University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

I wish I knew how intense the school really was. Everyone is very competitive in everything; academics, extra-curriculars, even community service. It was a huge change from high school and I wish I had known how hard I would really have to work. The adjustment was tough but it is worth it in the end.

I wish I had turly known how much work college entails! The majority of people, when you ask about how college is, answer that college is the best four years of your life. However, most fail to mention college is also probably the hardest four years of your life. Although I had a good idea of what college would be like, I was not fully prepared for the work load that came with it. Had I been sure of what I was getting myself into with the classes I'm taking, I would feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed!

I wish I had known what I wanted to do with my life before I came to the school. Since the University of Virginia has so many different schools within it, alot of students come in knowing that want to apply for the commerce school or the nursing school. I did not have a plan like that and so I am probably going to graduate with a liberal arts degree rather than one that sets me on a specific career path. I wish had had done more research before coming to college so I could take advantage of these.

When I came to college I was really, really nervous about my grades and my future and I didn’t take enough time to enjoy myself during my first year at UVa. Of course, I still had a blast, but I didn’t get the full college experience. Although, academics are important, so are all the other experiences college offers. I shouldn’t have been so afraid to go out with friends and experience college life and all that entails.

I wish I had known about organizations such as The Declaration and the Washington Literary Society and Debating Union. There's cool stuff like that at UVa, but that's not advertised on the U Guides tours, during which they basically talk about the lamest, dryest aspects of our school.

I wish I was more aware of the importance of Advanced Placement credit. I didn't realize that I would be saving college tuition by fulfilling college courses while in high school. I was forced to re-take many classes that I excelled in, but hadn't put much time into studying for the AP exam. I was told to take AP classes because they looked impressive and good colleges required them. I wasn't told that I could greatly decrease my course load by earning AP credits. Also, students with more AP credits always scheduled classes first.

The difficulty of having a longterm relationship. Being more conscious of my work and social habits and balancing them better.

I wish I had known how receptive the administration is to student ideas. Student self-governance really is not a key phrase that floats around at U.Va. Administrators constantly reach out to students to get their advice and feedback on certain programs, such as financial aid. Students can also initiate activities and promote change with the administration as well.

I wish I had known how important it is to get involved with school clubs/activities right off of the bat because that is the best way to meet people.

I wish I had known more about other universities.