<p>I'm an Australian undergraduate student who is seriously considering going to U of Va. for two weeks in July (1-13) for this student conference: <a href="http://www.u21virginia.org%5B/url%5D">http://www.u21virginia.org</a> but I need some help deciding on whether I should fork out in excess of $2000 for airfares and $1000 for course fees!</p>
<p>In general, I was wondering how the social life and city would be during that time? I have never been to Virginia or Charlottesville ever in my life and have absolutely no idea what to expect.</p>
<p>I've been to UC Berkeley before during semester time and had an awesome time, so comparisons between both would be highly relevant. However, I did hear that the campus is almost dead (very few people around) during the summer break as everyone goes home. How is it like at U.Va? Have you stayed on campus during july before in previous years? </p>
<p>All in all, would you recommend paying for the experience?</p>
<p>In regards to social life, unless you make a lot of friends fast, it will be quite dead for you. =S A lot of people go home for summer, but then again I'm spending my summer in Charlottesville for the first time this summer, so I'm not the expert on that. =) </p>
<p>Charlottesville (or c'ville as it's called) is basically a college town, so if you're looking for the big city, metropolitan experience, you won't find it here. However, being from a large city myself, it's really what you make of it. Will you go to a new place and continuously unfavorably compare it to another place you've gone to before? Probably won't get a good experience in Charlottesville though. </p>
<p>To be frank, I don't know anything about the conference, but that does seem to be a lot of money to fork out..</p>
<p>It would be a good experience if you've never been to C'ville and the UVa.
The Ground might be empty but you will have other conference attendees around and you should be fine. And you will also have a chance to tour the surrounding areas that is considered to be one of the beautiful places in the US. Washington DC is not far either (100miles).</p>
<p>However, it all depends on your financials. If you (or your parents) can afford it, it is definitely worth visiting the area. Remember also this area will give you a totally different experience than Bay area where UCBerkeley is. And if you liked UCB and the Bay area and if that is your preference, then C'ville and UVa might disappoint you. UVa and the area is more calm, cozy, quiet and has old world atmosphere than the other. If you want a city life with non-stop actions, then this place is not for you, especially in summer.</p>
<p>In any case, if you visit just to attend the conference and that the conference is your main concern then you should do no matter what. But if your probability of attendance depends on where the conference is held then you need to do more research on the area before deciding.</p>
<p>I took a look at the link and the conference includes a trip to DC. My s did a leadership conference at the UVa last summer and the other members were enough for him and intimate enough that many stay in touch. The leadership opportunity is strong as UVa just rec'd a huge Grant and the already prestigious leadership component of UVa (Sorensen, Cooper etc) will only serve to provide more recognition. Unless you have a stronger opportunity for this summer, I would say go for it. Too bad the airface is so pricey.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice so far guys! Any more comments about summer life at Charlottesville would be greatly welcome!</p>
<p>Also can anyone tell me more about the 'famous leadership' component of UVa? What does Vistany mean by Sorensen & Cooper (ie. who are they?)</p>
<p>The content attracts me but I am also looking for a holiday. I've experienced college life before and studying whilst away in a foreign country (especially the US) was great and I would not mind doing it again at all.</p>
<p>Where I come from (Sydney) it is already quite beautiful and quiet. I must admit I am the type of person who enjoys the thrills and hustles of big city life (like NY and San Fran)... I love it where the pace is fast and frantic.</p>
<p>But a collegetown like Charlottesville would be just as fun too, provided there's still considerable social life going on... just unsure mainly because it's Summer and that was not the time I had spent in the US.</p>
<p>The social life will be non-existant. I live very near Charlottesville, it is quite quiet during summer. Look for a program in DC for a bit more movement.</p>
<p>Here are some links on Sorensen and Cooper. Additionally UVa just rec'd very large donation for new Leadership school. Too bad DC (where I live) is two hours away. I recommend UVa's summer programs but it sounds like you really would enjoy the city very much and Charlottesville is not a city like NY or DC.</p>
<p>I would caution Mashi to check to see if his program has priviledges at the gym and other facilities. Last year my son attended two different programs there and only one provided gym access.</p>
<p>I'm also thinking of travelling before and after the conference to places closeby. I'm more of a busy, party type kind of person so would probably enjoy all the lights and sounds of busy cities more so then say natural surroundings (unless they're amazing)</p>
<p>What are good places to travel to around that area? I've been to NY before but Im thinking of heading back there if nothing else compels me more.</p>
<p>How is Washington DC like? i heard its a place for history buffs and also very ghetto/unsafe to be in if travelling alone...</p>
<p>DC has a lot of great things to do and all of the museums, zoo, monuments are free so you can do a lot on a little. The main section of downtown DC is quite safe. It would be unlikely for you to find yourself in a bad area as someone on holdiay.</p>