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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My son just finished his first year. He is kind of a politics nerd, super engaged in current events, intense and driven, academic type. Also sporty and social, but definitely not the stereotypical UVA happy-go-lucky work hard/play hard type. (When I asked, everyone on DCUM suggested he go to William and Mary last year :) )

He thought the idea of NOT going to UVA beecause he wasn't interested in frats was totally dumb and chose UVA. [b]I have to admit that I was surprised at how difficult the first half of the year was socially[/b]. What turned everything around second semester was joining the right club/activity for him. Once he did that, everything fell into place very quickly and he has been truly happy.

The frat/party/preppy scene is pretty dominant AND yes, of course, there are all types. Both are true. Maybe it was my son and a bit of bad luck, but in our experience it did take a structured activity/club for him to find close friends and his place there. For what it's worth, I had encouraged him to join activities immediately but I think that he had wanted to ease himself into college commitment-wise - I get that, after years of travel sports and extracurriculars taking over every free minute of the day, he wanted to operate at a different speed - and didn't join anything with a time commitment in the fall. But as a consequence, until he found his activity, I do think he felt somewhat isolated. After, and really quite quickly, he felt like he was part of a real group. Night and day.

So, my advice is to look for a club or activity that appeals and join immediately.[/quote]

This is not meant to be a knock, but what you’ve described here is a typical experience for a large number of college freshmen.  The difference is that most probably don’t tell their mothers.  [/quote]

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