Azam is a current student at the University of Virginia. He is majoring in economics, and specializes in algebra tutoring, English tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, he shares his experience at the University of Virginia:
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Azam: The campus of University of Virginia is gorgeous. The fall is my favorite time, as all of the trees change color and the entire campus is beautiful. I feel very safe on campus, and there is always transportation for us to get to different places on campus.
How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Azam: The professors encourage students to come to their office hours. For academic advisors, we must make an appointment earlier to meet with them.
How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?
Azam: There are three dorm room options for first year students at UVa. Old dorms, new dorms, and Gooch-Dillard. Each one allows you to build a community that you will keep for all four years. Dining options are fine, and there are social opportunities every single weekend for everybody.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?
Azam: I would say that UVa represents a lot of different majors and programs. I am currently studying economics and my university continually supports this department.
How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Azam: It was quite simple to meet people. I simply went up to people in the dining halls or social events and introduced myself. Greek life is huge on the UVa campus, providing many chances for you to be part of an on-campus family.
How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services?
Azam: The Career Center provides amazing opportunities for us to grow. There are many reputable companies that come to the University of Virginia to recruit.
How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?
Azam: The libraries are clean and busy. My favorite is Alderman Library, since it has some noise and natural lighting. The dorm lounges in Gooch Dillard and new dorms are amazing, however the lounges in old dorms are sometimes very busy and hard to study well there.
Describe the surrounding town.
Azam: UVa is located in Charlottesville, VA. The most popular thing to do outside of campus is to go to Downtown Mall. There, you can shop, go to the movies, and eat awesome food. I head to the Downtown Mall around once every 2-3 weeks.
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Azam: The UVa student body size is perfect, in my opinion. It’s not too large that you’d feel invisible. Also, it’s not too small that you will not find a place for you to feel loved and like you are at home. There is a place for everyone at UVa.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Azam: One memorable experience occurred when I woke up late and had to run to my English class. It was in the early part of the first semester, and I ran in late feeling extremely scared that the professor would hate me for being late once. I was super nervous! Luckily, I redeemed myself by participating a lot that day in class and staying after class to explain that this would never happen again. Apparently it worked, as she gave me a letter of recommendation after the semester ended for an internship opportunity!
Check out Azam’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
