Life at UMW

Gorgeous, green, and full of opportunity

Life at Mary Wash never fails to satisfy.

Bring ideas to life in our ThinkLab maker space. Head to Ball Circle to catch some sun and/or frisbees. Use the video green screens at the Hurley Convergence Center or record a song in the multimedia editing lab. Find a place where you feel comfortable being thoroughly you. That’s the secret to being brave enough to jump right in, make your mark, and stand out. Our culture at Mary Wash is one that embraces people as they are, so they can become who they’re meant to be. One where you do what you love and make it matter. Always.

University of Mary Washington Separator A slash icon used to separate content Life at UMW

18

NCAA Division III sports
Check out Mary Wash Athletics

Dozens

of art exhibitions and performances annually
Explore arts opportunities

50 miles

to DC and Richmond, with all the charms of Fredericksburg right in our backyard
Explore our hometown

  • Our Voices

    “UMW gives students the chance to explore different passions inside and outside the classroom.”

    Ivy Sanders
    Class of 2022

    Our Voices

  • Our Voices

    “When you can make friends across multiple generations, you know you come from a shared experience. This campus still feels like home after all these years.”

    Amber Tussing
    Class of 2000

    Our Voices

  • Our Voices

    “UMW is such a positive environment full of kind individuals who share the goal of communal success.”

    Fiske Guide to Colleges

    Our Voices

How do you make the most of college? Get involved.

With 150+ campus clubs and organizations, your options are endless. Work on the student-run newspaper. Play on one of 20+ club sports teams. Serve on the Multicultural Leadership Council. Join the Geek Alliance dedicated to anime, video games, and Doctor Who. Don’t see your thing? Make a new one.

Clubs and Organizations

Get the full, 360-degree Mary Wash experience.

What does it mean to live on campus? Late-night study sessions. Impromptu pizza parties. Bringing the deep convos home. We have 17 residence halls that fully immerse you in the college experience. Live among the fellow students who’ll become your lifelong friends.

Residence Life

There’s one seemingly simple question that drives this place. What matters to you?

From their first day on campus to life after graduation, UMW students are supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. With close faculty mentorship, community connections, and hands-on internships, they discover their passions and put them into action.

See for yourself.

Are you a devil or a goat?

Wait, what? Yep. You read that right. Devil Goat Day is just one of our many traditions here at Mary Wash. From Eagle Gathering on Ball Circle at the start of your Mary Wash experience to Junior Ring Week and more, we’re all about moments that create lifelong memories.

UMW Traditions