There are a lot of lists and articles out there that claim to describe exactly what incoming freshmen and first years need to know. The truth is, no one article could encapsulate EVERYTHING that a rising first year could need to have a smooth transition into college. From dorm housing, to navigating the dining hall, to laundry, to classes, to friends, there is simply too much information to include.
However, here I've compiled a few slightly more UVA-specific and lesser-known tips geared towards this year's first year class. In my first year, I found that it was often the more specific advice that was the most helpful. Enjoy!
1. Don't deny that you may need multiple apps/websites to organize your life.
It's easy to go into first year thinking that you have everything perfectly organized, you won't need to spend that much money, you'll find your way around in no time, etc. Well, that probably won't be the case.
I heard about many helpful websites and apps during my first year that I initially resisted using, but later realized would be essential to my life. These included Venmo to pay for individual things, Tilt to raise money for bigger events, Groupme for important group chats, and the UVA Bus and Trolley apps. Take advantage of the technologically savvy world we live in to make your first year as smooth as possible. Just make sure your phone is always charged!
2. Especially at UVa, walk to classes and on-Grounds events as much as possible.
The UVa grounds are legendary for their spectacular and serene beauty, so whenever possible, take the extra time to walk to class or to the Corner. Not only will it brighten your day to see the Rotunda shining in all its glory, but adding extra walking time to your day will cut down on the amount of time that you (theoretically) need to spend in the gym.
At least, that's how I defended my stance of never going to the gym... Seriously though, walking as much is possible is great exercise and keeps you in touch with the outside world a bit more.
3. Take time occasionally to "check in" with yourself.
Even if I didn't suspect anything was wrong, I found it helpful to sometimes say to myself, "how are you doing?". Allow yourself to take a deep breath and pause from your hectic life. Really make sure that you're in a good place mentally, emotionally, and physically.
It can be easy to quickly get caught up in all that college has to offer and forget that you're a real person in the eye of this collegiate hurricane. If that means spending a Friday night in decompressing from a stressful week instead of going out, it's important to recognize that. You will definitely thank yourself later.
4. Put real effort into strengthening individual friendships.
It can be a ton of fun to hang out in groups all the time and go out with your entire hall, but the strongest bonding often occurs at those one-on-one lunches in the dining hall or those spontaneous dumpling runs at the amphitheater.
If you meet someone who you think could be a real gem of a friend, don't be afraid to ask them to hang out with just you. You don't have to constantly be among a group in college to be "making friends." In fact, the friends who will become most important to you are usually the ones you personally reached out to at some point.
5. Even as a first year, get acquainted with Handshake and the UVa Career Center.
For anyone who may not be aware, Handshake recently replaced CavLink as the official student employment portal at UVa. I found it very useful during my first year to actually go to the events that I found out about by regularly checking this website, including job and internship fairs, drop-In office hours, and resume workshops. It also led me to the UVa-affiliated part-time job that I'll be starting in the fall.
There's no need to hugely stress out about your resume, but take full advantage of the resources that the UVa Career Center has to offer as early as you can. Being mindful of these will make you more prepared to apply to jobs and internships later on.
6. Read the chalk messages on the sidewalks!!!
I don't quite know how other colleges publicize their student events, but at UVa, we write everything in colorful chalk messages all around grounds! During my first year, I found out about countless performances, a cappella concerts, and free food events by taking the time to read the giant chalk ads on the ground.
Sometimes these messages don't even advertise anything, but simply read, "You're beautiful!" or some other encouraging statement. Just don't look down for too long, or you might get run over by Wheelie Kid.
7. Join the "Free and For Sale" and "UVa Student-To-Student Textbooks" Facebook groups.
Believe me, especially early on in the year, you can find almost anything you need in the "Free and For Sale" group, such as clothes, furniture, kitchen supplies, room decor, and so much more.
And if you want to buy textbooks more cheaply than the expensive-as-heck ones in the bookstore, the "Textbooks" Facebook group is your best friend. I didn't even find out about either of these Facebook groups until I arrived on grounds, but throughout the past year I can confirm that both have been very useful.
8. You don't need to join Club Clem all the time.
I personally love studying in the music library, located in the depths of Old Cabell Hall, much more than studying in Clemons Library. It's a more relaxed and soothing environment, and Rising Roll (a delicious sandwich and soup spot that takes plus dollars!) is literally steps away. I've also found that the bottom floor of Clark was good for long nights of studying during my first year. It's also the closest library to the first year dorms.
This may not be what works for you, however, so try to explore all of the libraries on grounds. Your time is precious, and you don't want to waste it wishing you were more at peace while you read thirty pages for your psych class.
9. Go in to the activities fair with a vague game plan, but be flexible and open-minded.
It will be hot out and EXTREMELY crowded, so I would honestly suggest doing a little bit of research about all of the organizations on grounds before the activities fair. This way, you can focus on finding a few groups that you know you want to investigate, and you'll spend less time listening to someone talking for twenty minutes about a club that you are quite sure doesn't interest you.
With that said, don't be afraid to ask an enthusiastic club representative about their organization! Everyone at the activities fair is excited and wants more people to join their respective group, which can be overwhelming, but it's also a time to be a sponge and soak up as much information as possible.
10. Be careful about streaking the lawn in the first few weeks of school, if you choose to do so.
Yes, this much-talked-about UVa tradition actually does happen, but what I didn't really hear before my first year was that it feels like an eternity and people often trip and hurt themselves. In addition, I've heard that there are sometimes spotlights shining from the lawn rooms early in the semester to catch unsuspecting streakers in the light, so watch out for those.
Basically, if you're going to do it, I've observed that the best advice is to go with others, get someone to hold your clothes, and don't run so fast that you are gasping for air on the way back.
11. UVa is an absolutely wonderful place, so allow yourself to be amazed and inspired by all it has to offer.
This perhaps isn't much of a lesser-known tip, but it is important. Your first year can be magical and fulfilling if you savor the rich intellectual and social opportunities at UVa. From free UPC events, to productions in the Drama Building, to Greek philanthropies, to dorm-organized games of Cards Against Humanity, to interesting lectures in Old Cabell, be tuned in to everything happening on grounds.
There will be too many things happening at once for you to experience everything, but you should pick and choose which events will make you happiest and provoke the most interesting thoughts. Genuine enthusiasm for every aspect of first year life will brighten all of your days on grounds. Get excited for the best four years of your life!
