The University of Colorado - Denver

Mixed with CCD and Metro, this campus is always crawling with people (I think the site said the three schools have 45,000 people total). Very lively during the day hours.

Since I attend UCD classes, from what I have found students here tend to act really serious. I don't know if they are actually that serious in real life, but the school does something to make people super quiet. Lessens the sense of community in the school and sometimes I wish people would relax a bit more. I don't recall a first day of semester sitting in a class so quietly with some 30 new faces waiting awkwardly for the professor to finally arrive. Especially when you are a first year and taking your core-classes. But once you start your major and you get to see familiar faces every start of a semester, things get better.

You definitely won't get 'the college experience' here, save for the rigor in your studies. I mean, you can always get a casual drink at the Tivoli but its not like some frat party with free jello shots. The free part you have got to love. And there ARE dorms nearby but they are notoriously trashy (read the other comments here). Also, it seems that a lot of people treat their significant other as their one/only friend. There are countless times I meet people so engrossed in their 1+ years relationship. Which you have got to respect, but if you just want casual friends, forget those love-doves.

If you transfer from a traditional university you might really miss your past life at a typical college. LIKE A LOT. There isn't too much to do on the campus and downtown is definitely fun but a university-centered district would be really great. But as long as you keep a good circle of friends with you as you attend this school it won't be that bad. Most people cope by starting out with their high school friends. Which is good to keep friendships but kind of dull since most college freshman are eager for that new start.

If you don't know that many people in the first place, get involved in clubs. I know most college clubs are really lazy/end up doing nothing too exciting… so voice your high expectations/encourage those lazy club leaders to initiate something. And don't be afraid to break that silence in your class. I find that even though people are really quiet, most won't avoid a little simple talk.