Class Selection

One thing seems to be on the minds of everyone this time of year: what classes should I take in the fall? It's an exciting and stressful time for everyone, but especially so when you're an incoming first year hearing horror stories about not being able to get any of the classes you want and being stuck in class purgatory. So first off, I'd like to say to everyone, take a deep breath. It will be fine. You may not get your first pick of classes but you will end up taking really cool classes, some of which might surprise you. No, you will not get into criminology your first year (or probably your second or third year either). Popular classes fill up fast and the waitlists are long. Look around at other options.

Now, you're probably wondering when exactly you will get to sign up for your classes. That will be done during orientation over the summer and you will have orientation leaders there to help you create schedules and navigate sign up on SIS. However, you should have a general idea of what sort of classes you want to take before you get to orientation to make the whole process easier on yourself. Keep in mind any AP/IB credits you come in with and the requirements for your school/potential major. For example, in the College of Arts and Sciences there is a foreign language requirement if you, like me, stopped Spanish as soon as possible and didn't place out with the knowledge you retained 2 years later. A good place to look at all the current classes, and how full they are, is on Lou's List. Focus on 1500 and 2000 level classes, which are geared more towards first and second year students.

One of the other important things to keep in mind is timing. Think about when you like to get your day started. If you're not a morning person, try and steer away from 8ams to make actually getting to class more likely. Also remember to block out time to grab lunch/ a snack in the middle of the day. Food is very important and should always be scheduled around. Lastly, when actually creating your schedule pay attention to where your classes are and how much time you give yourself to get there. If you want to get from Gilmer to Wilson in 10 minutes, keep dreaming. The orientation leaders will be really helpful with this so don't be afraid to ask.

Lastly, don't be afraid to take something weird and out of your comfort zone. You have a limited number of semesters to fit in all the classes you need and want to take and there are some surprisingly weird and interesting classes. For me, the class out of my comfort zone was an astronomy class called Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe. While definitely challenging, we got to talk about things like black holes, alternate dimensions, and dark matter. Plus the professor was a really great lecturer, so I highly recommend it. It was the first of 3 classes that I've currently taken geared toward outer space and I have no regrets.

First Year Housing

One question that I get a lot during the chats with all of you prospective students is what are the dorms like? So, here is my personal run-down of all of the first year housing options, but first some answers to a few related common questions:

Can I pick my own roommate?
Yes! You can request a roommate on the housing application that you know from high school or chatted with on the Facebook page or met through some other event. You can also pick to have a random roommate which many people do so don't feel pressured to find somebody. It honestly can work out great or not so great with either option and ultimately this person is your roommate not a required best friend and what matters is that you can live together peacefully.

Can I pick which dorm I get?
No. Where you get placed is random.

Which is the best dorm?
In my opinion, new dorms are the best, but I am incredibly biased since that's where I lived my first year. All joking aside, your living situation is what you make of it. If you put yourself out there and get to know your dormmates and hallmates you will be fine regardless of where exactly you're living.

And now on to the actual dorms!

Old Dorms

Located close to the Chem building and other science buildings that I avoid at all costs, Old Dorms are hall style which means two people per room with a bathroom that is shared by the hall. Also in all hall style dorms the entire dorm in co-ed but each floor is one gender. There's no air conditioning so bring your own fan for those last weeks of August and first weeks of September.






New Dorms

New Dorms are also hall style but have air conditioning! They are also located right near O-hill, one of the three dining halls, and the Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC), home of the largest hot tub on the East coast.










Gooch/Dillard

These dorms are suite-style which means there are several single or double occupancy rooms are a common living space and with a bathroom in each suite. These dorms are also air conditioned and are a little farther from classes but are surrounded by trees and have Runk dining hall right in the middle of all the buildings.

Ten Foods Guaranteed to Help You Survive First Year

If you're anything like me, then food speaks to you on a spiritual level. It gets you. You and food have a connection that surpasses the bonds between mere mortals. In times of sorrow concerning the latest Grey's Anatomy tragedy; in the moments of utter joy a Friday brings; and even those times in between the extremes, food can be a true source of comfort. For this reason, I've compiled a list of foods that will carry you through the ebbs and flows of your first year of college. More importantly, consider this a road map for avoiding the dining hall after eating French fries and pizza three nights in a row (but of course I'm not speaking from experience). I'm not saying you shouldn't be mindful of the dreaded "Freshman 15," but I'm also not telling you to prohibit your foodie flag from flying.

1. Ramen Noodles/Cup of Noodles

           Is it stereotypical college student food? Yes. Is it cheap? Certainly. Is it easy to make? Without a doubt. Ramen is a staple food during the first year of college for many students because it is, to say the least, cheap and easy. Beyond that, Ramen is like hipster chicken noodle soup for when you inevitably become sick during the school year. It's a source of comfort. It's dependable.

2. Soy Sauce

           Debatably a condiment, but necessary when spicing up noodle dishes and various other bland, potentially delicious meal sources. It's a cheap way to flavor food, especially when having a lazy day in the dorm. 

3. Oranges

           Here's why oranges are great: they last a long time, they're healthy, and the vitamin C packs a punch when a pick-me-up is needed. A bag of oranges from the supermarket will last at least three weeks, so it's no big deal if they’re not eaten quickly.

4. Cheez-Its 

           Another great snack food to have around the room. Whether it be dashing in and out between classes or settling down for some quality time with Netflix, these little beauties are fantastic. Caution: It's very easy to consume an entire box in one sitting without careful exercise of willpower. 

5. Steamed Veggies

           More healthy options! Steamed vegetables, the frozen packs that are bought in the supermarket, can be great microwavable foods that guarantee at least two meals. Experiment with the different flavors, but don't buy so many that the mini-fridge's even more miniature freezer becomes crowded.

6. Ice Cream

           This is just a staple for dorm life. I personally recommend those quart-sized Ben and Jerry's flavors, because you can sample a variety of concoctions. Ice cream can be for any occasion, and really I don't need to say more.

7. Breakfast Bars

           Sometimes (most of the time) you won't wake up early enough during the weekdays to go get a substantial breakfast at the dining hall. For those occasions, breakfast bars can be a lifesaver! They're also great snacks to have on hand throughout the day and for those times in class when a starving stomach is screaming in protest. 

8. Sandwich Fixings

           Let's just lump lunch meat, cheeses, peanut butter, jelly, and bread together to make this simpler. It's always helpful to have this stuff in the fridge for those times when you just want to eat something more filling than potato chips. Also relatively cheap, sandwich components are necessary food items.

9. Water filter

           Chlorinated water is gross and yet abundant. Water filters can fix that problem and guarantee a fresh drink in times of struggle. Perhaps they're a little pricier, but your taste buds will thank you later.

10. Candy

           This is pretty vague, and I'm keeping it that way. Whatever your sugar preferences may be, it's important to have some sweets in the room to keep you sane. People bond over this stuff, so make some friends through the mutual appreciation of sweets. Treat yo 'self. You deserve it.

History: The Underrated Major

Of all the majors at UVA one that doesn't get a lot of love, like commerce or anything in engineering, is the history major. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences history is an interesting and valuable major that UVA offers. So, without further ado, here are some things that future wahoos should know about history at UVA.

1. The incredible variety of courses

When thinking of history what might come to mind are high school classes that simply give overviews of history, from important names that you have heard of a million times to lists of dates of battles and the posting of Martin Luther's 95 theses. However, history has so much more to offer and at UVA you can take courses in African, Latin American, East Asian, European, Middle Eastern, and American history, among others. The courses range from general introductory classes to very small major seminars on specific topics or themes in history. 

2. You can take really random, weird classes

One of my favorite courses so far in my three years at UVA was in the history department called Supernatural Europe. In this class we discussed the history of supernatural beliefs and practices throughout early modern Europe. That meant that while studying for the final I got to talk about witches, vampires, werewolves, and possession by the devil, all in the name of academics. 

3. The major offers flexibility to study what interests you

To complete the major you must complete 11 history courses, though what exactly those courses will be is up to you. You must take one class in pre-1700 Europe, one in post-1700 Europe, one in U.S. History, one in African, East Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, or South Asian history, and a major seminar, as well as 5 classes in any area you choose. Within those broad guidelines you can tailor your schedule to what you want to learn about. 

4. The professors are amazing

To list all the various awards that the professors have you take up way too much time and space but suffice it to say that they are incredibly smart, accomplished people who always have time to talk to you during their office hours and are really passionate about what they teach. Not to mention that when you declare the history major you will get the opportunity to choose which professor you would like to have as your advisor.

5. You will read a lot

But fortunately that reading is rarely in standard textbooks. Instead you will read a variety of primary and secondary sources that is more than just names and dates on a page.

6. You will learn valuable, marketable skills

Not only will you learn how to large volumes of a variety of materials and synthesize that down into the most relevant and important parts, you will also hone your writing skills, talk intelligently about disparate ideas, communicate effectively, plan and organize your time effectively, and be able to sell your major and skills with fancy and desirable language like I did here. 

If you want to learn more about the history major (or minor) check out the department website here.

Study spots around grounds

If you’re anything like me, finding a productive study spot on grounds can sometimes be especially difficult. I know that I need to switch things up every now and then, otherwise my hideouts get stale and motivation and effectiveness go down the drain. Here I present some of my top picks for study spots on grounds: 

Music Library – There’s something about being surrounded by musical literature and arrangements that heightens my ability to study. Perhaps this is because my major is about as opposite from music you can get. This library has a multitude of cozy corners and nooks that makes it the perfect locale to really get focused.

The McGregor Room – This room is on the list purely for its aesthetic appeal. Known around grounds as the “Harry Potter Room” it is reminiscent of the antique-y study spaces utilized by everyone’s favorite boy wizard at Hogwarts. This room boasts comfy chairs and cushions that also double as effective napping spots. Just don’t get too comfortable or you will get nothing done. 

Newcomb Game Room – This is a fun spot especially if you have to meet up with a study group. The booths and table settings make this an easy yet casual meet up spot. More importantly there is easy access to food, mere steps away. And if you ever need a study break you can always play a few games of pool. 

The Lawn – This one is an obvious choice. If it is a nice sunny day nothing can beat spreading out a blanket on the lawn to do some reading. This might not be the best place to minimize distractions, but it is definitely the prettiest place to study on grounds. 

I am sure I have plenty more places to discover in my remaining time at UVA, but I have definitely branched out since my days of studying in Clem 1 first year. 

Harry Potter-esque?

                                                

Charlottesville in the Fall

Fall is, hands down, one of the best seasons there is. The suffocating heat finally starts to cool down, the leaves are changing into warm, comforting colors, and everything starts becoming cozy. It is also the time of the semester when assignments, tests, and papers start piling up and you view the changing of the seasons through the window of a library. So, to honor the ~10 minutes that UVA students have to do fun, fall-themed things, here are some awesome things to do in Charlottesville throughout October.

1. Hang out on the Lawn
With the cooler weather, despite all the rain, being outdoors for more than two minutes is actually enjoyable and incredibly relaxing. Plus, chances are someone will be walking/playing with their dog and nothing besides free food gets a college kid more excited than seeing a dog.

2. Eat some apple cider doughnuts
Nothing is more redolent of fall than apple picking but when pressed for time simply eating an apple cider doughnut from Carter's Mountain Orchard gives you all of the satisfaction of apple picking with the bonus of a sugar high.

3. Drink a fall-themed beverage
This does not have to be a pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks, and honestly probably shouldn't since they are very much overrated. A butterbear latte from a recipe on Pinterest would do very nicely.

4. Burn a scented candle
Ones that smell like cinnamon and nutmeg or vanilla frosting are the best since they smell like you've baked some cookies or a cake, without actually having to bake something. Your apartment feels homey and relaxed and you can pretend the pack of Oreos are homemade.

5. Stop in at the McGregor Room in Alderman Library
This is also known as the Harry Potter room so it's filled with leather chairs, beautiful books, and a cozy feel like it's been apparated straight from Hogwarts. It's also deathly silent and filled with stressed out students studying exams and will therefore give you a nice authentic fall in college feeling.

New Semester, New People

In full disclosure (#honorcode), that title is a little bit of a lie. Megan Beissner and I are back again as co-chairs of Hoos Online which runs this blog as well as recruits current students to answer questions, along with a few admissions deans, on online chats the dates of which we are currently working out. To refresh the memory of our loyal blog followers and for the information of the new future wahoos here is a little bit about us. We are both third years from Northern Virginia, Fairfax County specifically, and West Springfield High School if you want to get really specific. Megan is in the McIntire School of Commerce and is completely obsessed with the basketball team and I am a history major whose opinions on all of the food options on grounds and in Charlottesville are way too extensive and thought out. Anyway, we are incredibly excited to have some new faces writing blog posts this semester as well as some faithful old-timers and we hope you enjoy reading them though the written word does not fully convey how awesome UVA is. To get the full effect you will just have to come visit! Until we see you on grounds, please enjoy this picture from Lighting of the Lawn, my favorite UVA tradition.