Things I wish I knew as soon as I got to UVA

‘I didn’t know you could do that?!?’ – Me, as a fourth year

Even after four years I probably do not know everything about UVA, but I wanted to share the cool things that some of my best friends and I wish we had known as soon as we got to here.

  • Mount Jefferson and its forest
    There are these woods behind my old dorm, shoutout to Dungle Jungle, and I just found out that they are an awesome place to hike around! There is also an obstacle/ropes course, and a nuclear reactor back there.

  • Take advantage of the other 14 libraries besides Clemons!
    Possible recommendations: Music library, Ballz library, the Law library and Special Collections.
  • Observatory Nights from 9-11pm on the first and third Fridays of the month.
  • Movies in Newcomb Theater
  • The Reusable Office Supply Exchange
    You can go get free school stuff!
  • Final Fridays – and the mystical, life changing bean dip.
    You can be fancy and cultured whilst observing art every last Friday at the end of the month and it includes complementary food and alcohol (21+).
  • Dining Hall etiquette
    Do not use tongs to pull bagels out of toaster
    Chocolate chips may or may not be flammable in waffle iron
    Always give Ms. Kathy a hug, because we all need better days

  • Distinguished and Concentrated Majors
    If just having University of Virginia on your degree is not fancy enough, you can see if your major department has specialities! These of course come with more work, but hopefully it is fun, if you like research, papers, and presentations.
  • North Grounds Gym is the clearly best.
  • Nau/Gibson and Clark are the most confusing buildings on grounds.
  • Bodo’s is an acceptable meal anytime.
    To add: Restaurants on the Corner will not take your plus dollars.

  • You can get a discount on parking at the bookstore if you use cav advantage.
  • When the Rotunda is not under renovations, it is a great place to write essays.
  • “You really have to seek out opportunities for yourself because the University will not hold your hand  if you do not show initiative.” -Ali Jawetz
    If you want to do something so bad, you will find a way.
  • “You’re not guaranteed to have the time of your life or make your best friends as soon as you get here. It sometimes takes a semester or adjust and that’s OK, don’t stress out about it because you’ll find your place.” – Joe DuBois
    Take advantage of student organizations! Go to shows, concerts, volunteer projects.

  • Tabling sucks, from both perspectives.
  • Career Services can help you with your resume and get you a job.
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