Community & Culture

students in the quad

When visitors come to WPI, they notice right away that there is something special about the campus. While features like our charming urban setting and endearing goat mascot certainly make an impression, what really sets WPI apart are the people who make up our community.

Our students, faculty, and staff are an eclectic group of people with diverse backgrounds and interests, yet they all share WPI’s spirit of collaboration and inclusive outlook. The result is a welcoming and supportive community where anyone can find their place and everyone feels at home.

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A Community of Support

From the moment you first arrive on campus to the day you cross Earle Bridge to receive your diploma, we’ve got you covered. Our extensive resource and support network is focused on helping you succeed––both personally and academically––throughout your WPI journey.

Discover more about the Center for Well-Being Student Development and Counseling Services
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Student Groups Celebrate Diversity

WPI’s approach to diversity, inclusion, and equity makes our campus a community where members feel an authentic sense of belonging. There are many opportunities on campus for students to connect with others who share their interests and experiences--from the Brazilian Student Association to the Gender Equality Club--through programming and events and student-run organizations. 

Our student community

Here’s some things to know about the WPI community:

Varied interests: WPI students––and our faculty and staff––are scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and scholars who are passionate about advancing their knowledge and conducting meaningful research. Just as significantly, they are athletes, musicians, actors, gamers, writers, volunteers, and others who share their talents and express themselves in unique ways. Get to know some of our students.

The perfect size: WPI’s medium-sized community is large enough to include representation from many cultures and offer a wide range of activities, yet small enough so that students aren’t treated like numbers and are able to make impacts in the ways that matter to them.

Traditional yet innovative: The WPI community holds many treasured traditions that extend as far back as the institution’s founding in 1865. At the same time, WPI’s students, faculty, and staff are continually inspired by our history of milestones—from Robert Goddard’s creation of the first modern rocket to WPI’s early integration of project-based education—to innovate and push the limits of what is possible.

Every person I talk to at WPI has been compassionate and has something passionate to talk about.
  • Jack A.
  • BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Data Science
I like being in an environment where I can meet and work with a lot of individuals with many talents and interests.
  • Samantha A.
  • BS in Industrial Engineering
Students can dream big and for the rest, WPI will help them figure it out. I have never been at a school that is so proactive in helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
  • Darren C.
  • PhD in Computational Media
I like how WPI offers a balanced student life – offering many resources to help you succeed, while keeping your mental health a priority.
  • Laura M.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering
WPI attracts world-class faculty that are truly passionate about what they are teaching.
  • Dan G.
  • BS in Computer Science
I love the people. Between the students and faculty, I found an amazing group of people who support me both academically and personally.
  • Tessa L.
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering
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The WPI Alliance

From marching in the Worcester Pride parade to handing out “genderbread” cookies on the national Transgender Day of Visibility, the student-run WPI Alliance seeks to provide a voice for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Keep an eye out for Alliance members observing events like Asexual and Aromantic Awareness Week, National Coming Out Day, and LGBTQIA+ History Month.

LGBTQ+ Support Services 
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Beyond Campus

No description of the WPI community would be complete without touching on our hometown of Worcester. After all, it is part of our school name. The historic city is home to nine institutions of higher education and enables students to take advantage of all the perks of a college town, including lively cultural events, museums and restaurants, and dozens of parks and playgrounds.

Explore Worcester

News

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Diversity & Inclusion
Multicultural Affairs
International Student and Scholars Office
Oasis Multicultural Center
100 Things to Do at WPI