Willamette University Top Questions

The students at Willamette vary greatly. They come from many different socioeconomic backgrounds (thanks to the great financial aid available). Students tend to separate into groups of people with similar interests and lifestyles, as they would anywhere, but there are no malicious feelings between any of the groups. In general, students are very accepting of each other regardless of who they hang out with or what they wear (some students wear sweatpants every day, others dress up for class). I don't think there is any single type of person that wouldn't find a place in which they were comfortable on campus. I think if there were one common characteristic of most (but not all) students, it would be a tendency toward the Liberal-mindedness characteristic of the region.

It is common at Willamette to find students who are not only heavily engaged in their majors but who are also involved in extra-curricular activities outside the classroom. Most, if not all, clubs/activities on campus are run by students. From acapella nights in the auditorium, to themed dances, to organized demonstrations, to intramural sports, to the infamous Wulapalooza spring concert festival, Willamette students prove their creativity and involvement in extra-curriculars across campus. Apart from clubs and other more recreational activities, students work hard on various internships or personal research grants, or choose to study abroad for a semester or a whole year. It goes without saying that the Willamette campus is constantly buzzing with ambitious students who love being involved in academics and beyond.

One of the main reasons I chose to attend Willamette was because the students went so far out of their way for me when I was a prospective student. I figured that because Willamette students were so open and generous with prospective students, the students would be even more willing to help their classmates. From my experiences that is very true and I am consistently impressed with the levels of passion and leadership that Willamette students carry into every situation they encounter.

One of the main reasons I chose to attend Willamette was because the students went so far out of their way for me when I was a prospective student. I figured that because Willamette students were so open and generous with prospective students, the students would be even more willing to help their classmates. From my experiences that is very true and I am consistently impressed with the levels of passion and leadership that Willamette students carry into every situation they encounter.

Casual. People are themselves. I think that's the beauty of being at WU. I remember when I visited campus as a prospective student. My mom said, "Pretty soon that'll be you, rolling out of bed and throwing on a sweatshirt before you go to class." It's true--just stepping onto campus makes you want to throw on a WU sweatshirt and read a book by the Mill Stream. No more of that petty high school drama - people are interested in each other, regardless of their background. I would say that students here are conscious of the various diversified groups on campus, though I think it's easy to forget that not all diversity is so clear-cut. This awareness is growing though, and I think that's a good thing.

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When I was looking at schools, Willamette stood out to me more than any other school because of how welcomed I felt. Numerous students asked me if they could answer any questions, show me where to go, etc. I still feel that sense of community as a student here. You are not just another student here, but a contributing member that is valued. Though we are not the most diverse campus, there are many clubs geared toward various groups of people. We have ANGLES, a gay-straight alliance, the Asian Student Association, Alianza, the Jewish Student Union, and many more. Willamette students are very open to diversity and I think that just about anyone will feel welcome here.

Most of the students comprised at Willamette are middle-class, Caucasian (white) students, therefore there is an undertone of majority/minority issues present on campus. There is an Office of Multicultural Affairs, that present social justice discussions, guest speakers, and multicultural events such as the annual lu`au hosted by the student of the Hawai`i Club.

Willamette students are open-minded, multifaceted and laid back. One activity or organization rarely defines a student. We have a diverse range of interests and apply ourselves in many different aspects of student life.

Students' interests are very diverse. This makes for an active, interesting campus. There seems to be a club or activity for everyone. I really appreciate the open-minded and laid back atmosphere. Students are able to pursue their unique interests and be their most true selves comfortably at Willamette.

We have all different kinds of people. But we have a great community and you know some one from almost every group on campus.

For the most part the students at WU are all pretty friendly, and there is a great community due to our small size. Also there are many diverse interests within our study body and this is reflected in the majors we offer, and all the different clubs we have.

Willamette has a very laid back student population. Unlike most private liberal arts universities, there is no feeling of prestige or pretentious entitlement. Most students are from the Pacific Northwest, but come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Although people generally settle into their close friend groups, there is very little feeling of cliqueness. Most students tend to fall left of center in their political thoughts, but are very open minded.

The student body is incredibly diverse. Coming from a really small town I had never had friends that identified as LGBTQ or that came from incredibly different socio-economic backgrounds. Meeting different people is a great way to learn how to interact with different types of people and to learn things about yourself as well. Sports are pretty popular but the social scene isn't really dominated by the "football cheerleader fraternity sorority" types that it was in high school. I have had a great time here spending time will all sorts of different people

This is going to sound weird, but I feel like a person of color might feel uncomfortable here because, like I said before, there is a large majority of white students who attend Willamette. As a Latina myself, I feel weird when 'white' students advocate for social justice when all they do is hang around with their 'white' friends in the Bistro and listen to Indie rock music.

It's an incredibly casual and open place. Students hang out individually and in groups that are open to everyone. There is little social hierarchy at Willamette - too open and inviting a place. If you are stuck on social status or want to be better than others, this won't be a good school for you at all. I have great friends, a huge circle of acquaintances, and have felt comfortable on campus from the first day. People are open, friendly, interested and interesting.

My classmates are a handful of puzzle pieces: we all bring something wonderful to the table and build on each other's weaknesses.

Coming from a small New England town where my public high school was about 98{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white, this is the most diverse place I've ever been in. The campus is a great mix of people from all different backgrounds. There are many student organizations on campus devoted to supporting people of unique backgrounds and identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). However, the overall atmosphere on campus is very accepting and relaxed. You're judged as an individual based on your attitude and your accomplishments, not your skin color or whether the person you date is of the same sex as you. The campus is socially aware and conscious of the issues that impact our society and there's often discussion and debate about such issues both in and out of the classroom.

Some of them are enlightened, but most of them are just rich pricks who have no idea what the real world is like.

fun, friendly, always willing to share

My classmates are liberal, over-intelligent, and sometimes socially awkward.

white, middle class, very self-centered, immature and unexperienced in the world--full fledged members of the Willamette bubble.

Friendly, and diverse in their activities, though maybe not their backgrounds.