I'm curious about the University of Virginia's campus size and how it impacts student life. Does a larger student population mean more opportunities and events? Would love insight from current students!
As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of Virginia (UVA) has an undergraduate population of roughly 18,000 students. However, when you factor in graduate programs as well, the total population exceeds 28,000 students.
The advantage of attending a university like UVA, with its sizable student body, is that there is a diverse array of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Due to the substantial student population, UVA is able to accommodate an array of interests that allow students of all kinds to find their niche.
While a larger population can mean more variety, it's essential to remember that it may also mean more competition for certain popular clubs or internships, and larger lecture-style classes, especially in introductory or popular courses.
The size of the student body can give a feel for a more vibrant, bustling campus life with numerous events and activities. But at the same time, it's important to find ways to make a large campus feel smaller and more personalized, such as by joining clubs, developing relationships with professors, and building a network within your major.
In my opinion, the size of UVA provides a "best of both worlds" scenario—large enough to provide diverse opportunities and a vibrant community life, yet small enough that you can make it feel like home.
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