<p>In my history of UVA course (under LASE), we learned that originally the university had problems filling the lawn rooms after more traditional dorms (like brown college and the old dorms) were built. It’s funny that it’s so competitive now.</p>
<p>I don’t know of anyone who had obligations. I know it is generally assumed you will be there and have your room open on things like lighting of the lawn, trick or treating on the lawn, etc. The lawnies are a social group and they’re always tailgating together and having social events and stuff. The RA of the lawn obviously has more obligations. There are even rooms reserved for certain sororities/etc. Everyone on the lawn is already overcomitted. I think everyone there is excited to be a part of the community and why would you apply unless you wanted people as well as tourists and streakers around you at all times anyways (plus the bathroom thing)?</p>