Archive for November, 2011



Choosing the school that’s right for you can be one of the most harrowing decisions you will ever have to make. There are very few choices in life that commit us to years in a new place, with new people, and can possibly shape the course of the rest of our lives. It is no wonder that people approach this decision with a huge amount of anxiety and fear.

Before deciding upon an institution of higher learning, it is wise to consider what exactly it is you are looking for. Just because a school is ranked number one in the nation, does not mean it will necessarily be able to fit your needs—all the hopes and dreams that are particular to you. When shopping for a school, be sure to consider not only academic excellence, but also the quality of student life, and the track record of alumnae. How much interaction do students have with professors? What do students do to let off steam? What do the school’s graduates tend to do and do they enjoy it?

These are some of the questions that were taken into consideration in the researching and writing of this list of the top five universities in the Southeast. While no list will perfectly reflect the experience of every student, we are confident that the schools that earned their way onto this list are each phenomenal, each in their own way.

1. Duke University, Durham, NC

Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, tops the list of best universities in the Southeast due to a nearly unbeatable combination of outstanding academics and consistently high level of student enjoyment of life and engagement in campus activities. Duke is highly competitive, and for good reason. Applicants come from around the nation and the world, giving Duke a unique flavor among Southeastern schools, at once familiar and exotic, traditional and modern. Duke’s Durham campus allows access to a wealth of opportunities, both cultural and educational. A Duke education is great to have; first you have to get accepted.

2. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Like Duke, number two Johns Hopkins University is not just one of the best schools in the Southeast, but one of the best in the entire country. Johns Hopkins is known as one of the most challenging academic programs in the nation. Students are seen not as passive receptacles for professors to pour wisdom into, but as active participants in their education. Johns Hopkins gives students a role in shaping their education that is unlike that at any other university.

3. Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Georgetown University, number three on this list, is the oldest Catholic university in the nation. Georgetown’s stellar reputation for its accessible faculty and wide-ranging programs is well earned. The school’s District of Columbia location gives Georgetown students a thrilling opportunity to enhance their educational and cultural experience by immersing themselves not only in school but in the thriving life of the nation’s capitol.

4. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

The University of Virginia earns its place on this list by joining a liberal arts college feel with a full research university. Academics are rigorous at University of Virginia, but students still report a rich life outside of the classroom, enjoying the historic environs of the school and its Charlottesville setting.

5. Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Finally, Atlanta’s Emory University fights its way onto the list with its offering of a broad education combined with a sense of mission, involving students in international, national, and local communities. Like the others who share space on this list, Emory University is an outstanding place to receive an education. Getting past the competitive admission process may be the hardest part of you Emory experience.



The city of Raleigh was founded more than 200 years ago in 1792. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and is considered one of three historical cities within the state. Raleigh is located in one of the most rapidly expanding metro areas in the United States. As the city continues to grow and expand there are many prospects for Raleigh, NC jobs.

Raleigh has grown to a population of more than 400,000 as of 2008. Overall, Raleigh is ranked as the 45th biggest city in the U.S. Raleigh along with the cities of Durham and Chapel Hill constitutes what is known as the Research Triangle Metro Area. The population of the Research Triangle Metro Area has grown to more than 1.7 Million citizens.

The economy and Raleigh, NC jobs are very diverse. Various industries drive growth of the economy and job market. These industries include but are not limited to banking/financial, medical, pharmaceuticals, clothing, and electrical. The Research Triangle is also a key contributor to a strong economy and source of jobs in Raleigh.

The Research Triangle is one of the biggest research centers in the U.S. It is an important hub for biotech research, complex textile development, and high tech research. The Research Triangle is a major source of jobs and has a big impact on the local economy.

The Research Triangle is made up of many leading companies in the United States and worldwide. BASF, Cisco Systems, DuPont, General Electric, IBM, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, LabCorp, and Progress Energy are just some of the major companies that operate in the Research Triangle. They employ a large number of employees in Raleigh, NC jobs. They are also vitally important to the stability and growth of the economy in Raleigh.

Progress Energy is ranked among Fortune 500 companies. They provide energy service to millions of customers in North and South Carolina as well as Florida. At the end of 2007, Progress Energy reported revenue of more than $9 Billion. They are also responsible for employing more than 11,000 associates.

North Carolina State University is another major component of the local economy and labor market. As part of the Research Triangle, North Carolina State conducts extensive research and is affiliated with many biotech and high tech companies. North Carolina State University employs more than 7,000 faculty and staff.

There are many banking and financial institutions that have a strong presence in Raleigh. Capital Bank, Bank of America, Wachovia, and BB&T are just a few of the many banking institutions with offices in Raleigh. They provide many services to the community and bring revenue into the city.

Raleigh, NC has received numerous recognitions for being one of the best cities to live and work. Bizjournal rated Raleigh as the “#1 Top City for Small Business” in 2009. Also in 2009, Forbes rated Raleigh as “#1 City Where Americans are Relocating” and “#1 Best Place for Business and Careers”.

There is plenty of potential and opportunities for Raleigh, NC jobs. In fact, there are many options not just for jobs but for long term career growth, development, and stability.

When visiting Durham there are several Durham gay clubs for when it is time for a night out clubbing with live entertainment and dancing, or a night of friends and conversation. One of these is Annies Bar located on 97 Linthorpe Road. This is a pub like atmosphere where patrons always feel at home with real local ales and there is always an event occurring on the weekends.

Hallgarth Manor Country Hotel & Restaurant is one of the Durham locations that has a warm and friendly bar for having a business meeting with drinks or just a quiet evening out with friends. The place is one of those which you can walk into and it feels so welcoming and friendly. The genuine North East welcome is unsurpassed anywhere else in the UK.

Switch Bar is located on Scotswood Road and is one of the Durham gay clubs that is a hotspot on weekends. Switch bar is one of the most lively bars on the scene.In the day the bar offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is music and dancing with DJ’s mixing up all your favourite music of party and chart classics, along with drink specials and local ales and other events to make the night fun and exciting. This is one of the clubs the locals choose as one of their weekend party places, and its not surprising if you choose to pay a visit.

The Powerhouse is located on George Street and has live entertainment on weekends, and other nights with the music different on different nights, this is one club that does not get routine. There is also karaoke, pool and special events that will make a visit to this bar fun and exciting for any visitor. This is one club with a difference and its well worth the time to visit and let down your hair. The best time to visit is certainly on Saturdays but be prepared to get there early since its normally packed with local revellers.

Gossip is located on Westmoreland Road and is one of the places to be on the weekend with DJ’s and dancing, in a trendy atmosphere. This is a place to meet locals and other visitors to Durham. There is a friendly staff and drink specials, there is karaoke and special shows for the patrons. The karaoke show is normally great fun and worth going along to even if you cant sing!