Washington & Lee University
Reviews

Girls

Average for the most part when compared to a southern state school and for many people their high schools, but you have to consider that the class size is small so most guys actually have a good chance of hooking up with/dating a pretty attractive girl.

Small Classes, Many Choices

The small classes are nice because if you have a question, it will be answered and also it forces students to actually pay attention and learn. I came in looking to major in econ and so far my experience with the business school has been phenomenal.

Depends...

Housing here is pretty good, but it depends a lot on who you are and where you live. If you're a huge rager and love to party and don't mind lots of noise at 2 am when you're trying to sleep, then Graham-Lee's is great. However, if you enjoy sleeping and like a more chill (not boring) environment, Davis is definitely the place for you. Gaines is not "anti-social" but its definitely a different environment than the rest of the halls. Its a very quiet place, but it does have AC, so if that's what you want then go for it. I live in GL but I spend the vast majority of my time in Davis and Gilliam. It's all about what you like here, but rest assured, there is a place for you.

Very Accessible

A huge portion of W&L students are here on need-based financial aid. Applying by the deadline is key. Another amazing option is merit-based scholarships. The endowment at W&L is massive and somehow seems to keep growing.

An Honor System That Works

The school values its student administered honor system very highly. If you choose to abide by the rules, do not lie, cheat, or steal, then you will be perfectly fine. The honor code will ultimately give you more freedom. If you fail to uphold these standards, you will no longer attend the university. There are no second chances for honor violations. With that being said, the school is very lenient with social freedoms. As long as you do not lie, cheat, or steal in regards to the social life, the school is very tolerant of the heavily Greek system.

Good Parking

If you have a visitor for a weekend, all you need to do is go to security, get a visiting pass (for free) and they can park wherever they'd like. As for students, first-years pay for parking but after freshman year, it's free.

Diversity?

W&L also known as White and Loaded. Enough said. But if you're looking for diversity beyond the color of someone's skin, W&L is definitely home to many people from many different backgrounds and locations. It has a great student body!

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

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.

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

Financial Aid Is EXCELLENT

Opportunities abound for scholarships and grants. Financial aid in general is also great - I have received tons of assistance. If you deserve to be at this school but think you can't afford it, the financial aid department WILL help you out.

Excellent Facilities

The commons are beautiful, convenient, luxurious, and have everything you need. The library was recently renovated and is a great place to hang out and study. Classroom buildings are good and the older ones are in the process of renovation. The gym is nice, but the fitness center is a bit small and gets overcrowded at times. Overall, the campus is extremely beautiful, and they go to great lengths around here to keep it that way. They do a stellar job - definitely one of the most beautiful campuses you will ever visit.

There's Something for Everybody

Like any town in America, you have your good and your bad. For the most part, off-campus housing is easy to find and relatively nice (unless you live in one of the Greek associated houses). Safety is definitely not a problem overall. Most people leave their house/apartment unlocked.

Awful Parking

Freshmen parking is horrendous as you must park in a lot one mile from the dorms. You cannot park in town or else the town will tow your car. Sophomore year, you park at the frats or srats with much more convenient access to your car.

Freshmen can bring cars, but the...

Freshmen can bring cars, but the parking lot is very far away. Otherwise, parking is scarce.

Well, if by public transportation...

Well, if by public transportation you mean your feet, then it's great! Honestly, I don't think I've seen a public bus or a taxi cab in Lex (although cabs are available). W&L does have Traveller, which runs at night to take students to and from the major party scences, a shuttle to Wal-Mart during the weekend, and campus security, which will give rides at night from campus to dorms.

There are no real bars or clubs....

There are no real bars or clubs. Every party here is a fraternity party, making drinks very available and very free. If you really are a bar person, and want to find one, you should not come to W&L.

Transportation at W&L is the...

Transportation at W&L is the worst. Traveler is actually useful at night, three times a week, from 10-2...but besides that? I don't think so. An all-night cab company would make millions here.

Parking is a bit tough. Freshman...

Parking is a bit tough. Freshman can bring a car, but the freshman lot is very far away.

Town is within walking distance,...

Town is within walking distance, so it's not a problem. Getting to Wal-Mart or Kroger is harder, but most students have cars, and now the university offers a weekend shuttle to Wal-Mart.

The parties are great, but they...

The parties are great, but they start and end early compared with other schools. People here go out from around 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. As a freshman, making friends with some upperclassmen who can give you a place to pre-game is a must. After pre-gaming, people normally hit whatever fraternity is hosting a DJ/band party. There are also the country houses, which are fun options when the weather is good. Also, I wish I had better equipped my wardrobe for theme parties. If I dressed up for every theme party, I'd be in a ridiculous outfit three times a week. Except for Macado's, the bar/club scene is non-existent. The fraternity dance parties and parties at off-campus houses more than make up for the lack of bars. Also, they keep the cost of a night out way down.

It is pretty easy to park around...

It is pretty easy to park around campus if you are a junior or senior because there is a parking garage right next to campus. Sophomores and freshmen live close enough to walk to campus, and freshmen can keep cars on campus, but they have to park them in a lot that is off campus.

The parking deck is short walk...

The parking deck is short walk from campus, but it's only for juniors, seniors, and sophomores living in dorms. The freshman parking lot is a five- to ten-minute walk from the main part of campus but not overly inconvenient.

Don't bring a car as a freshman....

Don't bring a car as a freshman. The parking lot is really far and you'll just end up driving everyone around if you pledge a frat.

Most parties are either in frat...

Most parties are either in frat houses or off-campus houses. They involve a lot of drinking and guys trying to pick up girls. The two main bars in Lexington are Macado's and The Palms, which both have horrible service, but Macado's has the best food, which makes up for the lack of service.