What is it Like to Attend Wingate University?

The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach—they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Leah is a Charlotte tutor specializing in English tutoring, reading tutoring, writing tutoring and a number of other areas. She is currently a senior at Wingate University majoring in English. See what she had to share about Wingate University:

Describe the campus setting and transportation options. 

Leah: Wingate University is a relatively small campus located in a rural area. The closest urban area is Charlotte, which is about 45 minutes from Wingate. I felt extremely safe on campus because everyone knew everyone else. It was a network of people who had developed close relationships with one another. There were not any buses that came through the area, so I did a lot of walking during my first two years on campus. It is very convenient to have a car or to know someone who has a car, especially if you want to get off campus for a while.  

How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Wingate University?

Leah: The class sizes at Wingate University are also relatively small. The maximum amount of students that will be in a class is 30. I have taken classes where there were only six students enrolled. The small class sizes allow students to make connections with their professors and to get the necessary help that they need. The professors on campus are amazing people, and they genuinely care for students and their success. Professors also double as academic advisers, so it is somewhat easy to contact them, if necessary. Freshman students are required to meet with academic advisers before class registration during their first year.

How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?

Leah: I highly recommend dorm life because I feel that it enhances the entire college experience. I made life-long friendships by spending time with people on campus, especially my roommates. It also helps to be on campus because there will be nights when you have to stay up late working on assignments, and it is nice to have access to the spaces that are needed for those cram sessions. Wingate University offers four different dining options: the cafeteria, the Klondike, Einstein’s, and Subway. These places take meal plans, as well as Bulldog Bucks.  

Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Wingate University? 

Leah: Wingate University usually promotes the pharmacy and education programs because of their prestige, but I studied English. English is my passion. It always has been, and I cannot imagine doing anything else. The literature classes offered on campus are extremely diverse and cover a wide span of time. My English classes were always my favorite out of the other courses I was required to take.

How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Leah: I came to Wingate University having already known people, but being assigned a roommate also helped with socialization. I joined various organizations on campus, which exposed me to a diverse population of people. Greek life did not play a role in my college experience since I did not have a desire to join a sorority, but for some people, it is a rewarding experience.

How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? 

Leah: Career services on campus was extremely helpful in preparing me for job interviews, as well as formatting resumes and cover letters. There are at least four opportunities on campus for students to network with local employers who are looking to hire graduates.

How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges at Wingate University?

Leah: I recommend studying in the library since there is a lot of space available. The ARC in the library at Wingate University can be noisy at times, but that is the place where tutoring takes place. There are also quiet rooms available, which are good for those who need to focus.

Describe the surrounding town.

Leah: There are various places to eat that are cheap, but decent. There are not a lot of shopping options near campus, but Wingate University is not that far from Charlotte. There are no clubs or bars near campus either. Again, Charlotte is where most people go on the weekends for entertainment. There are two movie theaters in Monroe and Indian Trail, which are not far from campus, but you will need a car to get to those places.

How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

Leah: The freshman class size keeps increasing every year, which makes it difficult to provide housing for everyone. The student body, as a whole, is not large. It does not exceed 10,000 students. I like that there are not a lot of people on campus, though. It allows people to build close connections and to see familiar faces every day.

Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Leah: During my junior year, I became Dr. Mills’ teaching assistant. He was my British Literature professor, and I thoroughly enjoyed his class. He has been an amazing mentor, not just for school, but for life. I treasure the time that I got to spend getting to know him and working for him. He genuinely cared about me as a student, as well as a person. He constantly asked about my life and how my classes were going. When I took on difficult course loads and classes, such as biology, he would inquire about my progress in those courses, and how I was managing everything. He would advise me in these matters very often, and told me to take care of myself—even told me to take breaks every now and then. After graduating, I know that I will keep in touch with him because he has been such a positive influence in my life. He has made my experience at Wingate University treasured and memorable.

Check out Leah’s tutoring profile.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.