火爆社区

University of Mary Washington students receive 鈥渁n extremely thorough and well-rounded education.鈥� Classes at UMW take many different forms, from discussion-based seminars to collaborative learning. Moreover, the university provides opportunities for experiential learning beyond the classroom. For instance, a class called Alleviating Food Waste allows students to participate in volunteer initiatives and 鈥渕ake real change.鈥� First-year students can enroll in the Impact Program, which combines a one-credit course called 鈥淒oing the Work Together鈥� with hands-on community service opportunities. Among the many programs the university offers, the Historic Preservation major is mentioned as 鈥渙ne of the best.鈥� As one student notes, 鈥淲hen speaking to alumni and professors at other institutions, they have likened my experience here to that of a graduate program.鈥� Professors are 鈥渢ypically very personable and understanding鈥� and take the time to connect with students. One student shares, 鈥淎s someone who has struggled with mental health in college, my professors have been very understanding and worked with me so I could be successful while taking care of myself.鈥� Another student sums it up by saying that when it comes to the professors, 鈥淲e are a first priority to them and it shows.鈥�

It鈥檚 鈥渧ery easy to feel part of the community鈥� here. This welcoming environment is supported by initiatives that help students get to know each other when they first arrive on campus: 鈥淚 was able to make some of my closest friends鈥� in the first-year seminar. Students note that the school is making an effort 鈥渢o be inclusive and diverse,鈥� and the student body reflects 鈥渁 wide range of political leanings.鈥� One student shares, 鈥淎s someone who falls under multiple marginalized groups and has moved a lot, this is the most comfortable I have felt in a school environment.鈥� UMW is supportive and 鈥渧ery open for those in the LGBTQ+ community.鈥� According to another student, 鈥淧eople can feel safe being themselves here and not be judged for who they are.鈥� There are many international students as well as older students at UMW. Students here are supportive and friendly, 鈥渁lways willing to lend a helping hand.鈥� As one student puts it, UMW 鈥渋s a place where I can never fail to find friends.鈥�

This 234-acre campus, filled with trees and abundant green space, offers plenty of activities 鈥渢hat cater to so many different interests and types of people,鈥� whether that鈥檚 hanging out to watch films at the Hurley Convergence Center or partaking in popular weekly activities like trivia, karaoke, and bingo. The school boasts a 鈥渟trong athletics鈥� program, and students enjoy both playing and watching sports. 鈥淐lubs are a huge part of campus life.鈥� There鈥檚 a good mix of interest-based groups like the improv club and Yarnworks鈥攁 club for all things yarn鈥攁s well as service-based opportunities, such as COAR: SPCA, where students 鈥渧olunteer at a local humane society and help dogs in need of homes.鈥� Creative expression is encouraged at UMW, with students showcasing their talents through art shows, music showcases, dramatic readings, and theater productions. With so much happening daily, students appreciate the school鈥檚 website and app that curates 鈥渁ll of the events and when they鈥檙e happening!鈥� Some events are not to be missed, including the popular campus tradition known as 鈥淒evil-Goat Day,鈥� in which 鈥渄evils鈥� (students graduating in odd years) and 鈥済oats鈥� (students graduating in even years) engage in friendly competitions, like jousting and tug-of-war. When not attending classes or participating in extracurricular activities, students often hang out by the river or visit 鈥渋ncredibly popular鈥� and commercial downtown Fredericksburg. In all, 鈥渢here鈥檚 always some type of event going on.鈥�

The University of Mary Washington prioritizes career preparation from day one, and its entire mantra for the Center for Career & Professional Development is all about 鈥淟ife after MW.鈥� That means that the school meets students wherever they are, whether that's starting a r茅sum茅 or finalizing an online profile鈥攁nd this includes helping alumni and providing services over the summer. 鈥淯MW is all about engaging and encouraging each student to live up to their fullest potential, giving them the tools they will need for future careers and life endeavors.鈥� A yearly Career & Internship Fair serves as the focal point for making key connections, preceded by a preparatory Career Week that ensures students are primed to succeed. All of this is supplemented by a handful of digital tools that refine one鈥檚 interview skills, simulate real-world jobs, provide self-paced training, and provide additional courses for high-demand tech and sales jobs. Students note that the Virginia setting is 鈥渁 wonderful location for jobs鈥� and point to professors as providing 鈥済reat opportunities for post-academic success like jobs and internships.鈥� Graduates report the median starting salary as about $67,000, and according to PayScale, more than half of these students find high meaning in their jobs.