Your First Year
First-Year Housing
All first-year students at Washington and Lee University live in on-campus housing. The First-Year residence halls are divided into sections of 12 to 20 students, each supervised by a Resident Adviser who is a trained, upper-division student, capable of giving sympathetic and informed guidance to First-Years.
Getting Involved
There are so many ways to get involved on campus during your first year!
Continuing Education
All FYs are expected to complete Continuing Education during fall term.
FYE 100: General Success
Register for FYE 100 and get credit for the continuing education you should be doing anyway!
FY Seminars
First-Year seminars are designed to introduce you to a field of study by way of a special topic, issue, or problem of interest to you. You will have the challenge of exploring the course material in depth with a faculty member and a small group of peers.
Writing 100
Consistent with the mission of Washington and Lee University, the Writing Program is dedicated to developing students’ writing, close reading, critical thinking, and research skills that they need to succeed in upper-level courses at the university and beyond. Students receive instruction and experience in analyzing individual works, exploring pertinent and interconnected issues, developing independent ideas, synthesizing multiple sources, and crafting arguments that exhibit awareness of field, genre, audience, and purpose. The Writing Program fosters an understanding of the multiplicity of individualized composing processes of designing, drafting, and revision. Through immersive courses and experiences in an intellectually rich and academically rigorous culture, the Writing Program prepares students for life-long learning as responsible and engaged citizens in a global and diverse society.
Curricular Advice for New Students
Which courses are the best starting place in the following academic disciplines? Find out.
Academic Success
A hallmark of the University is the close interaction between students and faculty both in and outside the classroom. This relationship forms the foundation for your academic success. You should make sure to talk with your adviser about academic aspirations, questions and concerns. You should also go talk to your professors when you have questions in a course you are taking.
Lindley Health
Lindley Health provides medical evaluation and care of student health concerns, both in an out-patient office setting, and an infirmary setting for round-the-clock care when needed. We strive to provide comprehensive primary medical care to W&L students, including evaluation and treatment of illness or injury, as well as preventive health services.
Dining Services
Dining Services invites you to experience a variety of campus food service selections and locations. We offer a variety of meal plan options to accommodate the various dining needs of our students, faculty and staff. Our department is committed to serving nutritious meals and offering a high standard of service to the campus community.
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development staff will provide you with the resources and guidance needed to assess your interests and values, recognize and use your skills and talents, promote the strengths of your liberal arts education, and develop and implement your academic or career plans.
First-Year Correspondence
List of all major correspondence to first-years so students can review and parents are aware.
Jason Rodocker
Senior Associate Dean of Students and Dean for First-Year Experience