<p>I know it's an impossible question because everyone is different, but could I get a general idea of what the students are like at WashU? Certain schools describe their typical students as artsy or quirky or studious, etc... Are you more likely to find them in the library or out out having fun? Are they competitive with each other academically? Is there a vibe of school spirit on campus? Are they proud to go to WUSTL? Are they funny, random, driven, interesting, pretty, ugly, snobby, arrogant, down-to-earth?</p>
<p>Hi Raelah!
One of my favorite things about being a Wash U student is that it is really hard to stereotype a "typical" student. It's not the kind of school where everyone is in a fraternity, where everyone goes to a football game, or where everyone is from a certain area of the country.</p>
<p>I think some of the unifying characteristics of Wash U students, though, is that everyone is really collaborative. I think it comes from the fact that you can double major in anything at Wash U and switch you main undergrad school. It's in the midwest, and you definitely get the stereotypical midwestern friendliness vibe. Since Wash U is next to some really cool neighborhoods (the Loop, Central West End, Forest Park, Clayton, etc), it's still pretty vibrant and you definitely aren't in the middle of suburbia or a farm. </p>
<p>I applied to a lot of similar schools in Wash U's tier, and Wash U really sold me on the quality of students who go here. Of course, everyone is very motivated to do well (academically and extracurricularly), but it's NOT at all cut-throat. People want to help you and have you do well. The quality of student life is amazing, and I know I wouldn't be living in such a nice dorm or eating this quality of food anywhere else I looked :P</p>
<p>I agree that there is no way to describe the whole general body of students with just one adjective. The library can be packed at times, and the frats can be packed at others. You can find people from all walks of life and with all sorts of different attitudes. Although, "funky", "quirky" or "counter-culture" are not words I would really use to describe a lot of students here, there are definitely significant groups that could be characterized as such.</p>
<p>I would say that competitiveness is not really an issue at WashU. Study groups are very common, if not essential for some courses. A lot of students are driven and push themselves to do better, but never does that mean sabotaging someone else. No one will ever steal your notes or purposefully try to make you get a lower grade.</p>
<p>School spirit is a little more muted here. My hometown is home to a SEC university where spirit and sports is a huge deal, so I definitely notice the difference when coming here. I think there are always efforts to try and boost school spirit, but I still think its a little lacking.</p>
<p>Although, "funky", "quirky" or "counter-culture" are not words I would really use to describe a lot of students here, there are definitely significant groups that could be characterized as such.</p>