Academics
Virginia Wesleyan is the quintessential small liberal arts university, providing undergraduates with “a close-knit community” where one “can easily build strong relationship[s].” Indeed, you’re guaranteed to be “more than a number” on this Virginia Beach campus of 1,500 undergrads. “Small classes” are a hallmark of a Virginia Wesleyan education with many being “discussion or interaction based.” And students love the fact that they are “always taught by...professors”—no teaching assistants here! Speaking of professors, VWU undergrads are full of praise for theirs. They seem to “genuinely care about their students and are approachable outside the classroom.” A current student agrees, “I have never met a faculty so invested in my own personal success.” And an earth and environmental studies student excitedly interjects, “I have never experienced [a] learning environment like this one. Professors not only care about their students, but they go above and beyond to ensure that every student understands the material. Professors make lifelong connections with students.” All in all, Virginia Wesleyan offers individuals a college experience that’s “all about making every single student feel as though this is their second home and that every person they come into contact with is looking out for the student’s best interest.”
Student Body
Undergrads at Virginia Wesleyan speak very highly of their peers. Granted, this isn’t surprising given that the student body is comprised of “friendly and outgoing” individuals who are typically “laid back.” A psychology major provides a little more insight by stating, “Students are generally pretty spirited and helpful, and most [people] seem to genuinely care about their academics.” By and large, undergrads here are “open to new things.” They also tend to be “very busy” since it’s quite typical for students to be “involved in several different clubs and community service groups.” Of course, though many VWU undergrads “join one of the [eight] Greek organizations available” or become “a member of a sports team” to “fit in,” we’re also told that it’s by no means a necessity. A chemistry major assures us, “Whatever you are interested in, you can easily find a group of people that connect with you. Our school is so inviting that it’s hard to not fit in somewhere.” Finally, another psychology major boasts, “I feel like my school is extremely accepting, and we have events for all cultures, beliefs, and extracurricular [activities] all the time.”
Campus Life
Despite students reporting that “the food could be better,” by and large undergrads seem to enjoy life at Virginia Wesleyan. To begin with, there are plenty of activities with which to get involved, be it “Greek life, music, arts, religion, sciences, business, etc.” Indeed, there’s truly something for everyone! Students also like taking advantage of various campus amenities such as “the pool, the rock wall, the indoor track, the gymnasium, and the pool table in the student center.” Of course, similar to many undergraduate institutions, “social gatherings are huge here.” Students “love inviting [their] friends and teammates over to get over a stressful week of studying and homework.” However, these get-togethers don’t tend to get too raucous. As an English major tells us, “Although fun is encouraged, we are often reminded of how to keep everyone safe. Underage drinking is NOT tolerated, and we take it seriously when rules are broken.” Finally, when the weather permits, these undergrads flock to nearby Chick’s Beach. And many can be found sampling the “delicious restaurants around Norfolk” and Virginia Beach.
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