Washington & Jefferson College

Washington (Pa.) Courthouse

Washington: Not Your Average Small Town

I could have gone to college anywhere, but I stayed in Washington (or “WashPa,” as it is affectionately referred to by W&J students). Located about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, this town of just over 15,000 people has a lot going for it.

Last week, after having lunch with a friend at Union Grill, I walked down Main Street on a sunny afternoon. As I passed the beautiful old courthouse where I interned my sophomore year at W&J, I smiled at the people who were outside enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. A group was eating lunch out of a pizza box on the courthouse steps while two guys sat on the sidewalk singing and playing their guitars. I could have stayed all day just taking it all in.

But I had errands to run, so I got in my car and headed to the life-sustaining spot most essential to every college student — Walmart. It’s near campus in a plaza with a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. The College provides shuttles to these locations so that students who don’t drive are able to shop or get a bite to eat.

Washington is great because it is far enough outside the city without being in the middle of nowhere. It also has plenty of entertainment options, including movie theaters, bowling alleys, miniature golf courses, a driving range, and a minor league baseball team called The Washington Wild Things.

I’m glad I picked a college close to home. Not only am I getting an excellent education, but with all that it has to offer, Washington provides W&J students the best of both worlds — big-city perks in a small-town setting.

Amanda Swisher
W&J Class of 2010