Virginia Wesleyan University — Attraction in Virginia Beach

It actually started when I was 15 and went to their YMCA day camp, Camp Red Feather. I never really fit in with the Tiger Tribe, but they were nice nonetheless. I got to visit Monumental Chapel, which was small but had a welcoming feel to it.

Fast forward from my days at Camp Red Feather. Middle school and high school were among the worst years of my life, and community college wasn’t much better. When the time came, I visited the campus and was amazed at the green spaces and how open it was despite being a “small college.”

When I got the acceptance email, I started dancing around the room! I knew this was a great start. The admissions packet had a hand-written sticky note on the catalog - “Thanks Stephanie!” That was a good sign in my book.

Going to the first advising appointment was also great. If you go into the communications program, I hope that Dr. Kathy Merlock-Jackson is your academic advisor. She’s so kind, a real mentor who “gets it,” and I hope you like Disney when you go into her office. Just don’t pull out your phone in her classes. She diplomatically told my mom to let me do the talking (which isn’t easy for anyone to do).

I can’t really speak for professors outside communications, but they were wonderful! Best of all, you’ll get the same professors again and again. You’ll get to know them and they’ll get to know you.

There seem to be a lot of complaints about the dining hall. Luckily, there are other options. There’s a Sandella’s (flatbreads and such) Freshens smoothies, grab and go options, and the Marlin Grille (burgers, chicken strips, fried mozzarella sticks, etc.)

They really prepare you for the real world. A study away program (never got to do that) and a career development program (internships are required for most majors) really help. I got my current job through an internship.

Also, if you can do a great research project and always wanted to present, Port Day is a great time to show off! I presented at the first one. If you can’t tell from my picture, my project was “Legends Live Forever: Mulan’s Development as a Hero.” Nervous about presenting? Your professors will be towards the front row supporting you.

It’s a “Christian college” but they don’t shove religion in your face. They have a lot of ministries on campus for those who want it, but no pressure. I will say Reverend West is a good man whose heart is in the right place. Monumental Chapel is indeed a welcoming place. If your watch breaks, while you’re outside, the bell tower will help.

Commencement came so quickly. I was excited and prepared to start a new chapter. At the same time, I had become attached to the people and place and the “Marlin spirit.” It was hard saying goodbye... that’s why they have alumni...

First of all, this school (as with any college) is what you will make of it. The teaching staff is diverse, and just like any other academic institution, there will be great ones and duds. Listen to people who have already taken an instructor's course. Take it seriously, and remember... This is not high school. You are going to have to read and study in some of your classes. This is not suposed to be easy.

Next, this school is located in Norfolk, VA, not Virginia Beach. You are right on the edge of the hood and the border to Virginia Beach (which is still not the dreamy city all of these young kids think it is). Don't think you are going to come to VWC and be able to spend every morning and evening at the oceanfront... it is still about a 20-30 minute drive... with no traffic.

Also, there is no graduate program at this school. It is a college, not a university. Whoever wrote that post must have been talking about WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. Totally different school.

In my opinion this school has been great. I have been in the adult studies program for several semesters now, and this has been a great experience. I have slowly chipped away at my Bachelors Degree in Business, while working full time and raising a family. There are not alot of on campus undergraduate programs where someone...

This is a very small Christian liberal arts college associated with the Wesleyan church - hence the name. The campus is compact and walkable. They offer standard liberal arts bachelors degrees and master’s degrees in a wide variety of subjects as well. Total student enrollment is under 2500. Classes are small. The campus is modern but attractive with a lot of green space and gardens. Dorms are fairly standard but they do offer single and triple rooms as well as the usual double rooms. Freshmen are guaranteed rooms on campus - upper classmen are assigned dorms on a space available basis, often the rooms are assigned last minute. So far my son has been on campus every year and we are in the third year. Food in hall isn’t great - it’s only slightly above high school cafeteria food. They do their best to make it healthy and offer healthy options. Dining hall hours are strictly kept. There are a lot of options for social life but the student does have to make an effort to join. There is no football team here. The main teams on campus are lacrosse, baseball and basketball. As a parent I like the guarded gates and the presence of campus security. All of the staff I have spoken to are friendly and supportive of students. The counselors in particular are great and go above and beyond for...