University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

Yes and no. Some student fit the stereotype others don't. It's up to you to decide where you are on that spectrum.

Some people may have a misconstrued vision of UVA as a conservative, privileged, traditional, southern school or in layman's terms: snobby, rich kids. I'm sure those people exist somewhere, but they're such a loud minority here. The majority of us are caring, hard-working, and open-minded. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. What people who believe in those stereotypes don't realize is how much bigger we are than a stereotype. How diverse, merited, and incredible of a student body we are. I have a friend who is on an academic scholarship who wouldn't have been able to attend otherwise due to financial difficulties. I have a friend who seems like the typical jock/frat boy, but he's also the leader of my dorm's relay for life team to fight against cancer. I have a friend who is a sorority sister and a biomedical engineer. I have a friend who is a fullback on the football team and a member of one of UVA's best all male a cappella groups. We're so much more than what outsiders think they see on the surface.

Some people may have a misconstrued vision of UVA as a conservative, privileged, traditional, southern school or in layman's terms: snobby, rich kids. I'm sure those people exist somewhere, but they're such a loud minority here. The majority of us are caring, hard-working, and open-minded. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. What people who believe in those stereotypes don't realize is how much bigger we are than a stereotype. How diverse, merited, and incredible of a student body we are. I have a friend who is on an academic scholarship who wouldn't have been able to attend otherwise due to financial difficulties. I have a friend who seems like the typical jock/frat boy, but he's also the leader of my dorm's relay for life team to fight against cancer. I have a friend who is a sorority sister and a biomedical engineer. I have a friend who is a fullback on the football team and a member of one of UVA's best all male a cappella groups. We're so much more than what outsiders think they see on the surface.

No, it is not accurate

The stereotype of students being at UVA is that all they do is party but that is not accurate. Even though many students give priority to their social life, their academic life is also well-balance and taken care of. Students are able to balance and pick their academics over going to parties when needed.

The stereotype of students being rich white kids who are at UVA to party is not accurate. Even though many students give priority to their social life, their academic life is also well-balance and taken care of. Students are able to balance and pick their academics over going to parties when needed.

Only 1/3 is Greek, there are about 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of UVa students who receive some sort of financial aid, we take our classes seriously and want to be successful. We believe most people discredit us by being a public school but that only drives us to achieve success.

quite far from being accurate. Yes, there are people here who are rich and dress a little preppy, but after getting to know them, you forget about that little detail and realize that you have lots in common!

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 an almost 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 mold. While we may be affected into dressing more stylish, many are not involved with traditional culture, but support instead the "orange fever" movement, made up of a more quirky, creative, and individualistic crowd. Those of us (myself included) also tend to be more economically diverse, many taking advantage of the ACCESS UVA financial aid program.

Yes

They are all the same - not compared to some other schools (for example BC, my first university) but compared to state schools in california, yes. They wear pearls and fancy clothes - yes. to the fullest.

For the most part, yes. Sometimes it's sickening. I feel like a lot of people only act the way they do in order to live up the idea of what they think a UVA student is -- but not everyone does that. There are enough people ignoring the stereotype and living their own lives to keep me from going crazy.

We certainly have a strong fraternity base, and it is sometimes very easy to pick out who's in one, but by no means is this universal.

some are

Nope. Not all are rich and not all are snobs. Everyone is very friendly.

Very few people fit the stereotype naturally, but I feel like many (if not most) people try. Those not wrapped up in fulfilling this image are perfectly fine, friendly, and funny.

I know the one about UVA being racist is absolutely NOT true. To some extent, yes, there are preps and jocks and stuck-up rich people, but lots of schools have people like that too. I think UVA being so big there are people from all walks of life and with many different interests, so it is easy to find your niche because there are so many options.

Yes, we wear nice clothing, but definitelly don't party with wine and cheese -- it's like any other college party. Sure, some people may be upper class, but that doesn't mean everybody is.

Not at all. There may be snobby people, but for the most part, you can find that many people are down to earth. And many people without grants and scholarships aren't necessarily rich; several have taken out loans, me being one of them!

I think that there are definitely people at UVA who fit this stereotype, but there are also thousands of students who don't.

Yes, to some extent. I hated UVA the first year I was there. I was surrounded by preppy students, which did not fit my style. A lot were pretty snobby and stuck up. I felt out of place because my family is not privileged or wealthy. However, after a year, I found my niche, made some great friends, and fell in love with Charlottesville.

To a certain extent - it depends on the group of kids you hangout with. You can avoid stereotypes by hanging out with whomever you want.

No--there's a loud minority that tends to give UVA its stereotype, but the student body itself is truly diverse and full of every background and interest there can be.

maybe for some of the population, say, 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, but only a few people possess all of the stereotypical attributes. As for the school... pretty much.

nope. You can find southern kids and preppy kids at any school, but that doesn't mean everyone is.

to some extent. there are a lot of students who are pretty preppy, but there are a lot of students that aren't too. as far as being stuck up goes, that's definitely not true. UVA students LOVE UVA. they'll brag about it, but only because it's such a great school. there's really a common love for the University. i cannot stress enough. racism is not an issue at uva.

My parents never got that memo-and their definitely are more down to earth folks around, but the stereotype is still going strong.

No

Yes, UVA is all about cliques.

In the whole student body and especially the Greek community these stereotypes are fairly accurate, but fortunately there is enough of a range of students to be able to avoid them.

to some extent, yes. however, uva is a public school so on the "rich" front, there are in-state kids who are not nearly as wealthy as the stereotype might allow. uva does have the "preppy" stereotype pretty much covered. at least the majority of students don't have the grunge look going on or a city-like aura about them.

For the most part, no. People tend to exaggerate the actions of just a few people and generalize the entire student population.

no; you do get some of the stereotypical UVA students (mostly those involved in SOME frats/sororities), but not many more than any other college i've visited

No! This is not true. UVA has a mix of students from different races, and different parts of the world. It is diff not an all white school, so if you are of a different race or ethnicity you can and most likley will find your own niche and feel totally comfortable at UVA. Your college experience (much like your life experience) is what you make of it, so come down to UVA for a weekend and i garunttee you will love the people and have a great time!

All of the friends I've made at UVa. are different from me in attitude and in style. Seriously though, UVa. is a gigantic public school so how could all the students be the same? People who say we're pretentious probably don't know what that word means...

These stereotypes are not entirely accurate. It would be unfair to deny the fact that there are students who are elitists and those that are prudes. It would be equally as misinformed to believe that students at the University are either all about classes or all about Greek life. As with any college campus, one will always find students who fit these categories. There are, however, numerous opportunities for one to become involved with life at the University. One need not belong to a Greek organization or be blessed with wealth to find a comfortable group of people with which to associate. Personally, I found my home in the Cavalier Marching Band and the associated musical ensembles around Grounds. If one takes the time to find these unique and diverse groups, one surely will find a place in which one is comfortable. Simply put, there is something at the University for everyone!

yes

The school and students as a whole often times do display feelings of elitism but at the same time a lot of these feelings are warrented. UVA is one of the best schools in the country. Though, some students do take these beliefs to far and can generally represent the school poorly.

Yes and No

NOT AT ALL! Although you'll find people like that almost anywhere, UVa students find the best balance between hard work and hard play, are involved in community service across the board, and are holistically well-rounded individuals

I would have to say no; like any other college, UVa is composed of a blend of different types of individuals. Sure, everyone at UVA is a little bit of a nerd...you basically have to be...but, there are innumerable types of people here. I really think anyone can find a niche--whether you're into sports, video games, sororities/frats, or whatever.

These stereotypes are absolutely not true. Yes, you will find some people that are very preppy, but most people at least Monday through Friday are more concerned about getting to classes and sleeping more than anything else. Once again you will find some people that are very pompous an arrogant, but that is not everyone. UVA really is no different than any other college, you will find all types of people here and to sterotype us as preppy and arrogant is so far from the truth.

To some degree. UVA students are generally quite wealthy and it is a very preppy school in terms of dress. While there is some truth to it, it doesn't mean UVA students are spoiled and don't work hard.

The stereotype is not baseless, there are indeed people at UVA who fall into this demographic, but to be honest, this stereotype is massively overexaggerated, most UVA students are just regular, friendly, easy going people.

Yes and no. There are people like that at UVA, but there many people who aren't. What's typical depends on your particular group.

Like all stereotypes these aren't accurate, only 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of our students participate in Greek life, and though some students do seem to do their best to try and live up to the snobby stereotype, most people don't.

no 00

Yes

yea to some people.

Not really