University of Georgia Top Questions

Most students are affiliated in the greek system but also we all participate in charity organizations like relay for life or UGA Heros. We are really big on philanthropy at UGA.

For journalism majors like me, working for the Red & Black is a popular activity. I was just hired there this semester. The Red & Black is UGA's student-run newspaper and has been the best college newspaper by Editor & Publisher. It's office is off-campus on Baxter Street. You get involved with the Red & Black by submitting between one and three samples of your work, whether you're a news writer, a variety writer, a sports writer or a photojournalist. Once you're on staff, you get paid (not much) for your submissions. Working for the Red & Black is an awesome learning experience that looks great on a resume, especially if you can work your way up to editor. Other campus publications, such as Ugazine, can offer valuable writing and editing experience as well, and Magazine Club helps students get connected with organizations they may be interested in getting involved with after graduation. At UGA, football is a big deal. Almost everything you see has "Dawgs" scrawled across it. Even the bus marquees encourage the Bulldogs to victory throughout football season. You don't have to like football here. Just don't mention it. One neat thing about UGA is the variety of guest speakers that visit us. Every semester usually sees an interesting lecture series hosted in the UGA Chapel. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, art, ethnicity, gender and so on. Only around 11 percent of the campus population pledges Greek, but that's a fairly high number for any single university. Anyone driving down Milledge Avenue enjoys gazing at the gargantuan fraternity and sorority houses. Deciding whether or not to go Greek is up to the individual. I went through half of the week-long rush and decided it wasn't for me, but some people really benefit from the professional and social connections they make in their fraternities and sororities. Aside from the regular Greek groups, there are also some that focus on specific areas of interest, such as the co-ed business fraternity or the women's music fraternity. There is never too little to do in Athens, and for many UGA students, the weekend starts on Thursday. We have plently of places to eat, unique shops and interesting events. The music scene leaves students with no shortage of cheap shows to attend. The 40 Watt downtown is one of the most popular concert venues. Athens also has some beautiful parks and trails. Bear Hollow, for example, is free to to get into and resembles a small zoo. Those in more of a movie mood can visit the Tate Center's dollar theater, as well as the one located near Athens' mall. In addition, Cine, a theater in the downtown area, specializes in obscure and foreign films. UGA also has its own art and natural history museums.

For journalism majors like me, working for the Red & Black is a popular activity. I was just hired there this semester. The Red & Black is UGA's student-run newspaper and has been the best college newspaper by Editor & Publisher. It's office is off campus on Baxter Street. You get involved with the Red & Black by submitting between one and three samples of your work, whether you're a news writer, a variety writer, a sports writer or a photojournalist. Once you're on staff, you get paid (not much) for your submissions. Working for the Red & Black is an awesome learning experience that looks great on a resume, especially if you can work your way up to editor. Other campus publications, such as Ugazine, can offer valuable writing and editing experience as well, and Magazine Club helps students get connected with organizations they may be interested in getting involved with after graduation. At UGA, football is a big deal. Almost everything you see has "Dawgs" scrawled across it. Even the bus marquees encourage the Bulldogs to victory throughout football season. You don't have to like football here. Just don't mention it. One neat thing about UGA is the variety of guest speakers that visit us. Every semester usually sees an interesting lecture series hosted in the UGA Chapel. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, art, ethnicity, gender and so on. Only around 11 percent of the campus population pledges Greek, but that's a fairly high number for any single university. Anyone driving down Milledge Avenue enjoys gazing at the gargantuan fraternity and sorority houses. Deciding whether or not to go Greek is up to the individual. I went through half of the week-long rush and decided it wasn't for me, but some people really benefit from the professional and social connections they make in their fraternities and sororities. Aside from the regular Greek groups, there are also some that focus on specific areas of interest, such as the co-ed business fraternity or the women's music fraternity. There is never too little to do in Athens. We have plently of places to eat, unique shops and interesting events. The music scene leaves students with no shortage of cheap shows to attend. The 40 Watt downtown is one of the most popular concert venues. Athens also has some beautiful parks and trails. Bear Hollow, for example, is free to to get into and resembles a small zoo. Those in more of a movie mood can visit the Tate Center's dollar theater, as well as the one located near Athens' mall. In addition, Cine, a theater in the downtown area, specializes in obscure and foreign films. UGA also has its own art and natural history museums.

I would say that the most popular student activities and groups would be any sports on campus, Greek life, and service opportunities. Sports are very important to the economy and spirit of Athens. Greek life has events like date nights, socials, and formals that are very popular. I am personally involved with Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, Habitat for Humanity, and the Global Engagement Learning Community. I think service is very rewarding and UGA offers plenty of opportunities to help out in the community. Since UGA is the #2 party school in America, we obviously do party quite often. I personally don't. I like to go camping, go to the local independent movie theater, or go to concerts. There are plenty of things to do if you don't drink. Athens is a great place to explore and learn.

Football is extremely popular at UGA. Many people tailgate and dress up to go to the games. (I was never too into sports and ended up selling my tickets for a decent amount of money FYI!) Aside from sports, there are a number of other really fun things to do: concerts, street festivals, movies, parties... the list goes on! I've met a lot of people at these events that I'm good friends with now. There are also really great public speakers that come to UGA. A couple months ago, an investigative reporter came to the journalism school to talk about his job. Because of this, I've become increasingly more interested in journalism. Something that is really popular for those with the meal plan is "snellibrating." Snelling is a 24 hour dining hall that is open during the week (not the weekends.) If you're hungry really late or need to pull an all-nighter this is a great place to go. Some people go out on Thursdays for "Thirsty Thursday" and then end the night at Snelling. Even if you don't drink there's a lot you can do. Parties will pretty much always have drinking but most people don't pressure you to do anything you don't want to. Sometimes if I'm not in the mood to drink, I just carry around a cup of water/soda so people don't dwell on it too much. This mainly occurs at frat parties but house parties are also a ton of fun! Even if you're not in Greek life, you can still find great (often better) parties/events.

My best piece of advice - don't be afraid to get involved and to put yourself out there! Let your interests determine which organizations and clubs you join. I guarantee you that there is a group on campus that is interested in the same things you are, and if not it is so easy to start your own organization. For sports, find a group of friends or hall mates and do an intramural team. This is an amazing way to stay active, meet new people and have some friendly competition. If volunteering happens to be your thing, simply go to the volunteer fair held each year and you will be overwhelmed with opportunities. I work with an organization each week called Learning Ally, their mission is to record books (both textbooks and pleasure reading) for those with reading and visual disabilities. I volunteer there because reading has always been a favorite hobby of mine, and I find happiness in helping someone else be able to read. I know it can be a daunting experience, coming to a new place and having tons of new people and experiences thrown at you. Take it one day at a time. Initially focus on finding a good group of friends, personally I met all of my friends through my hall in the dorms. This is such a common way that people meet, and in your first few months in the dorm it is a great idea to leave your door open or venture onto adjoining halls. People are so friendly and open that first semester because everyone is in the same boat and wants to make new friends. I remember thinking as a freshmen that I was never going to meet people because i decided not to go greek; even though it may seem like greek life has a huge presence on campus, you are not alone if you decide that is not the path for you. Between living in the dorms and joining organizations, I met more people my freshmen year than I can even remember. My friends and I became closer by venturing out to sporting events or catching a movie at Tate. UGA has so many opportunities to explore the campus and community, all you have to do is look on the master calendar, or pay attention to fliers on campus - I promise if you do, you will stay busy every night of your four years here.

The most popular groups are UGA HERO and Habitat for Humanity or something like that. Again, I cannot emphasize enough that UGA is really large so despite the fact that these are the largest groups, there are so many other groups that are big as well such as the school newspaper, the Red and Black, PRSSA, etc.

Well there are soo many its almost Impossible so I am going to be bias. I love ugaMiracle, a nonprofit organization raising money to the children's health care network. There is also Uga Heros (don't know much about that) and Relay for life is big here as well The groups I am also involved in is my sorority which I love, and I also love Fashion Design Student Association. This organization provides an outlet for individuals who want to become fashion designers even thought we do not have a major for it at the university. And athletic events that are highly prized is the Football team and gymnastics. Dawgs after dark is offered for those who don't drink that setup carnivals or even trips out to amusement parks and other fun places. Sorority and fraternity are apart of the life here at Georgia but you dont need it to have fun! I love my sorority but I dont need it to have a great college experience Dating here for me is almost impossible. I gave up and found my boyfriend back at my home town. Guys are pompous here and believe they can get almost any girl and STEER CLEAR of frat guys... they are immature little boys... do not waste your time if you can or just be friends with them till they grow up which may be after graduation.

The University of Georgia is a large campus, which means it offers more opportunities. UGA has a large Greek system, but that's not all it has to offer. There are literally hundreds of clubs and organizations to get involved with, from Relay for Life to volunteering at local hospitals, raising guide dog puppies to traveling abroad on service trips. Athens also offers a ton of things to do with your friends. You can get feta fries downtown at The Grill at 2 a.m., play Frisbee on Herty Field, go for a run at the Georgia State Botanical Gardens or even take a trapeze class! There are always campus events going on, whether it's a lecture, a play, a protest or a sporting event. It's nearly impossible to be bored in the Classic City. We're only a short drive from the outlet malls in Commerce, and our music can't be beat. No matter what you're interested in or who your friends are, there's plenty to do in Athens. This is one of the most unique towns in the country, and it's never hard to find ways to spend your weekends here. College allows you to try multiple different activities and clubs, all without serious, piggy bank-breaking commitments. The best thing to do is to just dive in and get started.

UGA is a faily large school, with an unlimited number of academic and social organizations. The best part is that future employers don't really care what clubs you joined and which ones you didn't, so sign up for what you think will be the most interesting and fun.