started late with 3D and switched education even before that I understand that its simply not the case that people come out of highschool and know what real life is about and what they want from it. I also understand that urge to party and make those experiences. Maybe they are even necessary for the development of a person and most probably they are more benefical than just sitting in class and at your computer for 100 hours a week improving your skills.
BUT you have to accept the fact that those years of partying are wasted years when it comes to getting a job because the kid that spent 100 hours working on his skills each week will get it (and most probably there are more students that put in this kind of workethic than there are good jobs). Its your choice what you want from life.
As people have already said, don't go into it looking to have the whole college experience. That being said, you should be fine going out for drinks a few times as long as you keep up with rigorous classwork and learning more outside class. Just manage time wisely. Good luck!