Washington and Lee University Top Questions

Washington and Lee is a small school, which has some disadvantages but definitely has some great advantages. I can walk into the dining hall and know someone there. Also, I can be involved in things that I could not otherwise. There is no way I would cheer at a bigger school. The town of Lexington is also very small, but it is cute and I have grown to love it. We are only an hour from Roanoke and I can go there if I ever really need a Starbucks or a mall. There is not a lot of school spirit in that athletic events are not very well attended, however we have a great alumni network who really love the school.

The best thing about W&L is the sense of community. Because of our honor system and small size, you can pretty much trust everyone. People leave backpacks, ipods, and laptops lying around campus and no one will touch them. Our social system, though somewhat divided because of fraternity/sorority rivalry, is very open. No one charges for parties, and for the most part, everyone is welcome at a fraternity party even if they are from another fraternity or independent.

best thing is the honor system, which allows you to take exams when you want, take-home tests, leave valuables out, not lock your room etc. teachers couldn't be more accessible, i wish lexington was more of a college town but charlottesville, roanoke, and lynchburg are only 1 hour away

The best thing about W&L are the class sizes, the professors, the beautiful campus, and the quality of people on the campus. One thing I would change about W&L isn't really about W&L it's the city in which W&L is. There is nothing to do besides study, work out, and drink...heavily. I think W&L is a great size. If you want to know everyone and like seeing the same people, you will love W&L, if not, then W&L isn't for you. I spend most of my time either in my room, class, the gym, or the library; I also spend a lot of time in the dining hall. There is a ton of school pride, but not in a sports way; we are all so proud of what our school stands for (honor, intergrity, prestige), but we do not support sports as much as I wish we did. W&L is unusual because we are all very friendly and smile at everyone we pass, regardless if you know the person or not.

The best thing about Washington and Lee is the social scene. Because the school is almost entirely Greek, the parties are incredible. Though beer is available at every party, hard liquor rules the alcohol scene to an extremity. However, though I enjoy the parties due to the Greek scene, if I could change Washington and Lee I would eliminate Greek life altogether. People often see Greek letters, not personalities, when they look at each other. In addition, many of us grew up very privileged, so we have a tendency to behave in snobbish ways and do not always think of others as we should. Furthermore, because the school is so "cliquey" due to the Greek scene, it often feels too small--for example, if you were to make out with a fraternity brother at a party, all of his fraternity brothers would know by Monday morning and you would be publicly scorned. When I tell people I go to Washington and Lee, most people do not understand the significance of the school. Unfortunately, many do not recognize that this university is among the most prestigious in the country and is also deeply rooted in this nation's history. It is not recognized by many that Robert E. Lee was president, or that Washington and Lee currently ranks #15 in academic excellence among the United States' liberal arts colleges. I spend most of my time on campus in the University Commons. Because the school is small, we have one centrally located student center that contains the cafeteria, the foods co-op, and several study rooms and meeting rooms for student convenience. The school is not a "college town", per say, though the town would be nothing without the college. Lexington is a frequent tourist destination, but 22.1{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the town's residents are below the poverty line and rely on student purchases to bring in revenue. Washington and Lee's administration is very good about connecting with the students and staying in touch with their wants and needs. This is a benefit of a small school, but it is also the result of Robert E. Lee's desire that this community remain close-knit and sensitive to itself.

the best thing are the people. everyone is friendly and interested in what is going on in your life. it is a small school but it is one where everyone knows everyone else. it is a small town but there is always something to do on campus or in the community. people who have heard of washington and lee are impressed when you say you go W&L. those who haven't heard of it are kind of like oh ok. the people who really matter when trying to get a job have generally heard of it so that's what matters. the administration is always looking to improve the campus but without being too overbearing. student self governance is something that defines W&L, with every organization being run and governed by students. there is a lot of school pride. students and alums feel connected and when you meet someone who graduated from W&L there is an instant connection and a sense of pride. the one thing students complain about is that everyone knows everything about everyone. it's a small community and people talk. the one thing i will remember is the opportunities W&L gave me to grow. my involvement in a variety of organizations helped me grow as a person and really discover what my strengths and weaknesses are. i feel completely prepared to enter the working world and social world after graduating from W&L.

Washington and Lee can be a great place if you can connect with the right group of friends, which a fraternity/sorority can usually help with. The social scene is a little skewed and most interactions between girls and guys occur at parties where alcohol is always present. People take their schoolwork very seriously and I work much harder than my friends at state schools do, but its not untollerable. The work hard play hard cliche really applies to W and L. Teachers are great and there are tuns of oppurtunity to get involved outside of classes with clubs/orginizations. I really love the fact W and L is in the middle of the blue ridge mountains and some of the prettiest scenery in the USA is 5 minutes from campus where I can fish/bike/hike.