Students say Wake Forest University’s southern, preppy, and conservative reputation is mostly accurate but is quickly changing. "
The student body is becoming more and more diverse and there are a wide variety of students on campus," shares a junior. The workload is heavy, much to the chagrin of the students. "
It is not an easy school, the library is usually pretty crowded and I know I at least was used to a much lighter course load coming into school," writes a sophomore anthropology major. Nearly half of the student body is involved in the Greek system, which dominates the party circuit. "
Fraternities and sororities are extremely important- most parties are fraternity parties (even at local bars)," shares a junior pre-med major. Students love Wake’s size – small enough to see friends on campus but large enough so there are always new people to meet. "
The best thing about Wake to me is that I can walk across the Mag Quad and I'll always be able to say hi to someone, but I know that over my four years I won't ever be able to walk across it and know everyone," writes a sophomore communications major.
Wake Forest, or “Work Forest”, academics are tough. The core curriculum on top of distribution requirements can, at times, be crippling. "
Students study a lot here, too much, which is another thing I would change about it-it's a great education, but too much work-students need more of a college/party atmosphere throughout the week," agrees a junior communications major. Although students collaborate and study together, there is competition to be on top. "
Students tend to study in large chunks because the social scene is still so apparent. Students are very competitive, both socially and academically," shares a junior sociology major. It helps that class sizes stay on the small side, allowing professors to get to know students on an individual level. "
It is very easy to become close to your teachers as opposed to being a face in the crowd,” says a freshman. Students say they don’t always see eye to eye with the administration, which is a source of frustration among many. "
The current administration doesn't seem to take student opinion into account, but rather is purely doing what will bring in more money," shares a psychology major.
On the surface, the majority of the student body is white and wealthy. While it is true that lack of diversity is one of the main issues at Wake, students say that upon further examination, it’s much more diverse than what it first appears. "
People don't think there is much diversity on campus, because the most obvious people are those that seem to have it all, but when you really look around, we have all sorts of people," reports a sophomore studying anthropology. Minorities – either in culture, ethnicity, or interest – may take a while to find their niche. "
If one is artistic, tends to think outside the box, edgy and such, they have to really search for students they are compatible with," shares a junior. However in general students are welcoming, friendly, and pleased with continued efforts to diversify their school.
While there are no chapter houses, Greek life dominates not just the social scene, but all aspects of student life. "
The fraternity/sorority scene is very pervasive, it’s like two different worlds exist on campus, Greek or not ," observes a senior economics major. Other popular groups include religious organizations, a capella groups, and the Screamin’ Demons, the student cheering section. "
Most freshmen join Screamin' Demons, a group that supports Wake sports. Lots of people go to football games and basketball games and it's a great way to get involved and feel the Wake spirit," writes a sophomore psychology major. Athletics, especially football and basketball, are big on campus but especially when the Demons are winning. "
As far as school pride goes, our fan base varies. I would categorize most of us as fair-weather fans, and fans of which sport varies from year to year, confesses a junior English major.
According to students dating usually falls within the two extremes: hooking-up and serious commitment.
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No one dates really, those that do have really intense relationships," explains a senior religion major. The surrounding town around campus offers little to students so most prefer to stay on-campus. "
Winston Salem is no college town… but the Wake campus is a bubble, and very few students venture out and explore the town," shares a junior economics major. Wake students may not be in constant interaction with the outside world, but the level of education and camaraderie at school certainly keeps them engaged, while also preparing them for what’s next.
