Social Life at Wash U

<p>I've heard that the social life is pretty good for a school of Wash U's academic caliber, but I'm not sure I buy it. When I visited, the campus was so quiet. There were students around, but everyone seemed really content to just sit or walk quietly. I want a school where kids will play frisbee on the greens, where people put down the books on the weekend and party, and where people are outgoing and happy. Is Wash U any of those things?</p>

<p>Also, I've heard that Wash U pulls heavily from NY and NJ, and that it has a very large Jewish population. Does anyone have hard stats on any of these? If one is not Jewish, will one feel out of place?</p>

<p>My older brother is a sophomore at Wash U and he really enjoys the social life. When did you visit? If it was during the week then most likely people were studying, that's similar at a lot of colleges. During the weekends it livens up a lot. </p>

<p>And with regards to the religion thing, I don't think it's predominantly Jewish or anything like that. I'm not sure but I really don't think you'll feel out of place if you're not Jewish. </p>

<p>I know that's a pretty basic answer but I hope it helps.</p>

<p>It depends on when you visited... like if you visited during exams time or during break, you probably wouldn't have had much of a student-life view. When I visited, there were a LOT of people outside hanging out. People were lounging around, playing ultimate frisbee, etc etc, and there was even a small class being held outside on the grass! It seemed like a really chill atmosphere. It was a nice day too. I hear there's a fair share of partiers and studiers and the people in-between. WU is not the school where "fun goes to die"... A lot of people agree with me on this one. It's pretty even on social life and studies, so you'll have no prob. I'm pretty much in the same boat... I LOVE to party, but I work hard when I need to. You'll do fine from what you've described.</p>

<p>And, I don't know where you're getting the info for the Jewish thing, but as far as I know, you're NOT going to be left out for not being Jewish!! I don't even think that would matter much.</p>

<p>Don't even worry about it, girl! :)</p>

<p>haha I had the same experience! When I visited the college seemed like a ghost town. Of course, that may have something to do with the fact that I visited in july...</p>

<p>Heck, I go to a high school with a significant Jewish population, and like half of my best friends are Jewish (and I'm asian), so don't sweat it!</p>

<p>WashU is usually characterized as a "work hard, play hard" school. From what my D says, I think that's a fair assessment. The kids are really smart and hardworking, but they are also very social and love to let loose and party. It seems to be a good blend of the two. The kids also seem to be very involved in the variety of activities/sports/clubs/frats/sororities...etc on campus. </p>

<p>As for your question about the size of the jewish population. WashU is about 27% jewish. That is a similar to the percent you will find in many top schools. Harvard 25%, Penn 25%, Cornell 22%, Northwestern 25%, Yale 23%, Columbia 22%, Brown 20%.</p>

<p>Partying happens Thurs-Sat nights on a regular basis (meaning all the time except for breaks). Thursdays are club nights - See Starting</a> the weekend early: Thursday night clubbin' in the Lou - Scene for some more info.</p>

<p>When I visited in October class was in session and students were EVERYWHERE. A HUGE game of frisbee in one field, students walking arm in arm and laughing, everyone seemed so happy to be there. Definitely a large Jewish population but you will find that at any non-religious top school. It seriously seemed like Disneyland for college kids. Everyone was interesting and happy and not stressed out.</p>

<p>I visited in November and it was QUIETTTTTTT</p>