Wells College
Aurora, NY, USA

Reviews

Wells College

Experienced

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Since I came to Wells it has been a great ride. My classes have not been easy by a long shot. I have taken courses in International Studies, Politics, Philosophy, English and Science. The professors for the most part all have doctorates and undergraduate degrees from Ivy League schools. However they are not above helping you when you need help, as long as you ask. Professors cannot read your mind, so in order to help a student they must first ask. My writing has been a problem since my freshman year, and since I've come to wells my major professors have really helped me improve upon my writing skills.
Am enjoying being here
As far as the atmosphere, the campus is in a small town. However that does not mean there are few things to do. My school host many different events like dances, singing performances by local groups like Henry’s VII and Whirligigs, famous poet’s like Andrea Gibson, and premiers of plays like “I Am Hamlet” that go on tour in Canada. Wells continues to come up with things for students to do. In February a “Winter Freeze” event will be hosted giving away Wii gaming systems, cash, free laundry service, and many more prizes. Even though the school is in an isolated area, it does not limit your ability to find entertainment. Only if one chooses to isolate themselves will they find it boring. Like any school one has to get involved in order to full experience what the school has to offer. Also we have a shuttle service that goes down to Ithaca for $4 round trip everyday until late into the night.
Bang for the buck
Like all schools Wells has hit some financial difficulties. We had a good amount invest, so changes in price needed to be made. For new students tuition increased to be around 38,000. However Wells gives out grants to a majority of accepted students that are around 12,000 or more. You can also fill out a financial re-evaluation form to receive more aid. I did that this because of my parent’s job situation and I received more aid. Like any school you need to keep pursuing the financial aid office to get the money you really need to pay for college. Even though tuition has increased, Wells is still cheaper than a lot of other colleges/universities. The study abroad programs that Wells has allow you to transfer your aid to the college overseas. In some cases schools are cheap in European leaving you to just pay for food and airfare. Also Wells has a policy of not increasing a current student’s tuition when raising the prices for the following year. For example my tuition is still 27,000-28,000 vs. the 38,000. However it does increase a small percentage each year, but not by much.
Tips for prospective students
Do not bring too many clothes.
Make sure the major you want to pursue will workout here at Wells.
Buy your books online, because the book school is a rip off.
Bring a car if you have, but don't buy one if not, you will be able to get around.
Prepare for the weather it gets cold around mid October.
Take classes before hand at your community college, the credit will help lessen the work load.
Great for these types of students
Like a sense of community.
A small school.
Small class sizes.
Traditions.
Outgoing.

Victoria from Aurora, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wells College is a beautiful hidden gem of upstate New York. The campus, students, and faculty foster a welcoming atmosphere. I love being somewhere with so much history and community!
Tips for prospective students
I recommend that all prospective students visit the campus because it is impossible to not fall in love with it once you are here.
Academic Rigor
I love that I am met with challenges in my education. All of my professors help me broaden my perspective and adopt new understandings about various subjects.
Dorm Life
I love living on campus. The dorm rooms at Wells are bigger than most and the Res Life Staff really does accommodate any needs you may have. It stays relatively quiet so you can live on whatever schedule you choose and I really appreciate that. The bathrooms were also recently redone making it nicer than being at home.
Food and Dining
We have a dining hall, pub/pizza shop, and a cafe. The dining hall is relatively average. The staff is wonderful and tries to help in any way they can. They also post allergen information and have designated vegan/vegetarian areas! The pub is newly remodeled and reopened and it is amazing! It's perfect for comfort food and becomes a pizza shop during night hours. The garlic knots are to die for! My personal favorite is the Grind! They make a wonderful strawberry lemonade that is responsible for me spending most of my dining dollars there.
What to do for fun
The great thing about campus is that there is always something going on. There are numerous clubs that sponsor different events as well as the office of student activities. Additionally, we often host speakers in many different fields. Our guests are not always academic. We have had a hypnotist, a mentalist, a comedian, and many other fun guests on campus. There are also dances and class activities. We also have many traditions on campus such as May Day and Late Night Breakfast.

express16

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is a gorgeous college with so many opportunities. The professors are willing to work with any student who will put forth the effort. There is also something going on all the time so you'll never be bored.
Tips for prospective students
The other students here were so helpful. If I needed anything, I asked my RA. There are places to go to have papers edited, to get help with writing, and there is always something going on.
Academic Rigor
The classes are tough here, but we receive the education we pay for.
Dorm Life
My building is awesome. We have suites so it isn't an entire floor using one bathroom. There are lounges on each floor and one main lounge with vending machines, a tv, and a pool table. It is also coed, and my floor next year is gender neutral.
Food and Dining
I mean, anywhere you go for college, it won't be a home cooked meal. I really can't complain though, because we have a sandwich station and another station where it is a different theme each night. Wednesdays is mashed potato night, Friday is crepe night, and Monday is taco night. It is as close to a home cooked meal that you can get away from home.
What to do for fun
There are dances at least twice a month during the fall semester, and once during the spring semester. We have a very nice gym, with a pool, and great work out equipment. If you play sports, then join a varsity sport. You don't have to be recruited. Join a club. There are so many options of clubs to join.
Bang for the buck
It is a little much, but I believe it is worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have Even Odd (or Odd Even). The women have a sing off and basketball game in the fall and the guys have a dodge ball game and dance off in the spring. Evens are the people who will graduate in an even year (like 2016,2014, etc)and their colors are blue and green. Odds are the odd graduating years, their colors are purple and yellow. It is just an awesome tradition. There are soooo many traditions. You really don't know what to expect until you experience them firsthand.
Great for these types of students
Those who want a very well rounded education, anyone who isn't out to party all the time and skip classes. Most classes attendance is mandatory.
Clubs and Activities
Rugby, paintball, several cooking clubs, political clubs, there are way too many to list.
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe on campus. The security here are the nicest people and will help with anything. I locked myself out of my room multiple times, I called them and they came right away. I lost my ID, they made me another. There are never any safety issues here, everyone has respect for each other and many people walk across campus alone at night. We have nothing to be afraid of here.

Nicholas from Richfield Springs, NY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wells is a awe-inspiring campus with transfer posibilities to big name schools such as Cornell with scholarships.
Tips for prospective students
Start looking for scholarships.
Academic Rigor
The teachers will help you if you ask for it so its impossible to fail.
Dorm Life
HUGE dorms (compared to most)
Food and Dining
Pretty good.
What to do for fun
Clubs
Ithaca bus rides every saturday
Lake Cayuga is RIGHT THERE
Bang for the buck
Its private, so what did you expect?
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Even-Odd
Tea Time
Great for these types of students
Anyone and everyone
Clubs and Activities
You have to try to be bored
Campus Safety
3.5 incidents a year on average. Pretty good.

Ashley from Aurora, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
wells college is rated a 9, just like any other college it has its faults but overall this is a wonderful environment. the scenery is beautiful and its a nice peaceful place fit to get work done and have fun! i truly love my school its very accommodating.
Tips for prospective students
wells college is the ideal place for any student who wants hand on hand training in their prospective career. also the small class sizes helps both you the student and your professor get to know each other and better assist your needs.
Academic Rigor
the professors here are wonderful and very respectful of your needs and wants as a student trying to make something of your life. they teacher according to your needs but never undermining what you have to know.
Dorm Life
the dorm rooms here are very big and i personal love them. each housing is very different giving other students and myself a choice at which dorm lifestyle will best fit our personality. also, each dorm floor as a community comes up with command ground rules that each student must agree on and also respect during the school year they are living there. during the week after 9pm, all dorm houses have something called quiet hours to give those students who may be studying and/or sleeping peace. this rule helps all students stay focus and get there work done!
Food and Dining
truth be told the food is not that good but it also is not that bad, coming from a caribbean household the food i eat at home is very different than what i eat in the dinning hall. the good thing about my school's dinning is each semester they give you dinning dollars that goes straight to your dinning card and you can spend it off campus at selected places to buy food if for a certain reason that day the dinning hall food is just disgusting.
What to do for fun
i love to go shopping online but for fun with friends we go out campus to other colleges and go to their campus parties and/or we go clubbing. on chilled days we go out to eat and/or just relax in one another dorms room having fun and sharing good times.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
wells college is known for its great traditions but one of my all time favorites is odd line/even line brother hood and sister hood tradition. this tradition consist of students who will graduate during odd or even years who compete against each other to win, its a wonderful way for students to get to know each other and embody brother hood and sister hood fellowship.
Campus Safety
campus safety is very trustworthy, at any hour of the day or night i feel very safe walking or driving up and down the campus

Peter from Clifton Park, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The courses taught here are just like any other college. However, the small size allows you to communicate with your professors and develop more personal connections with them. These connections will make you feel more comfortable talking during class and clarifying anything you need. This will make difficult classes just a little bit better
Dorm Life
The freshmen rooms on campus are bigger than other dorms I have seen at other colleges. There are usually activities on the weekend that include having a good time with friends in a dorm. There are common areas everywhere so it is not hard to get a break from your roommate if you need. The dorms are awesome.
Food and Dining
The dining hall is not of the best quality but, everything is edible. There is also a pub on campus where you can use your meal swipe to get good meals, and if you ever run out of meal swipes, the college gives you $100 for the semester. Which can also be used at the grind, a student-run cafe.

Laurel from Ithaca, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wells is a beautiful campus with a great sense of community and comfort. There is never a shortage of things to do in campus and everyone gets involved. Classes are small so one on one with professors is very common.
Tips for prospective students
visit. as soon as you can, visit.
Academic Rigor
Classes are challenging, but professors care about the students and set aside time if you're struggling.
Dorm Life
Dorms are massive and comfortable. Lively, but never too loud.
Food and Dining
Wells just got a new dining service, so its much better. Plus if you don't like whats being served, there's many other options!
What to do for fun
The lake is RIGHT THERE, and the campus puts together events almost every day for students to get involved in!
Bang for the buck
They give generous merit based scholarships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's so many traditions on campus; namely odd/even
Great for these types of students
Anyone who struggles with anxiety or distractions in the classroom
Clubs and Activities
Always things to get involved in, be it clubs or productions or traditions.
Greek Life
Odd/even is our "week of greek"
Campus Safety
I've never heard of anything bad happening.

Nikki from New Gloucester, ME

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The place to be. Beautiful campus, friendly staff, and friendlier students. Truly a wonderful and unique school
Tips for prospective students
Tour. Wells can look pretty boring from websites and reviews, but one step on campus and you will see that Wells isn't your typical run of the mill college.
Academic Rigor
It's academically challenging, but nothing that's not manageable. There's always someone willing to help you. The staff and your peers truly want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
Dorm Life
The dorms are larger than dorms at most other schools. They come equipped with furniture and are very nice. There are many different types of living arrangments on campus so there's surely something for everyone.
Food and Dining
The dining hall is opened from 7:30 am to 8 pm, accommodating all schedules. There are vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a "special" and a burger or pasta bar. There's also a salad bar, a noodle bar, and dessert options for every meal. It's hard not to find something to eat here.
What to do for fun
Wells recognizes that the campus is rather far away from major cities like Auburn or Ithaca, so there are always activities run by student life, as well as transportation opportunities to make sure the students at Wells are never bored. There are also a variety of clubs and sports. If there aren't any clubs that spark your interest, you can make your own club. Getting bored at wells is almost impossible.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Wells is full or unusual traditions. One of the weirdest, yet most fun traditions is called Odd Even. Depending on the year you graduate you are either an odd or an even. For example, since I graduate in 2022, I'm part of Evenline. Odd Even happens twice a year. In the fall the women will have a sing-off and basketball game. In the spring the guys will have a dance off and dodgeball game. Though Odd Even is a competition, it emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood between classes.

Manuella from Bronx, NY

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wells is a small school based on principles that will push you to excel as a person and as a student.
The campus has a lake in front of it and the buildings in which there are classes are close to the dorms so it's easy to travel around campus.
Wells administrators make it easy for everyone to accommodate themselves and really learn how make the transition from a high school student to a college student.
Tips for prospective students
Relax. Everyone there is there to learn but also have fun. You can find a place to call your own and still make friends.
Time manage. Start visiting early so that you can make the best of the campus and get your foot in the door.
Academic Rigor
They do have intensive classes but because the classes are small they are also comfortable. The teachers are able to have conversations with their students one on one. Also this gives one incentive to work harder because the class is small so everyone will know if you have not done the work.
Food and Dining
The food was great and diverse.
What to do for fun
There's a lake out front that you can canoe, kayak, and swim in. They have a place where you can play pool, eat, dance and watch a movie or a game on a big screen. Wells has a lot of traditions and activities throughout the year. One can also visit the town with the campus bus.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to learn and also have fun. Great for students who want to make an impact and have people to support them in any way possible.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs one can chose from and they are diverse. It is even possible to make your own club!
Campus Safety
They have on campus police and emts. You can call at anytime for anything. Response time is about 2 minutes or less.

Jessi from Kapa'a, HI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wells is a fun college with unique traditions! I loved playing sports here. The small community is amazing.
Tips for prospective students
Be involved in everything you can!
Academic Rigor
Wells uses class discussions and it helps classes understand the material better.
What to do for fun
We make our own fun here at Wells! Jump in Cayuga Lake, or go ghost hunting!