What's the campus vibe like at Washington and Lee University?

I'm curious about Washington and Lee University and what it's like to go there. I know it's located in Virginia, but I'm not sure about the school culture or student life. Can anyone share their experiences or insights about Washington and Lee?

Washington and Lee University is a small, private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Virginia in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The campus is quite picturesque with its historic buildings and green spaces, and the Blue Ridge Mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop.

The university is well-known for its rigorous academics and honor code, which is deeply ingrained in the campus culture. This honor code promotes a high level of trust between students and faculty. For example, during exams, students are given the opportunity to take their tests in a location of their choice and at a time that suits them. This element of trust is something many W&L students cite as a unique and valuable part of their academic experience.

Washington and Lee is also known for its community-minded spirit and close-knit campus. With an undergraduate enrollment under 2,000, students usually find it quite easy to get to know both their peers and their professors. The small class sizes contribute to the strong sense of community and encourage deep scholarly discussions.

In terms of student life, Washington and Lee holds tight to several longstanding traditions, such as the university's "Mock Convention", a mock political convention held every four years which has accurately predicted the out-of-power party's nominee in 21 of the 27 conventions it has held. Another fun tradition is the "Fancy Dress Ball", a formal event put on by the students.

The social scene at Washington and Lee is often associated with Greek Life, as the majority of students are involved in fraternities or sororities. If this isn't your scene, there are still plenty of other clubs and organizations to join, and the surrounding area of Lexington offers various outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.

Overall, Washington and Lee is known for its strong community, academic rigor, and high level of student engagement. As with any school, it's important to visit if possible to see if the environment feels like a good fit for you.