University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

Being a non-traditional student of 63 years of age...almost 3 times older that most of the students at the university...I am kind of removed from a lot of the student activities and groups.

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There are tons of great clubs and activities at UVA! Greek life is absolutely booming and present, about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the UVA population is involved in Greek Life. Other popular groups are groups such as Vietnamese Student Association, Chinese Student Association, Korean Student Association, and other ethnical groups that raise awareness. There are also a number of religious groups for Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, etc. For those that are interested in sports, there are also club teams for almost every sport and also tons of opportunities to play in Intramural Leagues! Weekends are filled with parties, sporting events, workshops, and more! There's always something to do at UVA since there is free public transportation and nearby malls, stores and soforth!

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The most popular groups on campus are Greek institutions, University Program Council, and Acapella Groups. I'm involved with the business fraternity, First-year council, and International relations organization. Students are open in their halls. Athletic events are free and very popular, guest speakers are frequent and engaging, and Theater is popular and respected. The dating scene is very active whether through CIO's or nightlife. I met my closest friends in my suite. 2:00 AM on a Tuesday I'm either at Qdoba eating a Taco with my friends, asleep, or studying. Traditions and events include lighting of the lawn, fox field, mid-summers, beach week, and block party. While many students party, many do not. Fraternities/Sororities are very vocal but only make up 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the student body. Last weekend I went to a restaurant for a date, rummaged the corner, and met many business fraternity brothers. Off campus, I like to hike and fish.

Because of UVA's academic reputation, the school attracts a wide variety of students. Many are involved with Greek life, the arts, social awareness groups, and a plethora of other interest groups. Every week there is something new to do, like guest speakers on developing nations, dance troupe performances, sporting events, paint wars, and any imaginable activity. Although people do drink here, and there is always a party to go to, there is always something to do besides drink. Most restaurants on the Corner are open for late night hangouts with your friends, and you can always go hang out on the lawn with a frisbee! Some of my best memories from my first year involve goofing off with my friends around Grounds, and I didn't drink at all my first year. I never felt pressured to drink or do anything I didn't want to, and I think that is true for most people. Most people drink, but no one cares if you choose not to, so there is no pressure!

Because of UVA's academic reputation, the school attracts a wide variety of students. Many are involved with Greek life, the arts, social awareness groups, and a plethora of other interest groups. Every week there is something new to do, like guest speakers on developing nations, dance troupe performances, sporting events, paint wars, and any imaginable activity. Although people do drink here, and there is always a party to go to, there is always something to do besides drink. Most restaurants on the Corner are open for late night hangouts with your friends, and you can always go hang out on the lawn with a frisbee! Some of my best memories from my first year involve goofing off with my friends around Grounds, and I didn't drink at all my first year. I never felt pressured to drink or do anything I didn't want to, and I think that is true for most people. Most people drink, but no one cares if you choose not to, so there is no pressure!

UVa has so many opportunities to get involved! Greek life and service are probably the two most popular student activities, although with over 100 different CIOS, UVa students are involved in everything!

The most popular organizations on grounds include ISA and MSA, which are religious organizations. They do many cultural events that bring together UVA. Also, the University Student Council is very active in getting students involved. Athletic events, especially football games are very popular at UVA. Games bring together faculty, students and even parents and other family members. Some traditions that happen every year include the Lighting of the Lawn and also the 4th year 5th where 4th year students try to drink a fifth of alcohol on the last home football game. In my opinion, a good amount of people party on weekdays such as Thursdays. At this school, the social life is a big concern. Due to this reason, fraternities and sororities are very popular. Personally, I can go to a friend's dorm and watch a movie with her or just watch tv in my own room.

Athletics (especially Football and Basketball) are extremely popular, but a lot of arts related groups and programs are also very popular. Personally, I am a member of First Year Players, a theatre organization that allows first years to become part of the competitive drama scene through performace portions of the musicals the group puts on every semester, but also allows a wider group of people to set up the technical aspects and production. The organization is truly a huge family - we have multiple gatherings throughout the semester, we have our own email list-serv which we use to stay continuously connected, and it allows a great chance to get to know people you may have never met otherwise. Dorms are also a great chance to get to know new people - especially in hall styles where you have a roommate and a greater group of people to interact with. Greek life is definitely represented, but it's not essential to participate in unless you truly want to. You can definitely have a social life without becoming Greek, but the system is also a great way to have a fabulous friendships and create great social interactions. Partying definitely occurs nearly every weekend, just like every traditional college experience, but if that isn't your thing, there are many more activities to participate in - theatre shows, University events (including movie nights, guest speakers, concerts, and workshops), exploring Charlottesville, and other activities such as bowling, shopping, and museums.