how possible is it to have a thriving social life at UVa without being interested in the Greek scene

[Anonymous]

or in it yourself?
I know of course it's possible, but how challenging?
How hard is it, esp for an introvert?

[Anonymous]

Oh please, get over Greek life.

[Anonymous]

Quoting from another thread, "UVA isn't like W&M where 76% of the student body participates. My UVA kid spent four happy years there and never once stepped into a Greek house. It's only 26% participation there."

I think it's been corrected to note that W&M is not true, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quoting from another thread, "UVA isn't like W&M where 76% of the student body participates. My UVA kid spent four happy years there and never once stepped into a Greek house. It's only 26% participation there."

I think it's been corrected to note that W&M is not true, right?

About 33% are Greek at W&M. Maybe they meant W&L?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quoting from another thread, "UVA isn't like W&M where 76% of the student body participates. My UVA kid spent four happy years there and never once stepped into a Greek house. It's only 26% participation there."

I think it's been corrected to note that W&M is not true, right?

They meant Wash & Lee, which, indeed is 76 percent Greek

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Quoting from another thread, "UVA isn't like W&M where 76% of the student body participates. My UVA kid spent four happy years there and never once stepped into a Greek house. It's only 26% participation there."

I think it's been corrected to note that W&M is not true, right?

About 33% are Greek at W&M.


Maybe they meant W&L?

correct

[Anonymous]

To answer the original question, here's how my UVA kid did it. First she participated in a Facebook page set up by accepted students. O er the summer, she found many of her friends there sharing her particular interests. Ny the time she arrived at camous there were ten students who had friended up this way. They all went out as a group after move-in day. Then, during the first week, over thecourse of 3 days, UVA has its 700 clubs out put out tables where student reps talked to interest students about their activities. She picked six to try: the student newspaper, an athletic club, a political club, a musical club, a philanthropy club and something else I can't remember. The gamechanger turned out to be the Jefferson Society - the longest continuing running debate Society in America. That became her real out-of-class focus and from whence most if her friends would come. She became an officer in Jef Soc and in the political club. She worked in politics at Larry Sabato's center which lead to summer internships in DC. She's now at UVA law. The Greek houses are all off campus; you really can go all four years without ever going to a Greek house or event.

[Anonymous]

Play a sport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To answer the original question, here's how my UVA kid did it. First she participated in a Facebook page set up by accepted students. O er the summer, she found many of her friends there sharing her particular interests. Ny the time she arrived at camous there were ten students who had friended up this way. They all went out as a group after move-in day. Then, during the first week, over thecourse of 3 days, UVA has its 700 clubs out put out tables where student reps talked to interest students about their activities. She picked six to try: the student newspaper, an athletic club, a political club, a musical club, a philanthropy club and something else I can't remember. The gamechanger turned out to be the Jefferson Society - the longest continuing running debate Society in America. That became her real out-of-class focus and from whence most if her friends would come. She became an officer in Jef Soc and in the political club. She worked in politics at Larry Sabato's center which lead to summer internships in DC. She's now at UVA law. The Greek houses are all off campus; you really can go all four years without ever going to a Greek house or event.

Thanks this is helpful! Trying to be ready to understand implications of different options and decisions

[Anonymous]

They need to go into it knowing they don’t want that and immediately start seeking out other activities and social outlets. And they need to be mentally prepared for lots of drunk students coming back from parties in first year dorms (will vary based on where they live) and for rush to take over dorm chatter in the winter.

[Anonymous]

Not very many engineering students are involved in the greek scene; they just do not have the free time to do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not very many engineering students are involved in the greek scene; they just do not have the free time to do that.

Yeah, I’m not sure any of them have what I’d call a “thriving social life.”

[Anonymous]

Most people don’t do Greek life there. Most people do clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:or in it yourself?
I know of course it's possible, but how challenging?
How hard is it, esp for an introvert?

The student will figure it out.

[Anonymous]

They will have to join clubs and be active in them. People will not walk up to them and say "hi want to be friends?"

My DS is shy and had never been to a party before HS - took focused on being a good student and his girlfriend. He met a great roommate (still best friends as a fourth year), but wanted to branch out more so he did decide to rush. I'll never forget when he texted me he sign up to rush right before the midnight deadline, and then two hours later texted to me to say what a waste of money that was because no way would he pledge. I got all these messages in the AM LOL. well he did pledge with his best friend and has had a great experience that he credits with shaping his whole life at UVA. There are greek houses where he can find a good brotherhood without the heavy partying emphasis - tho they do have those as well. He is living in the house now and while it's a challenge LOL (he often says they should pay him to live there), he has gotten even closer with everyone and loved being part of rush.

So there is a counterpoint. Your kid may not like the idea but may change his mind. There are many clubs though which have thriving social scenes, though they will also be focused around drinking somewhat.