Lafayette College
Easton, PA, USA

Reviews

Lafayette College

Amanda from Moorestown, NJ

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors take a genuine interest in their students and are more than willing to offer their time and assistance.

Lafayette offers a broad variety of programs to help prepare you for the future. Personal meetings with counselors help you to identify your skills, interests, values, and goals. An assortment of workshops are available to provide you with resume preparation, job search skills, and interviewing tips. Internships and Externships allow you to build skills and gain valuable experience and insight into a specific career or industry.

Lafayette is a rigorous academic environment, and you will be surrounded by people who strive to succeed in the classroom, on the social scene, and one day in the work room.
Am enjoying being here
I love EVERYTHING about Lafayette from gorgeous campus with it's small school charm, to the close knit student body, to the competitive D1 sports, to the vast amount of opportunities and connections offered.

Don't let what others say fool you.. there is something fun going on every night, if you want there to be. You can ALWAYS find a reason to party here. :) Every night is what you make it out to be. This means that every night there are plenty of people who stay in and do work and also, plenty of people going out and having fun.

I love Lafayette so much that I became a tour guide so that I could show my appreciate for the school by sharing its many benefits and by encouraging prospective students.
Bang for the buck
Despite the many remarkable aspects of Lafayette, there is one down side: the cost. With the total cost being almost $52,000, Lafayette is one of the more expensive schools. But in my opinion, it’s worth it.
Tips for prospective students
If you like to work hard, play hard, and party hard... then, Lafayette is the place for you!
Great for these types of students
Lafayette is the PERFECT place for athletes who are looking to continue their competitive play at the Division 1 level while receiving an education from an academically prestigious school.

Jeff from Hershey, PA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Lafayette may not me the most well known school in the country, but its academics are on par Ivy's.
Speaking in general first, Which ever major you want to pursue (and especially if your not sure yet), Lafayette offers a great education. Every single member of the faculty has a doctorate and more importantly it motivated, available, and interested in you! Being a small college without graduate students,at Lafayette you will get to interact with these very smart people at a level just not possible at larger schools. For example, my first engineering class was a wake up call and the coursework was much more involved than I had anticipated. However, the professor was available every day, at almost any time to help us succeed, and I dont think I have ever learned more. This is the rule at layette, not the exception.
As an Engineer, I couldn't be more happy with my choice.
To tell you the truth, all Engineering programs (accredited ones) have the same substance, classes and requirements ect. This is not to say they are all created equal, one must look at the whole package. For me Lafayette provides the best of everything, Hands on experience and Individual support from very qualified faculty. When you take the tour of an engineering building at any school you see the awesome wind tunnels and the huge machine shop and all the other toys that get us engineers excited. But at most places as an undergrad, you probably wont get to touch many of them. At Lafayette you get them all to your self. And for me, thats great.
Am enjoying being here
I love it! the campus is beautiful and it has a very strong happy atmosphere, very important when finals come around. Moreover, everyone is very accepting. For instance, I avoid parties like the plague, its just not who I am. At Lafayette party are a big deal, and if you are in to it you will be more than happy, nut everyone is more than understand that its just not for me and treats me like any other person and I them. its just a great place to be.
Bang for the buck
$52,000 a year is a big commitment and I'm sorry but if I had to pay for it It wouldn't be worth it. Thankfully, Lafayette has Phenomenal financial aid, far beyond any other place I applied. That said if money is no object, go for it! its the best you can get for the buck.
Tips for prospective students
If you get the feeling this is the place for you, apply early! it really helps your chances and doesn't affect your aid.
Visit, A LOT. show interest it really helps!
Great for these types of students
speaking as someone that doesn't always fit in, I truly believe that there is a place at Lafayette for everyone.

Grace from Hopatcong, NJ

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although the classes are challenging, especially at first, you learn quickly and I was able to grasp concepts quickly. The most important thing is to find a method of studying and doing homework that works for you.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful! Being right up the hill from downtown Easton, PA is great because you can easily walk to the center of town (the stairs my be old, and a work out, but not too hard). There are also shuttles that go into town and to nearby malls and shopping centers. Now that they finished the construction on Watson Courtyard and in front of Pardee Hall there are two new brick pathways that are really nice.
Bang for the buck
It is an expensive college, but don't be too intimidated by the price tag, which is actually fairly competitive compared to other colleges nearby of equal standing. Private schools like Lafayette give good scholarships ;).
Tips for prospective students
Go for an interview if you are applying, they like to attach a face to a name. Also, once you are there go to the Activity Fair that is set up in the first few weeks, you can find plenty of cool clubs to look into and find your niche more quickly. One more piece of advice: no matter where you go don't be afraid to go see your professors during their office hours. They want to talk to you to help you, that's why they have office hours!
Great for these types of students
There is a fairly large population of engineering students, but there are also smaller majors, like theater, which are very good programs. There are plenty of Varsity sports, as well as tons of club sports (our crew and quidditch teams are very good!) Honestly, there is something for everyone!

Peter from Swan Lake, NY

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has a very great atmosphere with a lot of great people you can relax with or study with; at Lafayette there are a lot of intelligent people who are completely willing to help. In addition to the people, the professors are truly amazing because they take the time to get to know you personally and will try their best to help you, and they will even offer research since Lafayette has the resources of a large university in a much smaller, friendlier environment. Not only does Lafayette have a beautiful campus, everything is within ten minute walking distance meaning your friends are never far away.
Tips for prospective students
Honestly, Lafayette isn't for everyone and if someone says that then they are lying, but Lafayette is a beautiful place, but it is quite small with just over 2400 students, so if you want a large university - this isn't it. However, here professors and students alike get to know everyone around them making for a very comfortable and helpful environment. Lafayette is a great school but I go here so I am biased, but it isn't challenging to get used to the environment and you will never feel left out here unless you don't like Lafayette's qualities.
Academic Rigor
Now this is a very subjective category to talk about, but I believe that Lafayette isn't too challenging primarily because it is small and professors will usually have time to help you out when you need it. Obviously quantum mechanics will be harder than intro to philosophy but in the end it will come down to personal strength and weaknesses, and like I said there will always be people willing to help and always free of charge. Lafayette sponsors many tutoring programs for all areas of study, so you don't have to panic that much because you will always be in capable hands of our trained tutors.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Lafayette is very focused on getting to know your roommate(s) and your neighbors. Bi-monthly floor programs bring everyone together to participate in activities and just hang out. I will not say you are guaranteed to like everyone, but I will say that you can freely choose to hang out with some people more than others and the dorms are set up in such a way to facilitate just that.
Food and Dining
Food at Lafayette has it's ups and downs like most institutions, but it is most certainly a much higher quality than high school food and the workers are very nice lovable people and extremely flexible with individual needs. About once a month dining services holds special meals based on various themes from Pacific Islands to fast food (it is actually mock fast food that is much higher quality) and it is always delectable. The food hours are quite good ranging from 7am to 130am most days.
What to do for fun
Another subjective category that Lafayette deals with very well, because Lafayette hosts many events (usually once per week, but it really depends on the type of activity) where people can go and do various things such as rock climbing, weight lifting, playing instruments (piano and such), watch movies, go to sporting events for free(!), trivia contests, and parties (the one you were waiting for, but usually not hosted by Lafayette). There is always something to do on campus, but I am not saying that it will always be something you are interested in. Lafayette goes to great lengths to keep us entertained and it really does pay off because campus is always really fun.
Bang for the buck
I won't lie - Lafayette is kind of expensive, but admissions is very generous with financial aid and will try to help you as much as possible. The academics here are nationally ranked and are truly worth it, the campus activities are always fun and Lafayette is very involved with the city of Easton and will coordinate events there for our entertainment. This is a personal college more than a private one because everybody will get to know everyone else and unbreakable bonds are sure to come from this environment with your peers and professors alike, and so overall I think it is worth much more than what it costs to go here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
In our fountain in front of Colton Chapel there is a statue of Marquis de Lafayette with a sword in his left hand that Lehigh attempts to steal every year before the nationally renowned tradition that is the Laf-Lehigh football rivalry game. All college day in the spring is a tradition that everyone - and I mean everyone - participates in that celebrates the end of classes in the spring and it is always amazing. Finally, in our building called Pardee there is a fifth floor that almost no one can get into, and the rumor is that there is a ghost of a professor who died while he lived there and people claim to have been able to see him from the Quad...
Great for these types of students
If you are someone who wants a more personal relationship with professors then Lafayette is perfect. If you like beautiful campuses, and awesome people then this is also the place for you. If you are a little bit shy and not entirely sure what you want to do for the rest of your life, then Lafayette welcomes you with wide open arms because we love people like this!
Clubs and Activities
Honestly, there are too many clubs to list and there is pretty much anything you could think of. Some are held in the afternoons and/or on weekends, while activities are usually held during the week and include lunches, talks, trips to cool places (usually on weekends), and most people participate in at least one or more of these activities or clubs. Activities are usually focused to a certain group of people (for example a physics talk for aspiring physicists and inquiring minds), but are never restricted for anyone and are always high quality along with the clubs that are just tons of fun.
Greek Life
Greek life is not as prominent at Lafayette as it used to be, but the fraternities and sororities hold events for the general population and are not trying to exclude non-members.The Fraternities and Sororities hold bi-annual events so that you can see what the Greek Life is like without making any commitments. Lafayette Greek life is really pretty standard, but is certainly not sub-par by any means.
Campus Safety
Campus safety at Lafayette is colloquially called P-safe and are very quick to respond to calls, but that does make them very keen to any mischievous activities that may be happening on campus. Fortunately P-safe is pretty lenient on some less serious actions because they know college kids like to have fun, but they will not hesitate to be very strict if it is to protect other students. P-safe is located under Marquis dining hall and is very easily accessed in case they are needed.

AMG from VA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lafayette college is a great education. They have so many tools to prepare you for life after college, and they work hard to make sure you have a job before you leave. Over all it's alright, just a bit socially pretentious.
Tips for prospective students
It is very much a 'richy rich' school. All the best brands, newest things, and the judgements that come along with not having those things. You can find people who are not that way, but the majority of them are, and the in crowd is, so be prepared. Expect loud dorm rooms. The foods actually pretty good. Expensive books and school store gear. A lot of very fun traditions.
Academic Rigor
It is very challenging, but definitely manageable. There is a lot of coursework, but so far I have not had too much trouble.
Dorm Life
Loud dorms! Mckeen and south are the most popular dorms. They are kept clean, and the bathroom was really nice in mckeen (where I lived last year). There are a lot of floor programs and the ra's have been cool.
Food and Dining
We have our cafeteria that everyone calls upper. It's pretty standard, but the foods good. Lower is more for grab and go. In lower the yogurt bar and sandwich/ wraps are pretty popular. Simons is a sandwich shop that everyone raves about. Really great sandwiches. Marquis is the less popular dining hall just because of the location. It is a little more family style. Gilberts is the late night food stop. The cookies are delicious and so are the fries. We also have a Starbucks in our library.
What to do for fun
Go to some leopard volleyball, football or basketball games. Everyone hangs out at campus pizza which has the best Italian and Greek food ever! At night it is transformed into a dance c,ub which is super popular. The off campus coffee shop is really really good but kinda pricey, but people go there to study and chat. Going to parties on the weekends is fun. Thursdays amaya be bigger nights than Fridays actually. People go to thengym; they offer tons of club sports and classes.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Laf-lehigh: the football showdown between our rival school. It's a huge day. People get up at the crack of dawn and start pregaming, stumble over to the game, take a nap once it's over, and then back out for the night.
All-college day: probably the biggest day all year. Same as laf-lehigh just without football. The college has activities, but everyone just pretty much drinks all day.
Greek Life
It is hugeeee. Pretty much all girls are involved in Greek life. You want a social life? Go Greek. It's ridiculous.

Clare from NJ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Extremely strong alumni relations with endless opportunities.
Greek life and Athletics dominate social life.
Extremely easy to be involved in multiple clubs and activities on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Experience the social aspect/night life of the school before coming. Know freshman year will be rough.
Academic Rigor
We only take four courses a semester. Curriculum is challenging but it is manageable. Professors are more than willing to help and we have an excellent tutoring system.
Dorm Life
Everyone becomes friends with everyone. Fun atmosphere. Tend to be loud on weekends. No visitation rules. RAs are fair. Some dorms are a lot nicer than others. Rooms are decent size.
Food and Dining
The dining hours and food options this year were terrible. But there in a process of remaking the entire dining setup.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
South is the best dorm for underclassmen.
Fischers are the best dorm for upperclassmen.
Great for these types of students
Preppy and well-off financially, type-A, proactive
Clubs and Activities
Everyone on campus is involved. Its almost effortless to start a club if it does not already exist. Athletics is also a big part of Lafayette culture.
Greek Life
Greek Life is very dominant. You can not be involved until Sophomore year.
Campus Safety
Campus is extremely safe. I have never felt threatened or scared. Public safety is constantly patrolling. We have a blue light system.

C from Easton, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
You get MORE for what you pay for: A driven atmosphere, Professors who care and WANT you to succeed, and a great opportunity.
Tips for prospective students
If you don't work hard already, you will here. That is okay though because you'll love what you do and have a great time doing it.
Academic Rigor
You'll be challenged to the point where you'll walk out of the campus after graduation and the world won't seem as intimidating.
Dorm Life
Freshman are freshman.
What to do for fun
Lafayette is into their extra-curricular activities. Anything from rock climbing to swimming to kayaking to dancing to quidditch. There is also a FREE shuttle bus that takes you to the mall and the movies.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Laf - Lehigh football game is extremely tradition, but so is midnight breakfast that goes along with it! Here, the professors actually serve the food!
Great for these types of students
Academically Self-Driven, Perfectionists, Athletes, Fashion-Conscious People, Environmentally Aware People
Greek Life
It's here if you want it. It's not as though you can't find friends if you don't join. On the contrary, only 30% f people at Lafayette are in Frats or Sororities.
Campus Safety
Its a safe place but if you look for trouble, you'll find it.

Samantha from Harrisburg, PA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Although I haven't started school here yet, I have contacted a few professors and they are very willing to help. I have heard that all the teachers here are willing to put in an extra effort to help the students become successful.
Will enjoy being here
The campus is full of very friendly people. It's no problem getting to know people and everyone seems down to earth. There seem to be plenty of student events to get involved with and the city has some cool stuff to check out.
Bang for the buck
The cost is extremely high but the college has plenty of money to offer in aid as scholarships and grants to make the price reasonable.

Rachel from New Jersey

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lafayette College is the place where the student comes before all else. Focused on ensuring the success of all current students, this Liberal Arts college is the perfect place to set up good future foundations in both the workplace and graduate schools. If a student is not sure what they want to do in life, this is the perfect school to self actualize and truly realize his or her calling.
Tips for prospective students
Lafayette's selection process does take GPA's into effect; however, this school desires students with many extracurricular activities and students who are very passionate and involved. If you desire to attend this school, find something you love and put your whole being into it (no matter what it is). These type of students are the ones who are not only accepted into the school, but also thrive when they arrive.
Academic Rigor
Students will figure out quickly that just getting by with putting in very little effort will not cut it. While the classes are not impossible, they do require full student engagement and a true desire to succeed in the class.
Dorm Life
The dorms are clean, safe, and friendly environments that provide students with comfortable areas to live and grow in.
Food and Dining
The options are endless, and no matter what your normal diet looks like, Lafayette will surely have something to keep you fed and happy.
What to do for fun
The clubs and sports teams are the school's best way to make friends and stay involved while having endless amounts of fun. There is also a fitness center with game rooms that include from little-to-none through vigorous physical activity options.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Cosmic Cup is a great place to get amazing beverages such as coffee or hot chocolate and also meet with friends and get some homework done. Campus Pizza is also a great option to dine and socialize.
Campus Safety
The campus is dedicated to making sure that every single student is in a safe environment.

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love the people here, the professors, and the athletic department. Everyone is very friendly and always helpful. There is no one that I don't like.
Tips for prospective students
Always talk to your professors. It doesn't even have to be about the class just make sure they know your name and face
What to do for fun
There's always some sort of party going on if you're into that. However, there's plenty of people doing more relaxed things too. The school often plans things as well.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Laf- Lehigh is the most fun weekend there is. There's so much school spirit and it's great.
Great for these types of students
social, and willing to work hard
Clubs and Activities
I'm on the track team and I love it. I'm also in the french club and involved with other clubs too. I love all of it.
Greek Life
I'm not involved but there is a strong presence of it on campus
Campus Safety
It is very safe on campus. Immediately off campus however is a different story