(Illustration by Emily Faith Morgan, University Communications)
Excitement at the University of Virginia is at a fever pitch as the school prepares to embrace nearly 4,000 new students in the Class of 2027.
The bulk of those scholars will move into their dorms on Thursday and Friday, and then it’s off to the races with the University’s “Wahoo Welcome.” The six weeks of programming, some of it mandatory, begins as soon as students bid farewell to their families and start their new lives as Wahoos.
The options seem endless. Want to go on a run with President Jim Ryan? Attend UVA’s largest Student Activities Fair? How about getting paid to play by checking out opportunities at the UVA Recreation Job Fair?
Students across the University will huddle with their resident advisers on the first night in their dorms. At these mandatory meetings, advisers will explain their roles, the expectations of residents and hold some get-to-know you icebreaker activities. Here’s a taste of what that’s like.
President’s Address to Families and Students (Thursday, 4 p.m.)
Ryan will welcome families and students in Old Cabell Hall Auditorium, at the opposite end of the Lawn from the Rotunda. He and other University administrators will share information about some of the things coming this fall. If you are unable to attend in person, you can tune into the livestream. If you would like Ryan to answer specific questions, send them in advance to vpsa@virginia.edu.
‘Recfest’ Sponsored by UVA Recreation (Friday, 6:00 p.m.-8 p.m.)
This is student’s first opportunity to learn about at UVA Recreation has to offer. Come out to UVA’s Aquatic and Fitness Center’s front parking lot for free food, games, giveaways, and a free t-shirt. Staff will be onside the answer questions and help students register for programs.
Welcome to the 4th Side (Friday, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Gates Open at 7 p.m.)
At UVA, fans everywhere are an extension of the sidelines, becoming the “4th Side” of the Cavalier football team. First-year students are required to attend this fun preseason pep rally at Scott Stadium. Come out and meet coach Tony Elliott and the players, pick up a football T-shirt and learn the “The Good Old Song” with the Cavalier Marching Band. Be sure to bring your student ID. New transfer students are highly encouraged to attend. In case you missed it, here’s a fun UVA Today-exclusive 4th Side puzzle.
Class of 2027 Run With Jim (Aug. 19, 7:30 a.m.)
Want a “Run with Jim” T-shirt? Then join the University’s ninth president at Observatory Hill Field to get in some steps, chow down on snacks and make some new walking and running buddies. Bring your student ID and a bottle of water.
University Programs Council Concert With Social House and Between Friends (Aug. 19; Doors Open at 6:30 p.m., Show at 9 p.m.)
Social House and brother and sister duo Between Friends are performing at this year’s concert.
Each year the student-run University Programs Council hosts a free concert at John Paul Jones Arena. This year, there is a double-bill featuring the acts Social House and Between Friends.
In addition to writing their own music, Social House has producer credits on songs by Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez. Between Friends, a brother-sister duo, are best known for their songs “Affection” and “Iloveyou.”
UVA Recreation is hosting an after-concert party Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. There will be free food trucks, games, music and more.
Ryan and other administrators officially welcome the Class of 2027 to the University at Opening Convocation. The hourlong program is held on the Lawn at the foot of the Rotunda. This occasion is mandatory for the new students, who will also sign the honor pledge promising not to lie, cheat or steal while at UVA. The ceremony will be followed by an ice cream social with Ryan on the South Lawn. The rain location for both events is John Paul Jones Arena.
Student Activities Fair (Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
New students get their first taste of the extracurricular activities UVA is known for, as more than 700 clubs and organizations show their stuff. The largest of the year, the fair takes place on the South Lawn, in McIntire Amphitheatre and on the lawn in front of Peabody Hall.
Rotunda Sing (Aug. 23, 8-11 p.m.)
The University's beloved event is held on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda. The performance starts at 8 p.m., but insiders encourage students to come early to score a good spot and enjoy free food. Bring a blanket and enjoy UVA’s celebrated a cappella groups.
