Saturday Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions from Our Tours...
Every week we'll post answers to prospective students' questions. Some will be FAQs from tours, like this week, and others will be responses to comments and emails received via this blog. If you have a question about a post we've covered previously, comment to ask us for more information. Have we not covered it yet? Email us at UVaSummer14@virginia.edu and we'll reply with an answer!
Do I choose a roommate or am I assigned one?
There are two options when it comes to deciding who you want to room with in your first year dorm. Some students find someone with similar interests on the admitted students Facebook page or choose to room with a friend. The other option that is available is to do a random assignment. A student wishing to be placed with a random roommate will fill out a questionnaire about his or her daily habits and routines, and UVa will match him or her with someone who submitted a questionnaire with similar answers.
--Andrew Barat
Do you feel safe on grounds?
Simply put, yes. The reason I feel so safe is because I'm aware of the numerous precautionary measures UVa has in place to ensure a safe and secure environment. For example, UVa has a university-wide emergency alert system that sends a text message and email to all students once it is activated. Plus, every emergency alert is displayed on LCD screens in buildings around Grounds and a siren goes off to alert anyone outside. Our residential halls require both a key and cardswipe for entrance and the doors lock automatically upon exit. Our SafeRide program, a sort of taxi service that begins once the University bus system stops running for the evening, provides students with a ride home from anywhere on Grounds free of charge. And lastly, there are emergency lights all throughout grounds with a button that students can press if they ever feel unsafe that will connect them directly to the local police.
What does UVa do to help students get jobs or internships?
At UVa we have an awesome career services department. They'll meet with you to go over resumes, do mock interviews, and they even organize job fairs, internship fairs, and networking events with the organizations that come and recruit at UVa. They also run our online database for applying to jobs, CavLink. They're a fantastic resource, and I've spent many hours prepping for internship and job hunts in their offices. For more information and stats, visit University Career Services's website, Facebook page, and follow UCS on Instagram and Twitter at UVaUCS!
Saturday Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions from Our Tours...
Every week we'll post answers to prospective students' questions. Some will be FAQs from tours, like this week, and others will be responses to comments and emails received via this blog. If you have a question about a post we've covered previously, comment to ask us for more information. Have we not covered it yet? Email us at UVaSummer14@virginia.edu and we'll reply with an answer!
What is it like to come into UVa as an undeclared major?
Normal! As an undeclared major, you'll be in the College of Arts and Sciences--a program that houses over 40 different majors at UVa. You'll also have an assigned advisor within the College and certain area requirements (e.g. mathematics, humanities, non-western perspective) to explore. Working with your advisor and taking classes to fill these requirements will help you find your interests and find a major. You don't need to declare until the end of your second year, and you can even declare multiple majors, change your major, or maybe even switch schools (e.g. to the School of Engineering).
--Jared Morgan
What opportunities are there for students to work while at UVa?
There are many opportunities for jobs on grounds and off
grounds! On grounds, students can work for the University in a variety of ways.
For example, the University Bookstore hires student employees every semester!
The libraries, some academic buildings, the dining services, and departments
also hire students for various positions. Students can also search for jobs off
grounds at numerous restaurants, shops, studios, companies, political
campaigns, Charlottesville paid internships, babysitting, and much more!! You
can also sign up for CavLink, which will email students about working
opportunities in Charlottesville!
What is upperclassmen housing like at UVa?
All students are required to live on grounds for their first
year, but have the option to either continue living in University housing or go
off grounds for the rest of their time at the University. Upperclass housing offered by the University
can be apartment style, like the rooms at Lambeth Field, or in a residential
hall layout, like the Hereford Residential College. Students are guaranteed on Grounds housing
when they live on grounds the previous year, so all first can stay on grounds
if they want, and those second years that live on grounds are guaranteed
housing for their third year. It is
about a 50/50 split for second years for living on or off grounds and keeps
splitting in half every consecutive year.
Students can rent a house or an apartment if they choose to live off
grounds, some of which may be closer to one’s classes or fit a budget better.
Simply put, yes. The reason I feel so safe is because I'm aware of the numerous precautionary measures UVa has in place to ensure a safe and secure environment. For example, UVa has a university-wide emergency alert system that sends a text message and email to all students once it is activated. Plus, every emergency alert is displayed on LCD screens in buildings around Grounds and a siren goes off to alert anyone outside. Our residential halls require both a key and cardswipe for entrance and the doors lock automatically upon exit. Our SafeRide program, a sort of taxi service that begins once the University bus system stops running for the evening, provides students with a ride home from anywhere on Grounds free of charge. And lastly, there are emergency lights all throughout grounds with a button that students can press if they ever feel unsafe that will connect them directly to the local police.
