<p>While UVa is obviously a great school, I've heard some negative things about UVa's advising system. I was wondering if any alumni or current students could either elaborate on how UVa's advising system is for undergraduates.</p>
<p>Also, I understand UVa has quite a prominent frat scene, but how easy is it for someone who does not drink/like to party to fit in at UVa?</p>
<p>What have you heard about the advising system? I had no problems with it…my advisors were always willing to meet and discuss courses, future plans, etc. My Soc. advisor and I exchanged many emails and actually had an 1hr long phone conversation with me a year AFTER I graduated to discuss graduate school programs. My advisor in the Politics dept. was usually busier, but he was nevertheless still very reachable and helpful. </p>
<p>Advising can be a little bit of a pain prior to declaring a major because you have a temp. advisor that can be in any dept. within your school and they may not know the best route for you to go, but they’re often helpful with offering ideas on how to fill area requirements, which is what you should be focusing on early on anyway.</p>
<p>Im a transfer here and the advising is no better or worse than it was at my previous college. It sort of depends on how proactive you are. Im in the politics department and my advisor has been extremely helpful. However, it helps to do research and to be well prepared prior to advisor meetings. They are not there to hand hold.</p>
<p>As for the frat scene, if that is not your cup of tea, there are literally hundreds of other opportunities and things you could do. Just find people like yourself, its not hard, UVA is extremely diverse.</p>
<p>I can understand the complaints as advisors are initially assigned at random. </p>
<p>I knew that I was interested in Econ, Math, or Business from the start, but was given a Physics professor as my advisor. He was an awesome guy, but couldn’t give me any advice related to Econ or Business. </p>
<p>Instead, I talked to my favorite professors about my goals. They were glad to listen and help. I have never had a professor at UVa who was unwilling to spend time talking to me. They are a great source of information. It doesn’t even matter who your official advisor is. You have the ability to pick who’s advice you seek and to listen to.</p>
<p>On the topic of fitting in - It’s a big school. You WILL find people who you fit in with.</p>