University of Vermont Top Questions

Potheads and hipsters. We certainly have our fair share of them but it certainly doesn't encompass everyone.

Hippies/hipsters, stoners, open-minded and accepting, from New England, work-hard play-hard types

Hippies/hipsters, stoners, open-minded and accepting, from New England, work-hard play-hard types

There is a definitely stereotype of UVM students being "hippies", varying from stoners to environmentalists. This is our reputation as a university that the administration has been trying to break away from. I believe that this stereotype is actually a draw, and why many kids decide to attend UVM.

The stereotype of students at UVM is that we are all "hippies" and love the environment. Although there are students on campus who are active participators in trying to become more eco-friendly, there are many people who are not as enthusiastic about this. It is easy to become involved in these activities, but it is also easy to fit in if this does not fit your personality.

The stereotype here at UVM is that all the students here are stoner-hippies, and while there is a population of people like that here at UVM, there is also a large population who are not 'stoners' nor 'hippies'. A perfect example of the UVM stereotype could be seen at a college sports bar in Massachusetts. The menu had a burger for each New England state University. All the burgers were named after the school's mascot. For example, UNH's burger was named the Wildcat. UVM's burger was named the Shroom Burger. My girlfriend and I thought it was comical, but were also reminded how UVM is viewed by the rest of New England. A stereotype that is completely false.

Stoners/Druggies. Hippies. Hipsters. Definitely the most common.

Honestly, UVM has a wide variety of students. The students range from preppy kids, to stoners, to hipsters, and over achieving honor students. That's what makes the University of Vermont so unique, there are so many different types of people here. I wouldn't use the word "diverse" because when you take a step back you see a lot of white faces but I think the University is making a consorted effort to change that and diversify our campus. At times, I have felt as though many students here are cookie cutter, wearing the same things and into the same sorts of things...but it really depends on where you look. I have friends who are outing club heros and sorority princesses. It's great how random and varied my friend groups are!

I think people see UVM students as a mixture of rich kids, hippies, stoners, and any combination of those. I am none of the above. At first, I was a little uncomfortable with the diversity at UVM, since I come from a private school where the environment was quite different. Yes, I know - "How can you talk about your little prep school and not have the gut to say you're a snobby rich kid?" Well, my mom works there, so I get free tuition - so just try not to assume anything. Don't get me wrong, there are tons of stoners and rich kids here. But there are also a ton of other types of people. Remember - there are thousands and thousands of students at UVM - pretty much everybody is really nice and you'll find people who are just like you and who you can share your great college experience with Greek life is in no way overwhelming at UVM. It exists, but I don't feel pressured in any way to participate. That said, there is nothing wrong with pledging - it's kind of just a 'do whatever you feel like' sort of thing. On a similar note, there is very little judgment here. Since there are so many different types of people, a lot of people just accept people for who they truly are. There isn't that much pressure to be who you aren't. UVM offers a lot of opportunities. As a business student, I have a lot of support and guidance in figuring out just what I want to do in life. You'll be presented with many, many opportunities, you just have to act on them. For example, I joined the Marketing Club. At one of the meetings, a faculty member came and asked if she could get a few people to help organize an event. I figured that I would help - so I offered. Turns out that the event was for the President of Nickelodeon to come and make a presentation on how she got to the place she is now. Knowing that I've met the President of Nickelodeon is just amazing! If that isn't enough, know that the Bruins goalie Tim Thomas went to UVM, and the Stanley Cup came to Burlington last year. :)

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