University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

UVa has this great ability to come together in times of crisis. We had a student get abducted and mostly everyone tried to help in the search efforts. We have had the press attack our image and we fought it. We have had members of the community defile what it means to be a UVa student and come together to show them that it will not be tolerated. We are a communtiy that supports each other when push comes to shove.

UVA is everything you expect a college to be. I think that is what makes it unique.

The best thing about my school is the positive environment of the college. The quality of the education is superb, and the cost of the education is reasonable when compared to the quality of the education. The professors are approachable and excel in their expertise. Because our university is in the middle of the city of Charlottesville, there are many opportunities in which the students interact with the community. This is a plus since the community and the school benefit from each other. Because of the positive environment, I cannot imagine going to another school.

The absolute best thing about the University of Virginia is the people here. Everyone is friendly, outgoing, and kind which makes the campus, or "grounds" as well call it, an exceptional place to be. The excellent character of the students and staff allows UVA to have an honor code, which in my opinion, is the best of the best. I can comfotably leave my laptop and wallet on a computer desk for close to an hour and return with both items undisturbed. UVA does not allow for lying, cheating, or stealing, and everyone actually commits to following those rules.

Our honor system and student self-governance are incredible. One time I lost my key and about an hour later, got an email that someone had found it and it was waiting for me at the office. In regards to the student self-governance, just about everything on Grounds is student-run. We have our own lingo. Grounds, not campus, first, second, etc. years rather than freshmen, sophomores, etc. SO MANY ABBREVIATIONS, E School (Engineering), A School (Architecture), Lawnies (people who live on the Lawn), COLA (College Advising Seminars), USEMS (University Seminars), U Guide (University Guide), RAs (Resident Advisors), OLs (Orientation Leaders), O'Hill (Observatory Hill Dining Room) the list goes on and on

The campus is beautiful, the coursework is challenging, and the students at UVA are brilliant.

What's unique about the University of Virginia is the rich history that can be found all over grounds, the diverse student body that occupies this University, and the cool traditions. First off, simple terms at UVa make a huge difference when talking about stuff. For instance, the students always refer to the UVa campus as "on grounds" or "grounds" instead of just "campus." At first it seemed a bit pretentious to always be heckled into saying "grounds," but once I got used to it, it is really unique to UVa. Second, students refer to their grade at the University in years instead of the usual freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior; so instead, they say either first year, second year, third year, or fourth year. Again this seems a bit pretentious or stuck up at the beginning, but it really begins to stick the longer you are at the University. Furthermore, supposedly that tradition began when professor explained to a student that one never truly stops learning, they only gain more years of learning.

The Rodman Scholars program which allows me to be in a close-knit group with other first-year engineering students who are serious about academic study and who enjoy just having a fun time doing projects. This group has helped me transistion by providing me with a great oppurtunity to make friends.

There are many campus traditions at UVa, Going to Bodo's Bagels has always been a big UVa tradition. Going to the UVa football games is a must, even if you don't like football they are still a lot of fun. Also, Pancakes for Parkinson's is another really great UVa tradition. Whenever you get to your third year, make sure you go to the Infinity Ball at Alumni Hall. Whether you go with a date or a group of friends, it's always a lot of fun and definitely something you don't want to miss out on.

There are many unique traditions on grounds at UVA. Above all, the students are very prideful in participating, upholding and continuing the traditions year after year.