<p>Wow!!! A big thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I’ve made notations of everyone’s advice, and I believe we’re a bit more prepared than we were a few days ago. </p>
<p>UVa_Hopeful…you actually addressed a fear that we sort of have had. When our D selected UVa, one of my husband and my concerns was the fact that only 28% of the student body was OOS and a sizable percentage of that 28% was within a 6 hour driving radius. We have wondered what college life is like for the UVa student who A) doesn’t have the luxury of being able to go home for a weekend when he/she gets homesick, B) comes to school knowing no one or absolutely nothing about the state, C) knows very little about the school’s/region’s culture – something that IS kids have familiarity with, etc. We’ve worried somewhat that she’ll feel a bit “out of place” and like somewhat of an outsider. I agree with you wholeheartedly that becoming involved is the key to diffuse any of these issues. She has already been selected to participate in one of UVa’s athletic teams, she can’t wait until she has the opportunity to sign up for Madison House and other clubs, and she is very eager to go through sorority rush in the spring. I’m hopeful this involvement will bridge some of the discrepancies. For those who live far away (or if you have close friends who live a great distance), have there been times when you felt out-of-the-loop by going to a state school where only 28% are from OOS? Do the students as a whole even know or care who’s IS and who’s OOS? If you ever have felt somewhat set apart, what additional suggestions might you offer for combating the discrepancy? I have a feeling that our concerns are unwarranted because EVERYONE we’ve encountered has been uber-friendly (as evidenced by those who continually post on these threads); however, based on knowledge of our own large state flagship, if you’re not from this state, it is VERY noticeable, and there would definitely be times you would feel out of place. I’m hopeful VA is not this way, though.</p>