University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

I'm repeating what I wrote about stereotypes here. I just returned last night from studying abroad, and I'm jet lagged. Coming from a small suburban school in New York, aside from that it is a tremendous acadmeic University, Virginia's reputation is not well known around here. But with a little research you quickly discover that UVA is notorious for being a traditional southern school. With "guys in ties, girls in pearls", most of the campus is crawling with well bred upper class white preps, sporting sunglasses and flip flops. Along with all of this comes a certain air of elitism. While the preppy stereotype annually reasserts itself, there are major amendments: -First, though some of the students at times prance around as elitists, this is not wholly inappropriate. Many were raised in beautiful, rich neighborhoods, and were bred into a nearly aristocratic lifestyle. Consequently, they were sent to some of the best magnet/gifted schools in the world, and thus enjoy the benefits of the highest education possible. Thus, though still partying American kids of the 21st century, these individuals are brilliant, charming, articulate, driven, and will no doubt be the next world leaders. -Second, such attitude is by no measure universal. As an enormous, dynamic institution, many of the students find a variety of crowds. There is a ton of cultural diversity, with probably 45 percent of the student body representing a convergence of Asian-, African-, Indian- and Latin Americans, as well as students from all over the United States, not to mention International visitors. Additionally, so many of us do not fulfill the traditional southern mold. While we may be affected into dressing more stylish, many are not involved with "preppy" activities (get dressed up and celebrate luxury with drinks), but support instead the "orange fever" movement, made up of a more quirky, creative, and individualistic crowd. Those of us that are more unusual also tend to be more economically diverse, many taking advantage of the ACCESS UVA financial aid program.

You see a little bit of everything at UVA. Politically, UVA may seem like a liberal school, but that is mostly because those individuals are more outspoken. There are plenty of right-leaning people around, but they are a little more reserved. You will see there are TOO MANY "Hoos for _________" groups. The uniqueness of that term has been overused. As far as financial backgrounds, there are definitely wealthy people. That being said, from my own experience, you wouldn't necessarily know it. Many people get the impression that UVA is full of arrogant, rich kids, but the ones I know are very humble. Someone who might feel out of place at UVA is someone who likes to be plain. Girls always dress up, guys can get away with being sloppy sometimes. UVA is very much a dress to impress school.

Enthusiastic, preppy, happy, mostly from Northern Virginia, more or less politically (and otherwise) liberal,

The stereotype of a UVA student is a preppy, rich white kid, and there are an awful lot of those it seems. Still -- thankfully -- that's not everybody. While I sometimes think we could do better with ethnic diversity, I've met and made friends with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. There are a ton of clubs and student organizations, which can make it easier to get to know different kinds of people -- or people just like you. One of the best things I did during my first year was join one of the Christian fellowship groups on grounds. My faith is important to me, and I was really glad to find a group that would respect and nurture that -- plus they're all a ton of fun and really wonderful people!

Most of UVA's student body is from, of course, Virginia. Most of those from Virginia come from Northern Virginia (Or NOVA). A lot of the kids from NOVA come from Thomas Jefferson High School. It was difficult, coming to a place like that from Oklahoma when there are less than ten people from my entire state there. But the people couldn't be nicer or more welcoming. The only type of student who might feel out of place at UVA would be a mean one.

Most of the UVA students are from Virginia, so if you come from out of state you might feel a little isolated and lonely at first. But don't let that block you from meeting new friends because although some already know each other from high school, they are very excited and willing to meet new friends too.

Diversity is a sore subject at UVA. The University has been taken great care recently to promote racial diversity and interracial relations on campus. Such steps are called for as the study body self-segregates, barring the knowledge, tolerance, and respect gained from a diverse circle of friends. Racism, homophobia, and religious intolerance is pervasive among the politically and socially conservative set, making it nearly impossible for minorities to assimilate. It's worrisome and absolutely humiliating that such bigotry exists in the minds of these young people. This may be symptomatic of a Southern upbringing. I am describing a very small number of students, but it's still too many.

I was very involved with the Jewish student organizations and I can say that Hillel was very well respected on campus and all of the student religious organizations were very well managed and most students could find a group they liked. I think other organizations like Sustained Dialogue, a group I participated in for a year, worked very hard to get different groups together to talk and learn more about the other. Sustained Dialogue had weekly meetings where groups were assigned with participating students from all walks of life who wanted to talk with people they might never have the opportunity to get to know otherwise on campus. I would say otherwise it is a realy mixed bag, as with most large universities I get the sense, that some students are more political or conservative/liberal than others, etc.

There are 3 types of students: the ones who study all the time and get great grades, the ones who kinda study and do pretty well, and the ones who just play and party and barely get by. Black kids normally hang out with black kids, asians with asians, whites with whites. There is some racial interaction, but not much -- especially when you're just hanging out. Most UVa kids are from Northern Virginia. It's like a breeding ground for UVa kids. Most kids wear a polo to class, and definitely flip flops. Girls seem to love those stylish rain boots, and they LOVE sundresses when it's hot.

Most of the different people I've met at UVA are really friendly and will help you out in just about any situation. At the beginning of my first year, there was a racial incident about a comic published in the school newspaper which got many people upset, but nothing else that serious happened the rest of the year. I can't really see anyone feeling out of place at UVA because there are so many diverse groups there. I guess you would only feel out of place if you purposely didn't talk to anyone. Most students wear sweats, pajamas, or just jeans and a shirt to class, especially those early morning classes. Some other people get dressed up for class, but if they aren't giving a presentation or getting interviewed for something, I don't really see why they do. There are too many diverse groups at UVA for people not to interact with people different from themselves. It's pretty much unavoidable. Most UVA students are from Virginia.