SpongeBob, Cap’n Crunch and the Most Tightly Knit Clubs on Grounds

Creativity and community take some truly unexpected forms at the University of Virginia. While UVA boasts over 700 clubs and organizations dedicated to academics, service and hobbies, a few clubs stand out for their quirky charm. 

Whether it’s bonding over breakfast cereal, knitting blankets for a cause or diving deep into the nautical nonsense of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” these student organizations offer a welcoming escape from the demands of a busy semester. 

Each club brings something unique to Grounds, proof that there’s truly a club for everyone at the University. 

Cereal Club

What’s more nostalgic than a bowl of cereal? For members of UVA’s Cereal Club, this simple pleasure is the foundation of a fun and carefree space where students can unwind, connect and feast on their favorite breakfast food.

The club’s premise is straightforward: Members gather every month or so in 1515 University Ave. to enjoy bowls of cereal together. Behind the scenes, an executive board ensures every meeting is an enjoyable experience. 

Leading the club is its current president, third-year student Will “Cheerios” Hancock. The role of Vice President of Milk is split between Maggie “Honey Smacks” Meares and Alex “Froot Loops” Church. The duo takes special requests for both dairy and non-dairy milk options. Vice President of Cereal Emmett “Special K” O’Brien selects the cereal lineup for each meeting. Will “Mini Wheats” Patterson serves as the treasurer. 

From left, third-year students Maggie Meares, Elizabeth Hardin, Emmett O’Brien and Will Hancock

From left, third-year students Maggie Meares, Elizabeth Hardin, Emmett O’Brien and Will Hancock are among the 30-plus members who regularly gather for Cereal Club meetups. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

“Cereal is universal,” said Meares, who is majoring in public policy and art history. “Most people grew up eating cereal. It’s simple, and it brings everyone together.”

The group started in 2021 after Hamza Aziz noticed a serious lack of unserious clubs on Grounds. He made the cereal club an official contracted independent organization, and the rest is history.

“There’re so many clubs at UVA, but the vast majority feel like you’re doing something for your resume,” Meares said. “Cereal Club is just a thing you can do that’s chill.”

O’Brien agreed. “It is fundamentally unserious,” the politics major and French minor said. 

The executive members work together to plan creative activities throughout the semester. One meeting last semester featured a blind taste test comparing name-brand and generic cereals, while another challenged participants to concoct the most delicious cereal and milk combinations. 

“We’re growing,” Hancock said. “This semester there’s been more interest and more people talking about it.”

Cereal Club’s first meeting of the semester will be held Thursday at 1515 University Ave. from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For updates and more information, follow the club’s Instagram page. 

Warm Up America at UVA 

Warm Up America blends creativity with community service. Established at UVA in 2007 as a chapter of the national organization, the club gathers weekly to knit and crochet 7-inch by 9-inch squares that are stitched together into blankets for donation. 

The current president, third-year psychology major Sofia Segura, has been a member for a year, but made attending every meeting last semester a personal mission. 

“We’ve got a lot of fun people here,” she said. “It’s nice to know that, at some point in the week, I can crochet, shut my brain off and be creative.” 

Thanks to the UVA Parent’s Fund, the club provides all necessary supplies – yarn, crochet hooks and knitting needles – at no cost. Members can also check out yarn to contribute to the project outside of meetings. 

Crochet club members working on crafts

Warm Up America welcomes expert crocheters and knitters, but beginners are encouraged to join the fun, too. (Photos by Renee Grutzik, University Communications)

Beginners are warmly welcomed and paired with experienced members for guidance.

Last year, Warm Up America at UVA donated two blankets to the Haven, a day shelter and housing resource center in downtown Charlottesville. This year, they aim to donate at least three blankets by the end of February. 

Treasurer Jessica Kim, a second-year student, values the club’s laid-back atmosphere. “As you get older, it gets harder to do your hobbies consistently,” she said. “Being in the club allows me to intentionally make time to unwind. Without Warm Up America, I wouldn’t make time to crochet or knit during the semester.” 

Meetings are held Sundays from 6 to 7 p.m. in New Cabell Hall, room 309. Interested students can connect with the club via Instagram. 

SpongeBob Club 

In the midst of UVA’s competitive environment, SpongeBob Club offers students a much-needed break from serious academics. 

The group’s president, third-year student Natasjha Stone, creates a whimsical escape where members can reconnect with their inner child and enjoy lighthearted fun. 

SpongeBob Club meets every Monday, typically in Clark or Gilmer halls. Each meeting is packed with activities that bring the humor and charm of SpongeBob and Bikini Bottom to life. 

 

 

“We start with some SpongeBob memes, share SpongeBob-related news and then play a Kahoot trivia game with prizes for the top three winners,” Stone, who is majoring in African American studies and environmental thought and practice, said. 

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Meetings also may include screening an episode or two of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Stone joined SpongeBob Club to counter the stress of her first year. “UVA is such a competitive space,” she said. “I needed something that wasn’t academic or focused on networking, just a place to have fun.” 

For updates and SpongeBob memes, follow the club on Instagram or drop by a Monday meeting to witness the fun firsthand. 

Media Contact

Mike Mather

Managing Editor University Communications