Wesleyan is located in Middletown, Connecticut, which is two hours from New York and Boston in either direction. Middletown is on the Connecticut River and is surrounded by choice rock climbing, mountain biking and boating opportunities. Downtown is conveniently located three blocks from campus, and boasts a diverse and delicious collection of restaurants: Italian, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Caribbean, and vegetarian cuisine are all represented. Additionally, Middletown is home to a nationally famous diner and a twelve-screen movie theater. 

The campus is set around a large central green, with landmark buildings dating mainly from the 19th century. Student housing fans out into the surrounding neighborhoods.