<p>Wesleyan is a difficult place to define, as you can see from this thread. It contains fewer than 3,000 people from all corners of the planet about whom the only thing you can safely say, is that they are all smart. There are people who’ve graduated without ever knowing the directions to Smith Field (one of two athletic fields used for lacrosse games) and there are people who’ve never set foot in Eclectic (the artsy, indie music, “hipster” focal point on campus.)</p>
<p>Political debate, like everywhere else, tends to be conducted via blogs and anonymous posts. The level of discourse can vary by topic. In general, debates involving identity politics have a higher volubility and less room for compromise than would something like whether the U.S. gov’t should bail out General Motors. </p>
<p>I have never seen or heard of a truly hot-button political event, cause or issue that could garner the support of more than 10% of the student body. I’m not sure what that says about the possible presence or lack of a hostile environment at Wesleyan, but, it is an indication that not everyone is a radical, or at least radical enough to board a bus or carry a sign or put their name on a petition.</p>
<p>^^I might add that there are also people who, obviously, have no problem finding themselves at both places (though, not at the same time, we hope.)</p>
I find it interesting that you seem to think “radicalism” and “varied political opinions” are in conflict with each other. I would think that they go well together. </p>
<p>I’m unimpressed when schools say “we’re diverse; we have democrats and republicans!” because to me, that’s sort of like saying “we have both anarcho-collectivists and anarcho-individualists.”</p>
<p>Flying pig, this description sounds as if you read it from a 1999 version of College on the record. There are so many assumptions here that I can’t believe you even visited the school or stayed for Wesfest. Readers please be advised that it is erroneous and should really direct questions to actual Wesleyan students. </p>
<p>As for Flying pig, you should really not believe everything you read on the internet or companies that claim to accurately profile Wes. Please talk to actual Wesleyan students before you disperse horribly false information.</p>
<p>it’s interesting that both you and flyingpig have nearly the identical number of posts. And, as far as I can tell it’s been nearly a month since she’s visited this thread.</p>
<p>I am not a current student but middle-aged parent who doesn’t have a car.
When we visited from NYC last fall, there was no longer direct bus that goes to Middletown. Had to take train Amtrak to Meriden (Metro North to New heaven, then Amtrak NH to Meriden would have been much cheaper I found out later.) Then took cab, like 25 bucks from Meriden to Wes.
I saw Wes kids waiting for shuttle of sort later, maybe there are something for students.
Thing is, when I made thread about how to get Wes and asked the same question, John is the one gave me detailed answer. He have been helpful for many other aspects as well.
So, Hunter kid, up above, give him a break, would you?
If you aren’t happy with something after THAT high school, I don’t blame you but in the long run, it is a blessing. Believe what old people say.
As for flying-pig, I did often wonder why she did not choose U Chicago or Swarthmore or st. Olaf.
What is that she really love about Wes if not that electricity-which my kid took as smell of electric parties that she seems despising. Academics alone, as John have been fighting all along on other school’s thread, there are many more powerhouses that worthy of her.
Let’s just say, it’s OK to choose school based on what you like but staying and be happy there would be totally up to the person.</p>
<p>Just to add to bears and dogs’ post, there is a ride board on your eportfolio where students with cars may offer pick ups and drop offs at Meriden for a cheaper price than a cab or carpooling with other Wesleyan students so that you may split the fare. </p>
<p>Many students I know use Executive cab, which offers a flat rate to either New Haven or Meriden. </p>
<p>The idea of depending on other people’s cars was not flattering to me at first but it’s very likely you’ll have a friend with a car. If they’re not busy and you offer them some gas money, somebody will give you a ride with no problem. </p>
<p>As for Boston, there are many students from the Massachusetts area. Last year I saw many offers on the ride board for rides into Massachusetts. If you can’t find a ride, there’s always a cab to a Hartford bus that goes to Boston. </p>
<p>Finally, the idea of zipcars being brought onto campus has been thrown around the past couple of years. Hopefully that actually happens this year.</p>