Washington & Lee University
- Greek Life

Quick Stats

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Fraternities are absolutely huge at W&L, and have been for generations. About three out of every four guys joins a fraternity. Sororities, since coming to campus in the last decade, now attract about the same percentage of W&L women. What explains this? Students say that the small-town environment, where everything seems to shut down early, pushes them into “frats” or “srats” in order to get their share of nightlife and socializing. Plus, students try to continue the friendships they make in their first term at W&L; groups of friends often decide to join the same fraternity together. Despite the best efforts of the school administration to provide alternative entertainment, the Greek system still drives the social scene. The frats hold parties nearly every weekend, and lay it all out for a few special occasions (Homecoming, Christmas Weekend, Parents’ Weekend). Some of the more famous shindigs include Lamba Chi’s Tropical Party (complete with a two-story waterfall), Phi Kappa Phi's Forties and Floaties party, and Kappa Alpha's Beach Party and Dirty South.

The fraternity parties are open to all students who want to come. Non-Greek students, or even students from competing fraternities, are welcome. The only closed parties are fraternity-sorority mixers. W&L’s administration is cracking down on fraternities for various violations: within the past few years, one was suspended and another was kicked off indefinitely. Most recently, there have been rumblings about the administration enforcing the University’s official alcohol policy and stopping underage drinking at fraternity parties.

Washington & Lee Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Most RecentMost PopularHighest Grades

Greek Life at Washington & Lee University

stbullitt

'12

Political Science and Government

5.0

A+

The Entire World

Different than anywhere else. Greek life here is what eating clubs are to Princeton. If you a guy, you will get into a fraternity; it only depends on which fraternity. It's the same thing with girls. Most events here revolve around fraternities

Oct 06, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Greek Life at Washington & Lee University

emilyleary

'12

Psychology

5.0

A+

Greek Life

Greek Life is very big at W&L. The nice thing about almost everyone being involved is that there is at least one house that fits almost every personality.

Oct 06, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Greek Life at Washington & Lee University

emu0987

'15

Neuroscience

5.0

A+

Basically Greece

The Greek scene is the only social scene. That is perfectly acceptable, because the Greek organizations do a superb job with running the night life. There is something happening about 6 nights a week, and on big nights frequently four very different parties, anywhere from out in the country to in the frat house basements

Oct 05, 2011

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

What do you think of your school? Register to submit reviews to let others know what it's really like »

First

Previous

Page 1 of 7

Next

Last

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

What is Greek life’s role in the campus social scene?

What is the general attitude of non-Greeks toward Greeks?

What kind of housing is available for Greek students?

How difficult is it to get into a fraternity or sorority?

Facts