University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

Stuck up preppy rich kids who are full of themselves and think they are better than everyone. I heard this stereotype many times before I went to UVA. In all honesty I find the people that fit this stereotype to be a small minority at UVA. Most students at UVA are really friendly and normal people.

The stereotype of students at my school is that most kids belong to rich white families. It is stereotypical to think that most kids are at UVA to party and become popular frat stars. To some extent this stereotype is accurate as many crazy incidents happen due to partying and drinking. However, even though there is a good social life many kids are also very focused on their studies when they need to. A good balance is achievable.

The overall stereotype of UVA kids is mostly rich preppy white kids from Northern Virginia. A lot of them are seen as bright and intelligent, but stuck-up trust fund kids. The stereotype is also that there is little diversity. I would say that while the average UVA student is definitely richer than the average American, they are usually not super rich. In fact, a lot of these kids actually came to UVA because they couldn't afford a more expensive private school. They do tend to dress preppy, but there's nothing wrong with that. As for being stuck-up, most kids are actually really down to earth and very approachable.

With UVa being 30 percent Greek there is a strong focus on the relationship between those involved, and those who chose other social outlets. With these choices come the obvious stereotypes that one student parties more while another in say, the fencing club may not. What I have seen over my past year and a half at the University seems to go against this idea of immense social divisions. Through being required to live on grounds first year, and the delayed rush process students learn to become active in groups and organizations outside of Greek life and thus establish bonds and friendships throughout the University. While there will always be stereotypical groups of druggies and nerds its seems that people fall where they feel they belong without the fear of being stuck with a certain group for the rest of their college days.

UVA is commonly stereotyped as a school for rich and preppy kids. These stereotypes are true, however, just like any stereotype, there are exceptions. There is definitely a lot of money at this school. Of course, there are also students here who are on scholarships and have to pay for their own education. These people, in my opinion seem to be in the minority but they do exist. UVA is undoubtedly a preppy school. Students dress up for football games; just as the common saying goes, "guys in ties, girls in pearls." Although these stereotypes are true, there is diversity at this school as well. At a school where lacrosse athletes are admired and "upper tier" sorority girls are emulated, there is also room for those students who are not interested in going Greek but instead want to make their own unique life here at UVA.

The stereotypes about the students at UVa is that they are kind of stuck-up, rich, and snobby. However, when most people think of UVa students, they also think of people who are very intelligent and dedicated to their studies. The first stereotype is not true. Everyone that I have met through my experiences at UVa have been great! They are very interested in getting to know their fellow students and they'll do anything to help each other out. The intelligent stereotype is true. Everyone at UVa is very dedicated to their studies, and this level of intelligence makes for very fun, interesting conversations.

At UVA, probably the biggest stereotype involves our penchant for wearing Sperry's. Apparently, they have themed UVA parties at William & Mary--Sperry's required! I have fallen victim to peer pressure, and own two pairs myself. Though I do not sail (and, in fact, have never sailed), I find Sperry's to be especially comfortable, and not too overwhelmingly preppy.

The stereotype of the typical UVa student is preppy-- collared shirt, khakis, sundresses, and upper-middle class. Going along with that description, he or she is highly Greek oriented, and probably majoring in economics or commerce. While many students do fit that bill, UVa is certainly diverse enough to offer a wider variety of people, especially since its former president, John Casteen, made huge strides towards opening up the university to students from more rural southwest Virginia, Jefferson's original intent. There is also a large international contingent and many different educational paths.

Many people associate a preppy, elitist, spoiled, and conservative student body with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Like many stereotypes, this one holds some truth. Most UVa students come from the privileged suburbs of Washington D.C. and seem to have an endless flow of money from their parents. This sort of privilege translates as naivete and immaturity. Additionally, the UVa student body is primarily homogenous: many students dress similarly or listen to the same music or do the same things on the weekend. These interests and preferences all tend to be preppy, elitist, or conservative. However, many UVa students absolutely do not fit this mold. UVa is a large enough school that one can find any type of student. Perhaps if you are less conventional a bit more work will go into "finding your niche," but if you are willing to seek creative, interesting, and even bizarre people, you will surely find them. Most importantly, many people at UVa are smart, open-minded, and have a broad array of interests. Though you may find many frat boys and sorority girls who only listen to popular music, talk about celebrities, and are only interested in getting drunk on the weekends, you are also bound to find an array of creative artistic types, political and social activists, and die-hard scholars. So, to a large extent, the stereotypes are accurate, but there are many exceptions.

Many people associate a preppy, elitist, spoiled, and conservative student body with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Like many stereotypes, this one holds some truth. Most UVa students come from the privileged suburbs of Washington D.C. and seem to have an endless flow of money from their parents. This sort of privilege translates as naivete and immaturity. Additionally, the UVa student body is primarily homogenous: many students dress similarly or listen to the same music or do the same things on the weekend. These interests and preferences all tend to be preppy, elitist, or conservative. However, many UVa students absolutely do not fit this mold. UVa is a large enough school that one can find any type of student. Perhaps if you are less conventional a bit more work will go into "finding your niche," but if you are willing to seek creative, interesting, and even bizarre people, you will surely find them. Most importantly, many people at UVa are smart, open-minded, and have a broad array of interests. So, to a large extent, the stereotypes are accurate, but there are many exceptions.