Does the University of Virginia have a strong community feel?

As I look into the University of Virginia, I'm curious about how tight-knit the student community is. Do people find it easy to make friends, and are there a lot of campus activities to get involved in?

The University of Virginia (UVA) indeed has a strong community feel, and this aspect is often noted as one of the school's greatest features. With around 16,000 undergraduate students, the size is not so large as to feel overwhelming, yet not so small that it becomes claustrophobic. There's an excellent balance that lends itself well to community development.

Student organizations, clubs, and interest groups abound at UVA. There are over 800 student organizations – including sports clubs, academic clubs, community service organizations, and interest groups among others – meaning there's an avenue for nearly every interest. These organizations are essential in forging student connections and cultivating a sense of community.

In regards to friendships, residential life at UVA is generally conducive to building strong connections. First-year students are required to live on-Grounds (UVA uses the term "Grounds" instead of "campus"), which often results in forming a close-knit community within the residence halls. Moreover, UVA's unique residential college system allows students to live and interact within smaller, multidisciplinary communities, further encouraging a sense of connection and camaraderie.

Another facet, UVA's tradition of student self-governance, can also contribute to this sense of community. The idea is that students have a significant role in shaping their own UVA experience, allowing them to feel more connected to the school and their fellow peers.

Finally, UVA's cornerstone traditions - such as the Lighting of the Lawn, the Good Old Song, and Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn - foster a shared community experience that goes beyond just attending classes together.

Of course, like any university, the degree to which you feel part of the community can depend on individual experiences and efforts to get involved. But overall, UVA offers many opportunities for students to connect with one another and engage in the larger community.