No Out-of-State love?

Q: "As we all know, the majority of students are from Virginia, and by the looks of the 2015 facebook page it seems like quite a few incoming students already know each other. Is it as easy for kids from far-away states to fit in/make friends?"

A: It's true that some students come into college knowing a handful of peers from back in high school, but not everyone has this experience and even those that do aren't likely to remain within that social group. For example I'm from Virginia but my relationships with the people I knew from before college fizzled out as I built new relationships and became close to dorm-mates, classmates, etc.

I found it VERY easy to meet people from all over the place. I've got friends from Florida, Kentucky, New York, China, Georgia, Germany, New Mexico, California... you get the idea. Because everyone lives in dorms, goes to dining halls, and takes classes, you have to try pretty hard NOT to meet thousands of people within the first few weeks of college life.

As far as not fitting in: it's practically impossible! There are so many different people at UVa that you're bound to fit in somewhere. You like computers? There are clubs for that. Skateboarding? There are clubs for that. Camping? Cricket? Harry Potter? Feminism? Weightlifting? Belly Dancing? Yeah we've got clubs for that too. Even if there isn't a club for what you love, you can start one! There are probably at least a dozen other people here who share your enthusiasm for collecting and playing Pogs.

Short answer: don't sweat it. No matter where you're from or who you are, you can make great friends at UVa.

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