Tell me about UVA:

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hey all, I've been trolling this site for a while, but I have a few questions about UVA. I recently received a likely letter, but I'm still weighing other options as well. I realize this will be a biased forum, but all I ask is that you're honest.</p>

<p>1) How are the people at UVA? I've read some "confessions," reviews in guidebooks, etc., and all say that it is a very intelligent student body, but one that is very affluent (in general terms). They say the student population is "Self-segregating. Students of different races and backgrounds do not often mix, and tend to gravitate toward those of similar color and socioeconomic status." (Princeton Review, 2006). Is this true? I want to attend a diverse school (even though I am Caucasian), and since many of my current friends are of different color, class, etc., I'm a bit worried about those descriptions.</p>

<p>2) What is the social scene like? Is there pressure to live up to the frat boy/sorority girl scene? Do Gucci and Prada really dominate the atmosphere?</p>

<p>3) How are the sports? Are the teams well-supported, stadiums packed, etc?</p>

<p>4) Dorms, food, etc. What's it like? I'm not expecting heaven, but on a scale of 1-10, how is it?</p>

<p>5) How is downtown Charlottesville? Is it a good college town?</p>

<p>6) Alumni base: How involved and supportive are alumni? Do they rival the USCs, Notre Dames, and Michigans of the world?</p>

<p>7) Any other comments, etc. And, what's your favorite thing about UVA? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your experience (name your home state, if possible please).</p>

<p>PS...I'm a little lost on the "Hoo", "Wahoo" thing....wanna help? ;)</p>

<p>THANK YOU!!!</p>

2

<ol>
<li>Live in New dorms.</li>
<li>There are plenty of people for whom this is their life. There are plenty of people who look down on said people. This is a state school. You can be who you want.</li>
<li>60,000 people is normal attendance for a football game. Basketball tickets are hard to come by.</li>
<li>To each their own opinion on dorms... I love my dorm, the food is eh... :&lt;/li>
<li>Cville is the definition of college town. Visit and you will see.</li>
<li>I have no idea. I think Alums are well involved.</li>
<li>I'm from PA. I think I can quote that: I had NO idea what I actually wanted when I was applying to colleges, but even if I -had- known what I wanted, I could NOT have picked a better school for myself than UVA. I think my favorite thing is that no matter what interests I develop or who I become or what things I like to do, there will be someone else on grounds who shares that opinion with me, which makes the huge student body easily very small. Best of both worlds.</li>
</ol>

<p>"A Wahoo is a fish that can drink twice its weight"... Don't ask me. :?</p>

3

<p>k. Can you elaborate on the new dorms thing? Not sure I got that.</p>

<p>Also, as far as the frat scene, like what % would you say consider it their "life"?</p>

<p>Thanks for the info though :)</p>

4

<p>Way back when, the old dorms tended to attract lots of Southerners, Richmonders, Greek-bound students. The new dorms tended to be more "diverse." Because traditions don't die at UVA, I guess this is still the case.</p>

5

<p>ohh, ok, thanks. So do you get to choose your dorm then? Or do you ask for a certain location, etc?</p>

<p>I'd also like to "bump" this thread, there's got to be some students on here who can answer these questions.</p>

6

<ol>
<li> I think that the descriptions you write about have some truth to them. People are very nice, and there are folks from all walks of life--as Hazelorb outlines. However it is fairly preppy and affluent. I'm just fine with it here though. There is diversity and some self segregation, but I have all different sorts of friends. My sorority has girls who are Asian, African American, white,....and they are all my sisters!</li>
</ol>

<p>2 It's a work hard, party hard sort of school. The Greek life is there for anyone who chooses it, I did and I'm happy with my decision! But there's something going on all the time that is outside the Greek world. I haven't seen any Gucci or Prada, but there's a lot of pearls! (Obviously a girl's perspective). I think that about 30% of the students are involved in the Greek scene (I could be wrong on this, but I don't think I'm too far from the truth).</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Yes the sports stadiums are packed! Home games are so much fun! My friends and I tail-gated on the Lawn>>it's so pretty and fun. UVA is tops in academics, and though they did well in football this year, that's not always the case. So, people go to the games, have a good time, but if we lose--we are sad, but not broken hearted.</p></li>
<li><p>Most first year students live in the Old or New Dorms. There are other places to live like language dorms, Brown College, or Hereforth (sp?). The latter is really far away and people hate it there. I think the Old dorms are probably the most fun. The dorms are fairly typical of college dorms>>moderately sized room 2 beds, 2 desks.... for the most part. The cafeteria I prefer is Observatory Hill. The food is good, maybe not great. Next year I'm living in an apartment, but I'm still going to have a meal plan....if that gives you some idea.</p></li>
<li><p>Downtown is way cool. There is a blocked area that's for pedestrians. It runs several blocks long and has great restaurants, bars, stores, entertainment. Students and locals can get there on a trolley that is kind of quaint. This area has nice gardens and sitting areas. It reminds me of places in Europe. It's not part of UVA, and I like it that way.</p></li>
<li><p>Alumni are very involved in the University and return for sports events and give $. When one talks to an alumnus of UVA, their eyes sparkle!!</p></li>
<li><p>On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 9 right now. I was tempted to say 10, but that's not believable. I love my new found sorority and the people in it. I love the beauty of Mr. Jefferson's grounds, I love the mountains, the colonnades, the history, my roommate. I wish some of the basic general classes weren't so large--like Biology. It's huge, in the hundreds of students. I have never experienced classes this large in all my life, but the professors and TA's have office hours, recitation times and such. I go to them all and find that that makes me feel like an individual. My Biology professor last semester knew me by my first name!! Other classes though are much smaller. I know that large introductory classes are quite common in public and private large universities; it's just the norm for a school this size. I'm from North Carolina.</p></li>
</ol>

7

<p>I think people pretty much hit it on the head with the answers. I would like to point out that there is a little bit of self-segregation, but live in New Dorms. I live there this year, and there's a wide variety of people. Even though it is kind of on the opposite side of the campus from central grounds, the difference in people from Old Dorms is huge. Plus, I live across from the football stadium, so that definitely has its pluses. Not everyone is affluent, and not everyone's preppy (I've seen a lot of off-beat artist types and goths and etc), but people look good.
Wahoowa is a cheer we say during our football thing. If you go to a football game, you'll hear it. We call ourselves "hoos". You'll have to go on the website for the exact reason, I'm not too sure.</p>

8

<p>Powderpuff, thanks for the thorough description! So basically there is "self-segregation" not necessarily because people are unwilling to open up to others, but because people naturally tend to gravitate towards those of similar interest/background? Are there still racial problems and stuff though?</p>

<p>mjo: Thanks for the New Dorms tip. So there is more ethnic and socioeconomic diversity in those dorms? <strong>Do you get to specify a dorm when you send in housing info, or is it random selection?</strong></p>

<p>I guess my main question boils down to this: I'm a blue-collar kid, with middle-class parents. I've never had anything handed to me, and likewise, I appreciate hard work and earning your way. I don't have anything against wealthy people, as most of them have earned it. But I also don't want to be surrounded by self-righteous, white-collar frat guys everywhere. I don't mind the "work hard-play hard" mode, so long as "work hard" comes first, and people aren't criticized for not partying every Friday night. I'm an open-minded person who is used to diversity, and has seen both the rewards and issues it comes with. I want friendly people, and I don't want a mold you have to fit into. As stated before, I don't mind affluence so long as it isn't a central issue that controls everyday life. Basically, I'm worried that since I haven't grown up with tons of wealth (definitely not poor, but not BMW-status either), I will be looked down upon, or won't find my niche. Will I fit in at UVA? An honest opinion would be greatly appreciated, I won't hold anything against the school if you don't think I will, but I also need to find the place that's right for me. Thank you.</p>

9

<p>There are racial problems that are reported every year in Old Dorms... You do get to specify where you want to live (though they keep threatening to take that option away every year). Old dorms is where all the pre-frat/sorority legacies live basically. There are exceptions... But they are few.
You won't be looked down upon. But people do assume that you have spending cash for dinners out during the weekend I guess. Most people have some kind of job that gets them this kind of spending money too though.</p>

10

<p>Thanks Hazelorb. Sounds like New Dorms is where I'd be comfortable then.</p>

<p>If anyone else can expand on these topics, it would be great. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it!</p>

11

<p>I also have a question about New Dorms vs. Old Dorms.
How much segregation is there in the Old Dorms on a 1-10 scale?
I'm from Richmond, and someone mentioned above that a lot of richmonders typically live in the Old Dorms. I would love to live with a bunch of richmonders because I love my city, but I don't want to live with a bunch of "frat types". I also want to be in an atmosphere that is accepting of everyone and not snooty. Would I be ok in the Old Dorms? Can anyone expand more on the differences between New and Old Dorms?</p>

<p>p.s. which dorms are nicer amenity wise?</p>

12

<p>And before everyone cements this in their heads... not all fraternity/sorority members are snooty, rich, haughty, airheaded, etc. Quite a few are, but there are quite a few who aren't. =)</p>

13

<p>Haha, sorry melli, yes, I realize there are plenty who aren't. I'm just trying to figure out where I'm comfortable. </p>

<p>So I've figured out that under no conditions do I want to live in Old Dorms. If I put ND down, am I basically guaranteed a room there?</p>

14

<p>I think the word "affluence" is scaring a lot of people on this site. That word conjures up the worst of human nature that can be associated with $, and that is simply not the case on the UVA grounds. Please don't let the word "affluence" let your mind get carried away. Most kids at a top notch university, throughout the country, will probably be coming from a fairly well-to-do family that has emphasized education as a family value. Mine did. Also, college does cost a bit of $ and that sort of self-selects those who are willing to pay for an education. Of course mixed with these kids are people who are putting themselves through school, or won scholarships,..etc.
My Dad's a professional, and my roommate's parents both are professionals. My Dad drives a toyota, my car (that I'm not allowed to have in CVL as a first year student) is a Honda. My Dad brings his own lunch into work everyday as a means of saving $. Of course, his lead carries over to me. I know how hard he works for our life style, and I truly value his charisma and work ethic.
Sorry, I digress, people are very nice at UVA. As at any university you'll find some wealthy people, but people come from all walks of life; everyone has there own perspective, and hence diversity.
I have not witnessed snootiness, or racial disharmony. No one is forced into the Greek system. If you don't like that scene, don't go! Old Dorms do have a rep. for pre-frat guys, but it also has a reputation for being a very happy place! Many people rank it first in their dorm choices--it's really quite popular. I have NEVER, I repeat NEVER seen any sort of racially charged negative interaction ANYWHERE on the UVA grounds. So don't block off Old Dorms so quickly, learnmestuff. People of every ethnicity/race are well represented at every dorm. I didn't get the Old Dorms :( despite it being my first choice. Maybe in another life, I'll get the Old Dorms!!
When you place your dorm selection you will need to rank 5 different dorm areas. Even though Old and New dorms are spoken about, each of these have several buildings that will fit under the title: old or new. In your 5 choices though Old and New will be two of these choices, not individual buildings.</p>

15

<p>I loved the old dorms, but they did have a certain "feel" about them!</p>

<p>Oh, I can answer about alum involvement--there is lots. My husband and I attend several football games each season (and have quite a few friends with season tix) and we have season bb tickets. We also make it back for soccer and lacrosse games periodically. </p>

<p>And we give $$ because we loved UVA and the amazing educations that we received there.</p>

16

<p>Thanks powderpuff and clas84, you really cleared up a bunch of stuff!</p>

<p>Pwdrpuff: if wasn't so much that I feared racial diversity not being present in OD, it was more the frat stereotype of those dorms that turned me off.</p>

<p>If you don't mind me asking, what location are you rooming in now?</p>

<p>Are student section tix guaranteed for fb and bb?</p>

17

<p>learnmestuff, I really feel like somehow you got in your mind that OD=frat. It's just not the case. About 30% of the student body is Greek, so you'll find a little bit of it here and there. I would love to be in OD's. A lot of my friends live there, so I hang out there a bit. For your sake, don't write off OD so fast, you might be shooting yourself in the foot. OD's have a mystique about them and are nicely located. They aren't too fancy, no AC.
I live in New Dorms (other name for these dorms-Alderman) in one of the further buildings. It's ok, but quite a hike when I want to spontaneously go to the corner.
Many kids move into apartments in their 2nd year, it's just the thing to do at UVA. I have already signed a lease and will live with 3 other girls in an apartment out in the Corner area next year. It will be so nice!
Oh, and it's easy to go to fb games, there's an open grassy hill that a lot of students sit on, so seating is basically open and kids cram in there. BB games are more difficult.</p>

18

<p>Can someone clarify which are old dorms and which are new?</p>

19

<p>Old Dorms are on McCormick Rd and the New Dorms are on Alderman--so some call them McCormick and Alderman, but most don't. Most call them OD and ND.
Check out this link and click incoming first year students so you can learn a lot more. University</a> of Virginia - Housing Division :: Home
Housing calls them McCormick and Alderman.</p>

20

<p>powderpuff: If I decide to attend UVA, I will definitely look into OD before making a decision. Thanks for taking the time to help me out, you're very gracious.</p>

<p>Regarding the sporting events: Is there a designated "student section," so to speak, at the football and basketball games? Do all the students sit on the hill, or is there a contingent in the stadium seating as well? What about bb--is there a student section there, or do students just mix in with the general assembly?</p>