We asked First Years what they learned in their first two weeks at UVA

Beware of dormcest.

As I sit writing this, it’s almost impossible to believe I’m already two weeks into my second year at UVA. Having survived move-in, Block Party, first week scheduling crises, textbook acquisition, adjusting to a new home, and 8 days of classes, I think I can finally say I feel settled again.  With that being said, those initial two weeks at the start of every year are a complete whirlwind…especially if it’s your first go-around. By early September of First Year, there were many things I wished I had known two weeks prior, and it turns out I wasn’t alone…

“Don’t ask for a toasted bagel at Bodo’s.”

They will look at you weird.

Trust them, they know what they’re doing

“Beware of Dorm-cest.”

You’re probably going to have to see that person every day for the rest of the year…and six times out of 10 you’ll be in your pajamas.

“Don’t show up to frats in groups of 30.”

Unless you’re a guy with 29 girls…

Odds here don’t look too bad

“You can’t join every club on grounds.”

At the beginning of the year, you’re going to feel like you have a ton of free time, but as soon as classes pick up, it might be a little difficult to be in 17 different CIOs.

“RAs don’t like noise at 2am.”

Yes, it’s possible to get written up for something other than drinking.

“Streaking the lawn is a very real thing.”

It’s not just a myth, we actually do run naked across the most coveted area on grounds. Oh, and be careful of the convocation chairs set up on the night of Block Party (unless you like starting the year on crutches).

“People here don’t actually dress super fancy all the time.”

UVA might have the reputation of being very preppy and southern, but you’ll probably see more girls in T-shirts and leggings than sundresses on any given day.

“‘Nova’ does not mean Villanova.”

My fellow out-of-staters can relate to this one.

“Don’t talk about what dorm you live in at a bar.”

“I’m Kellogg, what dorm are you in?”

You might as well show up wearing a lanyard if you’re going to give yourself away like that.

“Not even the weatherman can predict Virginia weather.”

Even if it’s perfectly sunny when you wake up, you can’t guarantee that you won’t need a rain jacket by noon. The only thing you can predict without fail is that you will sweat through your clothes walking anywhere.

Just another spring day at New Dorms

More
University of Virginia