UVA culture question

[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.

It’s Grounds and Cafe Europa. You sure you went there?

[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.

That’s really weird.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of different groups there, like any large school.

To expand on this…our daughter met a group through an arts organization. Yes, there are parties. Your kid can choose to go or not go, drink or not drink. She has friends in other orgs…Jewish organization, service organization, and club sports. She did join a sorority but not what the prestige-obsessed would call one of the top tier The women seem great. She also joined a professional group. She’s not in business - I have heard that is super competitive in terms of clubs.

Good thing is that there are so many types of groups and people. If your kid knows anyone there, they should talk to them. Ideally different people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Yuck. What a disgusting thing to post. You are troubled if you think this is okay. Go away.

[Anonymous]

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

This is definitely true. Google the alternate meaning of Wahoo and 4th Year Fifth.

[Anonymous]

Funny,
Trying to pin UVA students as notorious alcoholics, any different than a typical undergrad student.
Have you guys been to JMU lately?

"James Madison University (JMU) is frequently mentioned among the top party schools in the US. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by the Wall Street Journal, have ranked JMU within the top 5 schools for party scenes"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It’s Grounds and Cafe Europa. You sure you went there?

And UVA has professors, not teachers. I went to UVA and something is very off with this post.

You can't miss the lines of drunk frat boys spilling out of Sigma Nu on a Friday afternoon. That's my memory at least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The dominant personality is Southern. Good luck.

Not true, but there is nothing wrong with Southern personalities all the same.

signed, Transplant from the Northeast who would never move back

[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!

I'm not a current parent. I went to UVA for grad school, spouse went for undergrad. So I like UVA in general, but that said, none of our 3 kids applied, and it was because of the culture. I think it is true that it is large enough so kids can find their people, I think it is also true that the predominant culture is fratty, preppy, work hard play hard, and there is a lot of drinking. This was true back in our time, and doesn't seem to have changed since.

My kids decided this wasn't for them, and went to places where they would feel more comfortable overall with the vibe. But we know kids there who do love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Funny,
Trying to pin UVA students as notorious alcoholics, any different than a typical undergrad student.
Have you guys been to JMU lately?

"James Madison University (JMU) is frequently mentioned among the top party schools in the US. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by the Wall Street Journal, have ranked JMU within the top 5 schools for party scenes"

Looks like the UVA boosters are working hard to spin the narrative here. If you’re comparing yourself to JMU you’re probably losing the PR battle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The dominant personality is Southern. Good luck.

Not true, but there is nothing wrong with Southern personalities all the same.

signed, Transplant from the Northeast who would never move back

I'm from the North and went to UVA, and it did strike me as very Southern. Foxfield, dressing up for football games, etc.

[Anonymous]

If you have to ask it means you’re not totally comfortable with uva which means don’t ED.

[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.

So dramatic and not at all the experience of my kid at UVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny,
Trying to pin UVA students as notorious alcoholics, any different than a typical undergrad student.
Have you guys been to JMU lately?

"James Madison University (JMU) is frequently mentioned among the top party schools in the US. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by the Wall Street Journal, have ranked JMU within the top 5 schools for party scenes"

Looks like the UVA boosters are working hard to spin the narrative here. If you’re comparing yourself to JMU you’re probably losing the PR battle.

Read the post again, no one is comparing UVA to JMU.

Your kids didn't get in. That's ok, move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny,
Trying to pin UVA students as notorious alcoholics, any different than a typical undergrad student.
Have you guys been to JMU lately?

"James Madison University (JMU) is frequently mentioned among the top party schools in the US. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by the Wall Street Journal, have ranked JMU within the top 5 schools for party scenes"

Looks like the UVA boosters are working hard to spin the narrative here. If you’re comparing yourself to JMU you’re probably losing the PR battle.

Read the post again, no one is comparing UVA to JMU.

Your kids didn't get in. That's ok, move on.

Aww let’s not get sassy, sweetie. It’s not a good look for UVa. Maybe take a break and go for a walk.