Wesleyan is a school that goes by many names: "Diversity University," "PCU," "Wellesley," and "The Hippiest Place on Earth," to name a few. But what is Wesleyan, really? Well, the short answer is: it's a small liberal arts university in Central Connecticut. The long answer, however, includes naked parties, drum circles, tent protests, free pancakes, free hugs, spontaneous dancing, having tremendous school pride but not remembering the fight song, igloos, bonfires, and a crazy, vibrant music scene. Aren't you glad you asked?
The key thing you need to know about Wesleyan is that it has the prestige of an elite university with the attitude of a laid-back vegetable co-op (or a cheese co-op—the University has both). If you go on a tour, it is likely that someone will call out to you, saying "Come to Wes!" and possibly chase barefoot after the tour group if he or she is feeling especially enthused—everyone loves it here. While Wesleyan students play hard (on their mandolins and ukeleles), they also work hard. Most students are very invested in their coursework, and because of the flexibility of Wesleyan's requirements, students are able to tailor their workload to involve things they actually enjoy doing. There is an ongoing movement to "Keep Wes Weird," which inspires students to push societal, gender, and political norms on a daily basis, inviting unique thought and action into everyday life. In a few words, Wesleyan is eye-opening, stimulating, accepting, politically active, and a rollicking good time!