@lostatschool ,I think a lot of the kids that end up at UVa were very active in their high schools, as well as good students. There are fraternities and sororities but that is only about 30% of the students. It can be somewhat of a work hard, play hard school but there is something for everyone-lots of clubs and student organizations, rec and club sports, etc. A shy student or someone not into sports should still be able to find plenty of students to hang out with. An equestrian club, in this instance , sounds like a logical start.