It’s important to be social while attending college. While grades and coursework are of course a key component to success, don’t underestimate the power of finding a group of like-minded people! Being in a club, sorority or fraternity, or other organization can be one of the most fulfilling aspects of your time on Grounds by helping you build community and expand your horizons. Read on for our primer on how to get involved with UVA’s many clubs and Greek organizations.
UVA Clubs and Other Organizations
Before the first day of fall classes, the South Lawn and Amphitheater are filled with representatives of the over 1000 clubs around Grounds. New and returning students can easily spend an hour looking at all of the different options and talking to people passionate about their organizations and causes.
Clubs can be a way to instantly connect with people who enjoy the same things you do. If you had a particular passion in high school, joining such an organization can be a great way to continue pursuing your extracurricular interests. But at the same time, college is the place to try new things! Just because you loved one activity in high school doesn’t mean you have to do that again in college. Below is an incomplete list of some of the club types available to students:
- Acapella groups
- Dance groups
- Academic clubs
- Madison House (volunteer center for students at UVA)
- Honor Society
- University Judiciary Council
- University Guides
- Literary and Debating Societies
- Cavalier Daily (student newspaper)
- Club Sports
- Heritage organizations
- Religious organizations
- Theater and performance
There’s no harm in signing up for lots of clubs at the start of a semester and whittling down your activities as the semester progresses. It’s also perfectly fine to test the waters by only signing up for one club. Some clubs require students to apply for membership, and members will walk students through the requirements. Most clubs, however, are flexible when it comes to joining.
Greek Life at UVA
Approximately 35 percent of the undergraduate student population is a member of a fraternal organization. Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that focus on scholarship, leadership, service, and brother/sisterhood. By joining a fraternal organization, students are afforded sisterhood or brotherhood opportunities that often become lifelong friendships, as well as expansive contact networks during and after their undergraduate careers.
Students participate in recruitment during the first part of the spring semester and most members are recruited during that time, with the community being slightly smaller during the fall. Students are formally welcomed and invited into particular organizations on bid day. Over the next few weeks students “pledge” their organization, which generally involves fun activities and group bonding. Students who do not rush their first year still have the option to rush and pledge later in their time at UVA.
Fraternities and sororities at UVA spend vast amounts of time and effort contributing to the greater Charlottesville community and to charitable causes through participation in philanthropic events, service, and fundraising. Membership in the fraternity and sorority community affords students unique leadership opportunities, as chapters and governing councils are led by students. Many fraternities and sororities have houses in Rugby Road in Charlottesville, but several live elsewhere or have satellite houses.
There are about 60 fraternities and sororities on Grounds. Each organization has their own unique personality, but all are welcome within.
Finding Your Fit
Can’t find a group you like? No worries! You can always form your own organization or check for similar groups using this listing. The process of starting a club is fairly straightforward and you have the option to work with Student Council representatives if you have questions.
Clubs are a great way to expand your worldview by interacting with new people. They’re meant to be fun compliments to your academics. Whether you join only one club and stick with it your entire time in college, participate in multiple activities or even join a new club every semester, it’s completely up to you!