<p>I found William and Mary to have the perfect balance of a southern (only the positive parts) feel and appreciation for culture of the region; but also accepting of people with all views. They don’t need to be on paper obsessed with diversity because they know how to form a community without forcing diversity as something to obsess about, so naturally diversity in all forms occurs and is just a matter of day-to-day life at the college…and I’m an African-american from the north from a very socially moderate-liberal place.</p>
<p>I visited from southern california which is quite liberal. I didn’t notice anything that was very different other than it was hotter than socal and people were friendlier (asking us if we needed help etc.) Racial diversity is pretty shallow interpretation of diversity imo. If you could surround yourself with people that had the same personality, but different skin color, would that be preferable than surrounding yourself with people of similar skin color but wildly different personalities? Personally I could care less what race people are, their actions and personality are what I value.</p>
<p>BTW: I didn’t see any conservative flags (I actually saw more in socal weirdly enough).</p>
<p>I agree- like I said diversity in all forms…</p>
<p>Okay well it’s all interesting, but I’m not sure what it all means.
my son is OOS, we are Cuban and I grew up in Chicago but was born in Cuba. He loved it at WM so that’s why he said yes. It’s warmer than Chicago, and so although I love Northwestern I love WM more, especially for undergrad.</p>
<p>radicalistic, even though W&M is located in Southern VA, the state itself is very diverse. Northern Virginia and tidewater students are often very transient having been born into diplomatic and military families or first-generation American families. Those areas are also very racially and ethnically diverse. The western part of VA is still very rural and agrarian and then Richmond has some great Southern culture so even though 65% of W&M students are Virginian they are quite diverse. </p>
<p>W&M has students from 48 states and 43 countries as well as students with all kinds of talents, backgrounds and perspectives. Just as you will add some Midwestern flavor to the campus so too will those from more “Southern” backgrounds and together you’ll add to the culture of W&M. </p>
<p>Because W&M actually has a large OOS population (35% which is high for a public university) you likely won’t feel “out of place”. Students come to W&M for a new experience regardless of their hometown. It’s not a suitcase campus and you’ll definitely feel at home here quickly.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>