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Living & Learning

These are two words that encompass everyone’s experience over four years at Washington and Lee University. With a course catalogue that more closely resembles the thickness of the yellow pages, W&L is a small school with big academic opportunities. Every student explores about a third of their coursework with our flexible core curriculum known as FDRs (Foundation and Distribution Requirements), but that is just the start to the depth and breadth of our curriculum. What does this mean? Before declaring a major, students have the opportunity to take science classes that are heavy in writing or a politics class where you analyze the meaning of a Dave Matthews Band song.

When students do find an area of focus, it is with nationally accredited programs in the C-School and J-School and in popular departments like history, psychology and the sciences. Students are able to get real-world experiences with internships and study abroad during our Spring Term, but also enjoy time over the summer with our prestigious R. E. Lee Undergraduate Research Program. Whether preparing for graduate school or the first step into an exciting career, students are well-prepared with their liberal-arts education to think critically and impact the world around them.

Not everything takes place in the classroom setting though; even though the library is open 24-hours a day, students have a healthy understanding of balance during their time on campus. Whatever your interest, you will find a wealth of social and extracurricular opportunities at W&L. We are proud of our vibrant, university supported greek life here on campus, but students are also bound together through common experiences with community service and athletics. Two buildings on campus that see a lot of traffic are the artistic Lenfest Center and the more social Elrod Commons, which includes multiple dining options and our special living rooms.

Clearly, students are never at a loss for something to do on campus. Either spending time discussing reading in an English class or connecting with one of more than 150 student organizations, students at W&L like to take advantage of their four years. To get a closer look at what goes on each day, check out our student blogs or testimonies. Better yet, make the trip to explore our beautiful setting here in Lexington, Virginia!