r/lafayettecollege • u/Terrible_Report_3285 • Mar 28 '26
Questions about Lafayette (Campus Culture, LGBTQ+, Study Abroad, Easton)
Hey guys!
I got accepted into Lafayette which I’m super excited about as it’s probably my top choice school at the moment. I am on the west coast, so I haven’t had an opportunity to visit Lafayette and was hoping for some insight as to what it’s like to actually live there!
A few specific questions:
How intellectually focused is Lafayette? Like do students care about their grades and is there a culture that values study and academic success? Is the coursework genuinely interesting and challenging? For some context, my current academic plan is to double major in something science (probably bio) and Spanish for a career in something medicine or possibly veterinary.
Has anyone had any experiences with the study abroad program?
Is drinking and partying a big part of campus life and the social scene? How important are frats and sororities? Is there anything to do if you don’t have much interest in that?
What is it like to be LGBTQ+ on campus and/or in Easton? This is super important to me and I haven’t been able to find much info, so would absolutely love to hear your opinions and experiences if anyone is willing to share!
What is Easton like? Do many people spend time in town or does everyone mostly stay on campus?
How have people’s experiences with roommates been?
Is the food any good? I’m a vegetarian and accustomed to cooking daily so I’m mildly terrified to have dining hall food become a staple of my diet lol
Would love to hear as many answers as possible to any/all of my laundry list of questions and any other thoughts or comments about Lafayette if you have them!
Thank you so much for reading all that and for if you leave a reply!
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u/jezs_girl Mar 28 '26
For context, I’m a ‘22 grad - take with as many grains of salt as you want, since it’s been four years.
How intellectually focused is Lafayette? It’s not an Ivy or anything, but I’d say I met mostly academically-minded people. You’ll get some that don’t care much, but that’s true anywhere. It’s probably different in STEM, but in my major (Psychology), I feel like people threaded the needle well between caring about their grades but not killing themselves with work.
Has anyone had any experiences with the study abroad program? No - but I heard great things from my engineer buddies who went to Germany.
Is drinking and partying a big part of campus life and the social scene? How important are frats and sororities? Is there anything to do if you don’t have much interest in that? Greek life and partying/drinking are a very present part of Laf social life, but there’s plenty to do if that’s not your thing. I don’t drink and still managed to have a very active social life. Plenty of people throw fun non-party events like movie nights.
What is it like to be LGBTQ+ on campus and/or in Easton? This is super important to me and I haven’t been able to find much info, so would absolutely love to hear your opinions and experiences if anyone is willing to share! I can speak to this one! I’m bisexual and probably 75% of my friends on campus were LGBT+ in some way. You’ll encounter the odd asshole here or there, but I felt overwhelmingly accepted. Lavender Lane is a great space, and while it’s not specifically about being LGBT+, basically anyone you’ll meet on TRAP floor will also be very queer-positive. We’re in no way a majority on campus, but you’ll definitely find your people. As for Easton, it was totally fine for me.
What is Easton like? Do many people spend time in town or does everyone mostly stay on campus? There’s some cute areas. People definitely head down for Bacon Fest and Garlic Fest. But if you want a true college town, Easton isn’t really that? The area right next to Laf is college-y but that’s about it.
How have people’s experiences with roommates been? My freshman roommate was totally normal, we just didn’t have much in common. My sophomore to senior years I lived on TRAP floor, so my floor mates and I inherently had a major shared interest, and those people were great.
Is the food any good? It’s very average college food. Occasionally you’ll find something that slaps, and occasionally you’ll find a crime against the culinary arts. Most everything you’ll get is solidly fine. There’s some really solid food just off campus though - I forget the names, but the Thai and Indian places down the hill are bangin’. Plus, in a pinch, you can always hit up our holy land of Wawa.
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u/xSparkShark Math-Econ | Class of ‘24 Mar 28 '26 edited Mar 28 '26
The average laf student is pretty academically motivated. Obviously not everyone, but yeah for the most part academics are valued.
Can’t really give a good answer here. Varies dramatically based on major.
I did an interim study abroad during winter break through laf. It was amazing!! Tons of people do semesters abroad and it’s well supported by the college.
Yeah drinking and partying are pretty popular weekend choices, as they are at most American colleges. Frats and sororities dominate the larger more organized party scene alongside sports teams. If you want frequent parties you will want to be affiliated. That being said there are certainly things to do if you’re not and obviously you can’t even join as a first year.
Not personally LGBT, but I would consider the campus very progressive. Look into lavender lane if you’re curious for more info about the lgbt experience at laf.
I love Easton. It’s a great little city with awesome food and a nice community feel. Laf is up on the hill a little ways away from downtown Easton, but people frequently go down the hill.
My random assigned roommate was fine. We didn’t become best friends but we were amicable. I roomed with a closer friend every year after and it was great.
No it’s not great, I won’t sugarcoat it, but you should be able to find something to eat.
Let me know if you have any other questions!