THE University... of Virginia

Introduction
You might have been a star at your highschool, but be prepared to be surrounded by stars. Everyone here is just as smart as you, good-looking and friendly. Come with an open mind, as friendships formed in the first few weeks can be some of the strongest and longest-lasting. Don't stress too much about classes, worry more about making friends and finding your place-- in a big school, it's easy to get lost in the crowd. First year, it's okay to take some "gut" classes. It's hard to get in here, but if you play your cards right it can be easy to stay in. Read the course descriptions to figure out which classes are going to be easy and will require minimal work-- they are surprisingly simple to find.

Campus Life and Social Life
Greek life rules. If you aren't in a Frat or Sorority, good luck! For those under 21 or without a fake ID, Frat parties rule the weekend scene (thursday nights are big party nights-- no one takes friday classes), and even the bars near campus are full of greeks. House parties are somewhat popular, but the most social, party-hard kids are all greek. No one leaves on weekends, everyone LOVES the hoos and camp out for football tickets to big-name games. Everyone dresses up and tailgates before all the games, it's almost as much a tradition as streaking the lawn! Academics
The worst thing about the University is ISIS-- Integrated Student Information System, the way you register for classes. It is maddeningly slow, kicks you off every five minutes, and it's impossible to get the classes you want. Luckily, if you email professors and attend the first few classes, you can usually end up with most of the classes you want.
The best thing about UVA is the esteemed professors-- all my professors are published authors, well known and respected in their genre. It's both exciting and intimidating to see your professor's works cited or quoted in your textbook! Also, everyone who is at UVA worked really hard to get there-- discussions are intelligent, lively, and everyone pulls their own weight.

Student Body
Most everyone is a preppy prepster-- from families with a lot of money, guys in ties, girls in pearls. BUT, it is a huge university, so there are plenty of other cliques-- ie, the pot-smoking bus drivers, the artsy poetry kids, the damn-the-man political activists... But I'd say the majoriy of the kids are pretty old-skool preppy-- well mannered, friendly, and look like they just popped out of a J. Crew ad. They are mostly from VA and big-name cities of New England and the South-- Birmingham, Greenwich, Westchester, Memphis. Not a lot of West or Midwest representation.

In Closing...
Everyone I know LOVES UVa. There is a TON of school spirit. Definitely a work hard play hard attitude among all the students, and even some of the professors!