Is UGA a good fit for a northerner from Long Island NY? I’d like to major in Political science (republican). I know the political environment won’t be a problem but is the south overly classy and snobby? What are the people at UGA like?
@GPELLE
It’s a very diverse school, so not really all stereotypical southerners. Athens though, is a classical southern town (keep in mind UGA was founded in 1785, and if not the oldest, than one of the oldest public colleges in the USA). I think you’ll be okay - NY is obviously has a completely different vibe, so maybe you’ll see Athens as more calm and relaxed. Paying OOS tuition to UGA is obviously going to be expensive though, and while the PolSci program is definitely respectable, you need to ask yourself whether its really worth it - unless you have a sizeable scholarship. Most of your peers at UGA will obviously be GA residents, and on scholarship - so you would be paying an unproportionally higher amount than them - for no significant ROI.
Generally, going back to your question - the southern steretypes (and this is my opinion), are definitely still existent in small towns, but really not applicable for bigger towns any longer (in terms of the way people are/think/act). The southern architecture, traditions, and so on, are apparent around campus though of course. Athens does indeed look like a typical southern town in many respects, but the presence of UGA has (obviously) had major influence on the town. Really, you will see that Athens = UGA (even businesses in the town will have somehow name themeselves something in regards to UGA (like Bulldog auto and Bulldog Kia).
Even as a PolSci major, you’ll see a lot of people with opposing views, etc. , - additionally, you’ll always find people who are like you. Thus, there is no answer to “What are the people at UGA like?” - because that’s to general of a question for a place like UGA. I can understand where you’re coming from though - since in the North, Southern stereotypes are definitely something that are apparent.
Hope this helps.
Your right there probably isn’t one stereotype to group the students into. Thank you!