UVA culture question

[Anonymous]

My rising senior is considering UVA as a potential ED. How is the experience if you're white but not into the whole preppy, Greek culture? I mention race because my child isn't a member of any specific cultural group which might be a source of community for some kids who are.

Trying not to stir up anything but genuinely curious. I trust the university is large enough to have all types but interested to know thoughts, especially from current parents. thank you!

[Anonymous]

The dominant personality is Southern. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Most people aren't in greek life.

[Anonymous]

The majority of kids aren’t in a sorority or fraternity, it’s true, but it is a huge portion of what drives the social life at UVA.

I wasn’t Greek, but all my friends were. I mooch off of a lot of their parties for the bulk of my social outings.

UV is often compared to places like Vanderbilt and other southern upper crust places, but there are plenty of middle class Northern Virginia kids there too, as well as international kids and kids were all over the country.

It depends on what you’re comparing it to, but UVA is still very Greek and very preppy. Especially relative to Virginia Tech, JMU, William & Mary and some other in-state options.

The biggest culture shock for me was the tailgating and day culture at football games, outings like Foxfield, and the pure alcohol consumption levels. Even if your kid doesn’t drink or doesn’t do big football games, it is a huge part of the culture, in the fall especially.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My rising senior is considering UVA as a potential ED. How is the experience if you're white but not into the whole preppy, Greek culture? I mention race because my child isn't a member of any specific cultural group which might be a source of community for some kids who are.

Trying not to stir up anything but genuinely curious. I trust the university is large enough to have all types but interested to know thoughts, especially from current parents. thank you!

It’s fine. College is what you make it. He would find his own people, assuming he could even be admitted.

[Anonymous]

Lots of different groups there, like any large school.

[Anonymous]

My daughter completed her first year at UVA and absolutely loves the school. She is not into Greek life and does not party/drink. She made friends with a large group of highly intelligent, motivated and friendly students from various states (NY, MD, NC, CT, OH and others) and different areas of VA. None in this friends group are into the Greek life nor party scene. I’ve met them all and couldn’t be happier for my kid that she met her people.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely go ED if this is your top pick and your are in state. ED was a tough round this year, but EA was a bloodbath.....we know many top of the class, very strong kids who didn't get in during that round.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people aren't in greek life.

While true, the majority are really into the football team, games, marching band, etc. Campus life really revolves around the football and Greek cultures (which overlap).

It’s all work hard/play hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter completed her first year at UVA and absolutely loves the school. She is not into Greek life and does not party/drink. She made friends with a large group of highly intelligent, motivated and friendly students from various states (NY, MD, NC, CT, OH and others) and different areas of VA. None in this friends group are into the Greek life nor party scene. I’ve met them all and couldn’t be happier for my kid that she met her people.

Every school has a fringe/goth/misfit group or two.

[Anonymous]

You really need to think about the social fit aspect of this and if you’re on the fence, don’t ED. UVA is intense socially when it comes to alcohol consumption as others have mentioned and that extends far beyond Greek life. If your kid isn’t ready for this, you might want to consider W&M or VT for ED. W&M is a little less intense socially and VT is more of a big happy family. There are exceptions, but UVA is intense and your kid will have to navigate that to find their sea turtles within a sea of sharks.

[Anonymous]

UVA has a drinking culture which extends far beyond the greek scene. Cavaliers pride themselves on the work hard/play-harder ethos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My rising senior is considering UVA as a potential ED. How is the experience if you're white but not into the whole preppy, Greek culture? I mention race because my child isn't a member of any specific cultural group which might be a source of community for some kids who are.

Trying not to stir up anything but genuinely curious. I trust the university is large enough to have all types but interested to know thoughts, especially from current parents. thank you!

It’s fine. College is what you make it. He would find his own people, assuming he could even be admitted.

Agree with this. How likely is your kid to put themselves out there and find organizations/activities that they like?

UVA is large enough that one can have an excellent experience without attending a fraternity party or sporting event the entire 4 years there. UVA says 30% of the population is involved in greek life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You really need to think about the social fit aspect of this and if you’re on the fence, don’t ED. UVA is intense socially when it comes to alcohol consumption as others have mentioned and that extends far beyond Greek life. If your kid isn’t ready for this, you might want to consider W&M or VT for ED. W&M is a little less intense socially and VT is more of a big happy family. There are exceptions, but UVA is intense and your kid will have to navigate that to find their sea turtles within a sea of sharks.

Eh, quit being so dramatic. I went to UVA. I've never had a drop of alcohol in my life. I don't party. I was pretty hermit-like, actually. I loved my experience at UVA. I had a few close friends and a boyfriend for a time. I have great memories of taking long walks (alone) around the beautiful campus. I loved the corner and all the shops and lunch places. There was this joint called Cafe Euro where I would sit for hours reading my book, having lunch, drinking tea, by myself. I joined a church and felt connected there. I had great relationships with my teachers. I'd bring a blanket and sit on the lawn and read. It wasn't "intense" socially for me in any way. On my walks I'd see the frat houses but never gave them much thought. I never attended a football game or any other sporting event in my four years at the school. I don't enjoy those things. I have only awesome memories of life at UVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really need to think about the social fit aspect of this and if you’re on the fence, don’t ED. UVA is intense socially when it comes to alcohol consumption as others have mentioned and that extends far beyond Greek life. If your kid isn’t ready for this, you might want to consider W&M or VT for ED. W&M is a little less intense socially and VT is more of a big happy family. There are exceptions, but UVA is intense and your kid will have to navigate that to find their sea turtles within a sea of sharks.

Eh, quit being so dramatic. I went to UVA. I've never had a drop of alcohol in my life. I don't party. I was pretty hermit-like, actually. I loved my experience at UVA. I had a few close friends and a boyfriend for a time. I have great memories of taking long walks (alone) around the beautiful campus. I loved the corner and all the shops and lunch places. There was this joint called Cafe Euro where I would sit for hours reading my book, having lunch, drinking tea, by myself. I joined a church and felt connected there. I had great relationships with my teachers. I'd bring a blanket and sit on the lawn and read. It wasn't "intense" socially for me in any way. On my walks I'd see the frat houses but never gave them much thought. I never attended a football game or any other sporting event in my four years at the school. I don't enjoy those things. I have only awesome memories of life at UVA.

Being a hermit isn’t typically considered healthy. I’m glad it worked out for you but maybe you should ask why there weren’t more people like you there. Maybe that’s because UVa attracts red meant eating extroverts for the most part. Also, I’m not sure that the current generation would be happy being alone as you described. Kids need to go where they will find their social fit, not a place where they’re alone for four years. Geez