University of Virginia - Inside Scoop

Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School

• Definitely live in the old dorms for at least a year—they are more social and friendly.

• Even if you don’t get into the classes you want during summer orientation, do not fear, you can always try to get in during the first week of  classes.

Tips to Succeed

• Be eager and persistent about doing the things that you want; don’t be intimidated by the crowds.

• It is important to be friendly and open to anyone and anything.

• There is so much opportunity at UVA—don’t be afraid to grab it.

Urban Legends

• There are plenty of UVA myths floating around. One is that Dr. Seuss used to live in this great big house up on the hill, looking down towards Newcomb Hall. Apparently, after being rejected from UVA, he wrote a little book called How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In this book, he depicted himself as the grouchy, resentful old Grinch staring down at all the “Whos in Whoville.” Another myth—a bit more racy—is that any first-year girl who walks across the big white Z letters painted all around grounds (which signify the “Z” secret society) will get pregnant. Still another that is re-ignited every year as the entering class settles in is that, in the first weekend students are in town, Dave Matthews supposedly plays an all- day concert in the amphitheater. Don’t be a poor sap and wait all-day long by yourself in the amphitheater! I can pretty much guarantee he won’t show.

Traditions

• Eating at Little John’s at 4 a.m.
• Foxfield horse races.
• Streaking the Lawn.

• Painting Beta Bridge late night/early morning.
• The Dressing up for football games and singing the “Good Ole’ Song” after every UVA touchdown.

• Spending time on the Lawn on beautiful days.
• Camping out for the Duke vs. UVA football game.