Washington and Lee University Top Questions

Fraternities and sororities dominate the social scene, but its for the best. I'll save you time from checking out the princeton review rankings-- W&L has something like 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} greek life but its social scene has recently moved away from the fraternity houses to the "country"-- your average off campus house 5 minutes away. Something to note is that the university owns the greek scene and therefore incorporates its buildings into the school's strategic plan. I've heard every sorority(5)/fraternity(14) house cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 million each. Irregardless, theres truthfully a place in the greek system for just about everyone to find their niche.

Social life at Washington and Lee is very lively. Like I have said, the students here know how to party and they do it quite often. There is almost never a night when you cannot find someone having a party. Unfortunately, the social life is predominantly greek-based which makes it difficult for non-greek students to maintain a lively social life unless they are friends with members of these organizations. Thus, the interaction between greek students and non-greek students are currently being worked upon with organizations on campus that try to bring these groups together to socialize in a neutral and comfortable atmosphere. Some traditions that happen each year are our huge Fancy Dress Ball which is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to get dolled up in your best look. It is kind of like a college prom and it is great to go to with your boyfriend/girlfriend or just a group of friends. It is more than 100 years old and is still going strong. Also, there are things to do that do not involve drinking and partying such as movies and Roanoke is nearby, which offers you a chance to do some shopping and even see a movie.

There are too many clubs to name, and each has a good purpose that ultimately helps the community, the school, or the students. Athletes are everywhere, but sometimes you can't tell when they aren't at practice or a game. W&L athletes play because they love the game. Being a D-3 school sports aren't that popular, but lacrosse and soccer seem to get pretty popular. Football games are mainly a social event, and most don't stay for the whole game. The school provides many extra activities such as well-known speakers and movies that have not reached the stores. The IFC and Panhel also bring in speakers; all are well-received. The Greek system is more the just a party scene: it's where you meet your best friends, and gives you a chance to be more involved. All Greek affiliations are involved with community service and play a big role in improving the school itself. But it is a source for social events, as well. If you want to go out, there will probably be a party on any given night. The biggest nights are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Some of the more popular parties are the weekend events like Homecoming, Christmas Weekend, Fraternity Formals, Fancy Dress, and most recently, Mock Con. Mixers are also frequent, and sororities have formals, too. More than 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body is involved in the Greek system. It's not so much being able to say you are in a certain fraternity or sorority, but it's more of just being involved. It is harder for boys to not be in a frat than girls, because fraternities throw most of the parties. Yes, the social life tends to revolve around the Greeks, but it is not a negative aspect. You have your friends: it's not that certain people aren't invited, it's that there are different groups that just choose to be apart.

Greek life is overwhelmingly popular, with something like 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students on campus belonging to a Greek organization. This means that the Greek scene is different from a lot of other places: all parties are open (no guest lists whatsoever and no cover charges), the Intra-Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils have a strong hand in student government, and frat parties are almost always more popular than Student Activities Board events (who have brought groups such as The Roots, Busta Rhymes, and 3-6 Mafia to campus). Good luck if you are planning a student showcase, poetry reading, play, or concert on a Friday or Saturday night--you simply won't have high attendance. But W&L is what you make it, and if you are looking for other activities, they are there: join the Outing Club or the call the Lenfest Center box office. As another result of this frat party preeminence, dating is practically non-existent. Students tend to casually, i.e. drunkenly, "hook up," a term which seems to cover everything from a mild dance-floor make-out to wild sex. But should your hook up status last long enough, you might end up having to DTR (determine the relationship)...and like me, end up with a boyfriend of two years.

Frats and srats are very important. The honor code is very effective. People party probably about 4 or 5 times a week. Off campus, there is one bar, but most drinking involve frats or srats.

The Greek System is by far the most popular, largest student organization on campus. Over 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the school is Greek. I love my sorority and being involved has given me a chance to develop my leadership skills while helping my community.

Social Life is completely Greek dominated, if you don't go Greek you barely have any options.

GREAT social scene. No matter what day of the week you want to go out, you can find a party and people who will go out with you. However, the Greek system and labels definitely put a strain on which parties certain people feel comfortable at. Also, most people are involved in the Greek system as well as at least two other activities. it's great!

All doors are unlocked all the time. The alumni organization (Kathekon) is very popular, I think because W&L alums love this place and are fun to be around. Football games are poplar for the first quarter, just to see who's wearing what. No one dates, but hookups are ramped. People only go see the plays if they get extra credit for a class. People party about 3 nights a week, because we have lots of work too. Except for spring term- then its about 5 nights a week. Greek life is HUGE! I dont know more than 10 independents, but apparently all of our parties are open to them.

FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN!!!!