Traditions

Traditions are important at Wells. They give us a feeling of interconnectedness with the generations that preceded us, a sense of timelessness and continuity, and a reason to celebrate. They make us all feel a part of one special community, and, last but not least—they're fun! Our traditions include...

• Odd/Even
• Convocations
• Weihnachten
• May Day
• Commencement
• Moving Up Day

Other traditions include Halloween Hayride, Spring Week, Talent Show, Sophomore Smash, Junior Blast, decorating the statue of Minerva and so many more.

Student Life

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Here's to the Wells life.

It's easy to get involved in the life of the college—and the town itself. Especially when you find yourself in an environment as picturesque as this. Wells College is situated on Cayuga Lake, in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes, in the village of Aurora, with its tree-lined streets and quaint shops. And you won't be far from another fun college town, Ithaca, home to Cornell University. Daily shuttle service makes it easy to get there.

An interesting thing happens when you feel at home.

Suddenly, you feel more confident, more willing to express yourself—intellectually, creatively, socially. That's why our living spaces are designed to be comfortable, homey, and unexpectedly roomy...dare we say big? For your first year, you'll be matched with roommates based on your student questionnaire.

Food for thought. 

The Wells Dining Hall is located in a historic building with a truly grand dining hall. The social gatherings that take place there are just as magical with theme meals, brunch every weekend, exam treats, and other special events throughout the year.

Don't just sit there.

As much as you'll love to take in the natural beauty that surrounds you at Wells, we also encourage you to get out and experience it firsthand. Here's just a sampling of some of the activities, clubs and events that will help you develop as a student, as a leader, and as a person:

• Sycamore Magazine
• Campus Greens
• Japanese Cultural Club
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Concert Choir -Dance Collective
• Spanish Club
• Wells International Students Association (WISA)
• A Capella singing groups
• Sexuality and Gender Activists (SAGA)

Tea time...for real?

Yes, tea time! In fact, Afternoon Tea has been a Wells tradition for years. And while it may sound strange at first, it's been known to become a favorite daily ritual for many Wells students. So what is Afternoon Tea, you ask? Here's how one of our students defines it:

"Every afternoon there's a break, fifteen minutes or so, and everyone in a building—students and professors—heads for the cookies, fruit, tea, whatever. It seems like a little thing, but tea time embodies the faculty/student relationship. We talk with our professors, ask students in other classes for advice, it's relaxed and fun. It's learning and living in a community—which is basically what Wells is all about."

Promises kept

Living with integrity is a tradition and a way of life at Wells. It’s a contract we live by each and every day. And it’s exemplified in The Wells Honor Code. It means that you agree to take personal responsibility and respect others. It is your vow not to lie, cheat, steal, deceive or conceal. It means that you have character. Which will serve you well here and in the world at large.