The University of Virginia

UVA definitely has the good, as well as the bad. The campus ("grounds") is beautiful, and the surrounding city of Charlottesville always has something going on. Greek life is a huge part of the social scene, at least for me, and that also adds to weekend events. UVA also just completed the "south lawn" project, which houses a new building for the government department, and most of my classes are there. This is a much prettier and newer building than New Cabell, which is currently being renovated. It's basically falling apart, so hopefully it will be done soon.

The classes are okay - it probably depends on which classes you take, but a lot of mine are very large (think a few hundred people) that break up into smaller discussion sections with a TA. How you do in a class really depends on the TA you get; if you get a bad one, you are totally screwed. Some of them don't speak English and don't know how to teach, and going to the professor isn't too helpful. If you need help with a specific problem, the TA is expected to help you, whereas the professor is there to discuss larger problems or ideas. My friend is in the Engineering school, and I'm told their office hours are different, but I haven't been too impressed as far as the government department goes.Overall, I really do love UVA, but the classes haven't exactly been what I expected, and my GPA definitely shows it. I was expecting more exciting and interesting topics and lectures, and for the most part, they are just extremely boring and I don't want to go to class most of the time.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2013

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B-

3rd Year Female -- Class 2006

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B

It is a large and diverse university but with a small school feel. There is never a place you walk without passing someone you know on the way there. At the same time you get the benefits of it being a little larger school as far as abundance of activities, groups, events etc. All different people can find their nitch at UVA. You also have a beautiful historic grounds all thanks to the founder, Thomas Jefferson. He had a wonderful vision.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B+