University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

They are mostly very smart.

My classmates are very goal and career focused but still understand that they need fun in their lives by having a silly side as well.

My classmates are bright and entusiastic students who honestly seem to care about their education and make sure that they understand everything that is being taught.

Intelligent, hardworking, competative, friendly

my classmates are usually very intelligent and always willing to help one another with study groups and such.

My classmates are academically competitive and tend to have high aspirations for life after college. They also tend to know how to work hard and play hard.

Study hard, party hard

Diverse; some are smart and some are not very, but almost everyone is nice, though some people can be snobby.

They are all very similar on the surface but different underneath.

Hard working and serious about the coursework.

Friendly. Not diverse enough, but understandable.

The student body is preppy and fair competitive academically.

Students are driven, smart and focused. We study hard and play hard. People here know how to balance social life and partying with studying and that's why they succeed.

My classmates are diverse, smart, hard-working, fun, witty, and determined.

Very open minded and academically driven in order to succeed.

Rich conservative preppy people

Snobby, Greek, rich, spoiled, annoying.

My classmates are wonderful people who love their chosen majors and the school, and they are some of the kindest, fun, and most polite people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

My classmates are intelligent and engaged but prefer to discuss academic materials within the context of predetermined "learning time."

Fun, overinvolved

Best friends I'll ever have.

Very book bright but many are extremely sheltered from real world situations and reality.

Yes, the majority of the student body hails from Virginia, but that has not deterred those from out of state/country from interacting with them. There is a strong sense of community at the University, which a large part is due to the Honor Code. This honor code is strictly upheld by the students and for the most part has done its job. I will not lie and say that there are no racial/lgbt issues here. But the student body itself will take the time and opportunity to address the issue. For example, there was a "not gay" chant during the singing of the "Good Ole Song", and the student council stepped in to put an end to the chant with the LGBT community here, and they were relatively successful. The students here are very open and vocal about their beliefs. Out of the 500+ CIOs at the university, there is bound to be a group you can join that shares the same beliefs as you.

Well off, generally white and career/future success oriented with alcohol related social life or highly motivated with diverse pursuits.

The class of 2009 is fun and hard working, and will have a bright future no matter where life takes us.

My classmates are a hardworking, diverse, intelligent group of people and know what they want out of life.

My classmates are some of the most diligent and hard working people I've ever met in my life. All the people I've met were among the best and brightest where they were from. Still, everyday I see them strive to grow more and better themselves. I trust that whatever ever field they choose to take on that they will be more than capable and among the best in their field.

wealthy, preppy, judgemental, selfish, insecure

Classmates are intelligent and engaged throughout lectures and discussions.

Friendly and open but competitive.

I'm repeating what I wrote about stereotypes here. I just returned last night from studying abroad, and I'm jet lagged. Coming from a small suburban school in New York, aside from that it is a tremendous acadmeic University, Virginia's reputation is not well known around here. But with a little research you quickly discover that UVA is notorious for being a traditional southern school. With "guys in ties, girls in pearls", most of the campus is crawling with well bred upper class white preps, sporting sunglasses and flip flops. Along with all of this comes a certain air of elitism. While the preppy stereotype annually reasserts itself, there are major amendments: -First, though some of the students at times prance around as elitists, this is not wholly inappropriate. Many were raised in beautiful, rich neighborhoods, and were bred into a nearly aristocratic lifestyle. Consequently, they were sent to some of the best magnet/gifted schools in the world, and thus enjoy the benefits of the highest education possible. Thus, though still partying American kids of the 21st century, these individuals are brilliant, charming, articulate, driven, and will no doubt be the next world leaders. -Second, such attitude is by no measure universal. As an enormous, dynamic institution, many of the students find a variety of crowds. There is a ton of cultural diversity, with probably 45 percent of the student body representing a convergence of Asian-, African-, Indian- and Latin Americans, as well as students from all over the United States, not to mention International visitors. Additionally, so many of us do not fulfill the traditional southern mold. While we may be affected into dressing more stylish, many are not involved with "preppy" activities (get dressed up and celebrate luxury with drinks), but support instead the "orange fever" movement, made up of a more quirky, creative, and individualistic crowd. Those of us that are more unusual also tend to be more economically diverse, many taking advantage of the ACCESS UVA financial aid program.

You see a little bit of everything at UVA. Politically, UVA may seem like a liberal school, but that is mostly because those individuals are more outspoken. There are plenty of right-leaning people around, but they are a little more reserved. You will see there are TOO MANY "Hoos for _________" groups. The uniqueness of that term has been overused. As far as financial backgrounds, there are definitely wealthy people. That being said, from my own experience, you wouldn't necessarily know it. Many people get the impression that UVA is full of arrogant, rich kids, but the ones I know are very humble. Someone who might feel out of place at UVA is someone who likes to be plain. Girls always dress up, guys can get away with being sloppy sometimes. UVA is very much a dress to impress school.

Enthusiastic, preppy, happy, mostly from Northern Virginia, more or less politically (and otherwise) liberal,

The stereotype of a UVA student is a preppy, rich white kid, and there are an awful lot of those it seems. Still -- thankfully -- that's not everybody. While I sometimes think we could do better with ethnic diversity, I've met and made friends with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. There are a ton of clubs and student organizations, which can make it easier to get to know different kinds of people -- or people just like you. One of the best things I did during my first year was join one of the Christian fellowship groups on grounds. My faith is important to me, and I was really glad to find a group that would respect and nurture that -- plus they're all a ton of fun and really wonderful people!

Most of UVA's student body is from, of course, Virginia. Most of those from Virginia come from Northern Virginia (Or NOVA). A lot of the kids from NOVA come from Thomas Jefferson High School. It was difficult, coming to a place like that from Oklahoma when there are less than ten people from my entire state there. But the people couldn't be nicer or more welcoming. The only type of student who might feel out of place at UVA would be a mean one.

Most of the UVA students are from Virginia, so if you come from out of state you might feel a little isolated and lonely at first. But don't let that block you from meeting new friends because although some already know each other from high school, they are very excited and willing to meet new friends too.

Diversity is a sore subject at UVA. The University has been taken great care recently to promote racial diversity and interracial relations on campus. Such steps are called for as the study body self-segregates, barring the knowledge, tolerance, and respect gained from a diverse circle of friends. Racism, homophobia, and religious intolerance is pervasive among the politically and socially conservative set, making it nearly impossible for minorities to assimilate. It's worrisome and absolutely humiliating that such bigotry exists in the minds of these young people. This may be symptomatic of a Southern upbringing. I am describing a very small number of students, but it's still too many.

I was very involved with the Jewish student organizations and I can say that Hillel was very well respected on campus and all of the student religious organizations were very well managed and most students could find a group they liked. I think other organizations like Sustained Dialogue, a group I participated in for a year, worked very hard to get different groups together to talk and learn more about the other. Sustained Dialogue had weekly meetings where groups were assigned with participating students from all walks of life who wanted to talk with people they might never have the opportunity to get to know otherwise on campus. I would say otherwise it is a realy mixed bag, as with most large universities I get the sense, that some students are more political or conservative/liberal than others, etc.

There are 3 types of students: the ones who study all the time and get great grades, the ones who kinda study and do pretty well, and the ones who just play and party and barely get by. Black kids normally hang out with black kids, asians with asians, whites with whites. There is some racial interaction, but not much -- especially when you're just hanging out. Most UVa kids are from Northern Virginia. It's like a breeding ground for UVa kids. Most kids wear a polo to class, and definitely flip flops. Girls seem to love those stylish rain boots, and they LOVE sundresses when it's hot.

Most of the different people I've met at UVA are really friendly and will help you out in just about any situation. At the beginning of my first year, there was a racial incident about a comic published in the school newspaper which got many people upset, but nothing else that serious happened the rest of the year. I can't really see anyone feeling out of place at UVA because there are so many diverse groups there. I guess you would only feel out of place if you purposely didn't talk to anyone. Most students wear sweats, pajamas, or just jeans and a shirt to class, especially those early morning classes. Some other people get dressed up for class, but if they aren't giving a presentation or getting interviewed for something, I don't really see why they do. There are too many diverse groups at UVA for people not to interact with people different from themselves. It's pretty much unavoidable. Most UVA students are from Virginia.

I felt out of place the first year I was at UVA. I was surrounded by preppy, stuck up, rich kids, and annoying frat boys. (I got over it though).

Racially, the University is growing in diversity. With that has come less self-segregation, though it is still quite common. Students often form tight-knit groups with various ethnic (or otherwise) organizations, gain a stronger sense of identity, and fail to branch out. I have heard about several incidents of prejudice against all groups of people on campus, sorority girls and frat guys, blacks, gays, etc. But I would say most people are relatively socially aware and open-minded. People of a particular ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion generally do not have more trouble than others in finding friends and expressing themselves in class. Students who might feel out of place: I don't really think anyone, because there are groups of all kinds of people, though they may not make up a large population. People who dye their hair funky colors and have lots of piercings, or come from poor families (if the student is self-conscious about this), these are probably the groups of people who might feel less comfortable at UVA. Most UVA students are from northern virginia. and mostly from middle to upper middle class families. Students are generally socially aware and active, but not so much politically. I don't think I can judge whether most students were politically left, right, or center, but I do know that most professors are left and not afraid to talk about it. Students generally don't talk about money very much, maybe about stuff, but I've never overheard a conversation about future income, even in jest.

UVA is not the most diverse campus i've ever been on, in terms of NUMBERS of minorities. however, those students who are minorities, whether racial, LGBT, religious, what have you, are DEFINITELY accepted in the community. UVA is really one big family. we all love each other and all have so much in common, most importantly a great love for Mr. Jefferson's University. There really is no student who would feel out of place at UVA. I have close friends in all groups of race, religion, and sexual orientation. and they are all loved equally. most students are from NOVA - aka northern virginia - aka the washington dc area. but there are a significant amount of out-of-state students, myself included, which makes up about, i'd say 30-40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. truthfully, most students are from upper-middle class suburbia. as far as what students wear to class, you'll mostly see kids get it together. not so much of the sweats and pajamas at UVA. don't get me wrong, there definitely are students that do, but not a whole lot. you do see a fair amount of students in workout clothes, especially if its warmer. which reminds me, SO MANY RUNNERS! no matter where i go, someone always runs by me, even if its a 2 minute walk. at night/going out clothes is nicer than casual. girls usually in dresses or a nice top, maybe with some heels. guys its pretty much w/e goes. whats collective true about all students at UVA is that they are smart people, who are motivated to get good grades and good jobs and really go somewhere in life.

Students are politically aware. I don't think any kind of student would feel out of place at UVA. Students wear everything to class ranging from gym clothes to dresses. Students don't talk about how much they'll earn one day.

The LGBT groups are awesome. You can meet some of the nicest people there, even if you are not LGBT. I went to a meeting and felt a little awkward because some people there knew i wasnt LGBT, but everyone was really sweet and they seemed like a tight group. There is a lot of subtle racism at UVA.

UVA is a fairly homogenous school. Although there is diversity, I would have to say it's not quite as diverse as a city school. There are blacks, Asian, rich, poor, gay, straight, etc, but for me - it's something that I feel people of the "minority" would have to look for. Granted, I'm a typical straight, white, female, so I don't constantly (or ever) feel out of place. I also don't know how easy it is to find somewhere to fit in, so my perspective on diversity is slightly skewed. A lot of people tend to look nicer for class. Rather than just throwing on a pair of old sweat pants and a sweat shirt, people wear jeans and dresses to class (at least when it's nice out). Not saying that sweats are unheard of, because plenty of people do wear them, it's just that we also have the very well dressed people, as well. I guess you could say, our fashion statements have a wide range for acceptability. The one thing you don't normally find is the "Emo-black pants, black shirt, black jacket, black everything" look.

Overall, there is a great variety of people at UVA. Going along with the common stereotype, there tends to be more students from upper-class backgrounds, but most of the time, this doesn't reveal itself until you are closer friends with a person. Some students try to live up to the preppy stereotype by dressing well in class, but I myself prefer to wear gym shorts and t-shirts as much as possible. Every student from every background or experience can find a place at UVA, and nobody is excluded simply for their particular beliefs.

Very diverse racially, religiously definitely more agnostic/atheists than high school. LGBT community is well accepted and represented in several organizations. UVA is pretty good about need based financial aid, so a wide range of financial backgrounds come, although the socio-economic level is still the higher, typical college bound group. Most students are from Virginia, although only 6/10 in my suite first year were. Politically students are predominantly liberal, like most college campuses, but numerous political student groups exist and interact with each other. The only student that would feel totally out of place are those who are anti social. Some of my good friends from first year include nerds, jocks, preps, black, white, asian, and most religious backgrounds.

Student body is relatively diverse. You will see a couple of people from each race, however it is still predominately white like most universities. Although the student body is pretty open to different groups, there is still an underlying disconnect between different groups. I think that frats/sor. at UVA cause the biggest culture divide, because they create a culture of selectivity and also expose the massive differences that people may have. Economic split is also a huge issue at UVA, because so many students are filthy rich while others are paying there way through school. This divide makes it nearly impossible for students to relate and interact on a mutual basis. Lastly, students at UVA are pretty politically aware, and are relatively aware of humanitarian issues around the world. However, most students do tend to be right handed republican becuase of the huge southern influence, and rich background that the school tends to bring in.

Huge public school=lots of diversit...and there are a lot of student groups for basically all kinds of peoples and beliefs, so anyone can feel at home.