The University of Virginia

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B

I absolutely LOVE UVA. I'm a double major in the comm school and the college. The admin pours a lot of money into the comm school and it shows... not just in the facilities, but the quality of the professors, teaching, etc. Teachers are approachable and friendly. They make an effort to learn your names and actually know you.

Just talking about UVA in general, I'll keep it quick...
PROS:
-diversity of the student body, you'll find people interested in everything (if you want partying, there's a party scene; if you aren't into partying, there's still a lot to do)

-there's always stuff going on... students are very involved and active on grounds and outside the classroom. there are a lot of clubs & organizations to explore

-a good balance of academics and social life. you'll get a top notch education and the opportunity to meet so many new, different kinds of people

CONS:-because there is a large student body, you'll definitely run into some people who are closed-minded or snooty....and a fair number of entitled rich kids. sometimes the sea of vera bradley bags, north face jackets, sundresses and polo shirts can make you feel like there are a lot of tools and that some people may be superficial/a little self absorbed.... but overall I feel like the student body is pretty friendly.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2011

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Individual Value: F

I graduated almost twenty years ago, so my assessment is dated, but it was fantastic when I was there. I was in the Echols Honors Program, so I had unlimited access to classes, including graduate level classes, and I had no core requirements or prerequisite requirements. I took tiny classes with doctoral students and brilliant professors. Amazing! It is a very positive, warm, happy place. The place is so big, and the city itself is liberal, so the fact that there was a homogenous Greek crowd didn't bother me too much. I befriended the amazing and brilliant grad students, and my best friends for life are from my first year dorm. I love going back to Charlottesville! I am sad it has gotten so expensive for us out-of-staters!!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000