What else is there to do besides partying on Weds, Friday and Saturday at W&L? It is a top choice for our son who is a senior this year. He had a great time visiting the school and experienced “the Traveller” shuttle to the off campus parties for a night. While he said it was a lot of fun, students were super friendly and he really enjoyed himself, I am concerned he will get tired of doing this regularly (and he agrees that it maybe it could get kind of old). Other schools we visited had shuttles offered during the day to go to various nearby places/events etc. And when I asked him if the Traveller was used to take the students anywhere off campus during the day he said he didn’t think so, that it seemed it was just for getting to and from parties and ran from 10p-2am.
I know the area is very rural, but do kids have opportunities to get off campus to hike, fish, golf, anything at all to mix it up a bit? Is his assumption correct -that the shuttle is basically just a night party bus and they don’t offer it for other purposes?? This combined with the tour guide bragging out the W, F, Sat party scene and that the health center is available for students that drink way too much seems a bit odd.
He has always had his mind set on W&L for the great academic reputation, alumni network, small classes, great professors, business at an LAC etc, and we were thrilled that it really did seem to be the perfect fit for him after 2 campus visits and various presentations. But the more I read about the party atmosphere, I wonder if his only choices on the weekends will end up being too much of the SAME thing every weekend (party) or doing nothing at all? Is there something for the kids in between? Please make me feel better about his choice!!!
Very popular outdoor program with frequent organized weekend and break trips offered at low/no cost. Great area for fishing, hiking, skiing, rafting, etc. within a couple of hours. https://www.wlu.edu/outing-club/outdoor-activities
Not heard to find people going to concerts & other events at UVA or other nearby colleges, so even if your S does not have a car, he will know plenty of people who do. He could golf as his PE requirement (4 semesters); think they do that at Lexington Country Club. Don’t underestimate the weekends where he will be in the library! Greek scene is storied and visible, but it was not difficult for D to find folks who weren’t only about parties. She was involved in volunteer projects, religious life, & performing arts.
Depending on his circle of friends, the frat party scene may be the major social activity or completely irrelevant. The new junior village is changing social life in a good way, IMHO.
Thank you @yauponredux for the reply-great to hear about the outing club- that really sounds ideal for him. And I am sure he’d love to fulfill a PE requirement playing golf. I agree he will likely spend some of the weekends in the library as he has become very used to spending a good part of his weekends doing work at home over the high school years. I’m glad to hear about the junior village having a positive impact too-I know that was a big change for WL! Sounds like there are some good options to keep things interesting besides just the parties.
That’s too bad that that’s the only purpose of the Traveller
There were two large Christian groups, Generals Christian Fellowship and Reformed University Fellowship (the latter is a ministry of the Presbyterian church). The Episcopal students had services and activities with VMI sudents at RE Lee Memorial Episcopal church (that is not the same thing as Lee Chapel). Typical activities include weekly Bible studies, occasional retreats, and meals together. My D definitely grew stronger in her faith while there. Hillel is active for Jewish students. Not sure what other ministries are on campus.
As for performing arts, there are three or four choral groups, an impressive dance program, several university theatre productions annually and a number of smaller student-directed shows. Besides W&L shows, the Lenfest Center frequently hosts traveling companies. It is easy for non-majors to get involved in music, dance, & theatre. Don’t know much about instrumental music. People go to performing arts events as they do sports events to support their friends. Many area residents who are not affiliated with W&L attend campus shows. Is this helpful, @MamaLala?
As a parent I am extremely glad Traveller is there to help keep kids safe. It also helps get the students home at a ‘reasonable’ hour by college student standards.
There are many things to do besides party at W&L - there is a great chance your son will find plenty to do!
