Wesleyan University (Wesleyan)

Nestled in the middle of Connecticut is Wesleyan University, a historic private liberal arts university that prides itself on an open curriculum that lets students explore interests and activities outside of their major. The school does have general education expectations, which help illustrate pathways through the curriculum; it also offers a flexible framework of four competencies that provide suggestions as to skills and capabilities that students should acquire in their course choices, which is useful with more than 1,000 courses on offer. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small class sizes, which creates an "enjoyable work environment that promotes learning, questioning, debate, and just overall fun"; this includes interactive learning, "excellent introductory STEM labs, field trips, ample research opportunities, and unique in-class projects." This experiential philosophy even translates to larger formats: "I've had lecture classes that are so open to student questions that they begin to seem more like seminars," says a student. Seniors are also allowed to "teach student forums on topics they are passionate about and provide a space for current events."

Inclusivity is a priority, and the school offers courses like Queer Studies and African American Studies. Along with inclusivity, Wesleyan stresses the importance of faculty as teachers and mentors. Professors are "intentional and thoughtful about every aspect of the course" and "patient and understanding when it comes to students needing extensions." They "embrace students from majors outside their field and encourage academic exploration," As one student notes, "Every class I've taken has made me want to learn more." In addition, faculty "research is significant, and they use it to complement the classes," and they all have "workable office hours and [are] exceptionally accommodating." The alumni network is similarly willing to assist students: "Whether that is through mentoring us or hiring us as interns, they have been incredibly helpful."

Wesleyan students are "eclectic, artsy, liberal," diverse, and inclusive. There are many different personalities at Wesleyan, but the one common denominator is that they are accepting. Everyone here "has their 'thing' that they are eager to share with others." One student adds, "No two students share exactly the same combination of interests, which makes Wesleyan a very fun place to make friends." Though this "incredibly academically motivated" group is "talented, active, and openminded," they "don't tend to be obsessive about academics," and "there's a good balance between work and life." Students say that "it feels like everyone at Wes does a million things, so for many, clubs and other extracurriculars [that] are just as meaningful as classes." Students do say that as far as sports go, "there are the athletes and non-athletes with very few individuals crossing battle lines." Still, there is "a strong culture of social acceptance and progressiveness," and people "come from all over the world and always have such amazing anecdotes to share."

While many admit that "there is a lot of studying during the week," they say "it's easy to find groups to study with" through tutors, study groups, or class-sponsored activities. And students here definitely find time to have fun. Because Wesleyan "is not in a big city, most of the social life is on campus," and "on the weekends, that can look like parties and performances," or taking advantage of the "strong arts and music scene," including "lots of fun concerts, films, comedy shows, or dance performances." Weekend trips to New Haven or Boston are not out of the question, but most stay local, and "people love to go thrifting at the closest places [and] eat food in Middletown" for their trips off-campus.

Outdoor activities such as hiking are widely undertaken (ultimate Frisbee is very popular here!), and many students join multiple groups and teams. In the winter there's plenty of snow, "so people like to sled on Foss Hill and have big snowball fights." Snowball fights aside, "the best days are when it's nice out in the spring, and everyone sits and eats outside," and "everyone says hi to everyone."