Life on Campus

What's it like going to an all-male school?
Most Hampden-Sydney men will admit that when they first heard the school was an all-male college, they quickly decided the school was not for them. However, upon reconsideration and after a campus visit, those same skeptics became intrigued by the advantages of a single-sex education. A single-sex classroom removes social pressures and encourages lively debate amongst students and professors. Many students report that it is much easier to develop efficient study skills at Hampden-Sydney than it is at a larger, co-ed institution. Moreover, graduates enjoy becoming a part of the loyal alumni base which actively supports students who seeking career advice.

Where do the girls on campus come from?
There are five women's colleges within a two hour radius of Hampden-Sydney: Hollins University, Sweet Briar College, Mary Baldwin College, Peace College, and Meredith College. Longwood University is ten minutes away from Hampden-Sydney. Outside of the women's colleges and Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney men are quite adept at finding female friends at several other nearby schools, including the University of Virginia, Lynchburg College, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and others. Hampden-Sydney men receive a single-sex education, but live a co-ed lifestyle.

What are the dorms like?
Hampden-Sydney is the tenth oldest college in the nation and as such, it has a wide variety of living quarters from which to choose. Despite the age of the campus, all dorms are heated and air conditioned. All dorms have broadband internet access. Students may opt to live in traditional double occupancy rooms, or they may select from a number of other alternatives, including suite-style apartments and college owned cottages and houses. Single occupancies are available and there will never be more than two students in a room.

How is the food in the cafeteria?
The school recently remodeled its cafeteria to expand the variety and improve the quality of the cafeteria's cuisine. Some of the notable additions to the kitchen include a fire brick oven, a fresh orange juice squeezer and an open hibachi grill. If students prefer an alternative to the cafeteria, they may walk down a flight of stairs to the Tiger Inn, which has a full menu of breakfast sandwiches in the morning and an array of salads, burgers, pizzas, wraps and sandwiches from lunchtime until late night.

What about fraternities? Does Hampden-Sydney have a good fraternity system?
The College has 8 national social fraternities and one professional fraternity on campus. All but one of the chapters has a college-owned house located on the appropriately-named Fraternity Circle. Approximately 30% of the student body is a member in one of these houses, but all members of the College community are welcome on the Circle most weekends. The Interfraternity Council governs the Greek System and also organizes the annual Greek Week - an event that draws thousands of students from other colleges around the region.

I hear there is a lot to do at Hampden-Sydney. Is that true?
Hampden-Sydney students have the option of joining more than 70 clubs and organizations run by Hampden-Sydney students. These clubs range from debate to competitive sports teams and cover all the ground in between. In addition to these clubs and organizations, 25% of Hampden-Sydney students participate in intercollegiate athletics and a combined 95% of students participate in intercollegiate, club or intramural athletics. The College is home to eight social and one professional fraternity that offer many opportunities for social expansion on the weekends. One of the best features of Hampden-Sydney is the College's ability to adjust to the needs of the students. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed as one of our established clubs and organizations, you will be encouraged to start a new organization to meet that need.

I like to hunt and fish. Is there any way to do that at Hampden-Sydney College?
Hampden-Sydney is located in the middle of Southside Virginia - home to some of the best turkey and deer hunting on the east coast.  Hampden-Sydney's 1,330 acre campus has three small lakes stocked with bass and other assorted game fish.  For those who seek a larger challenge, the area around campus has copious hunting and fishing options. Briery Creek is located 5 minutes to the south and is home not only to some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the nation, but also offers students the opportunity to hunt deer, duck, dove, and turkey. Sandy River Reservoir, about 15 minutes from campus, offers additional opportunities for fishing. Many H-SC students are members of local hunt clubs and will invite non-member students to participate in club outings. Also, some local farmers give students hunting rights in exchange for occasional help with various jobs on the farm. The Outdoor Experience

That sounds like a lot of hunting and fishing. Does that mean I can keep my rifle in my room?
Although the College gives its students a lot of trust and responsibility, it doesn't go quite that far; however, students are allowed to keep bows, rifles, and shotguns on campus in our gun locker. Handguns are prohibited on campus. The gun locker is located in the basement of Carpenter Y, and is open only to students who have a weapon stored in it. All firearms on campus are required to be stored in the gun locker, and not in students' rooms or vehicles.  The convenient location of the gun locker allows access even for the earliest morning hunts.

I'm a well-rounded guy. Will I be able to explore all my interests at Hampden-Sydney?
As mentioned earlier, the College has clubs and activities that fit most of the needs of the student body, but the opportunities for involvement don't stop there. In addition to those groups, the College is governed by the student-led Honor System and by the Student Senate. Members of each class have the opportunity to run for office and make a positive impact on the College. The College Activities Committee is also comprised of elected members of each class and chooses campus-wide activities in addition to the College's famous Homecoming and Greek Week concerts. For those desiring to serve beyond the Gates, The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest provides leadership training through classes, guest speakers and peer debates. Graduates of the Wilson Center can receive a minor in Public Service.