What's it like at UGA?

merkur
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:06:32 +0000

kay and diva, I found your posts a little touching, the way you have found you really like Georgia. I have lived here for most of 45 years, and went to UGA, where our son is now a student. I hope some current students respond to your posts (there’s a bright and prolific young lady called jenmarie, but she’s taking finals right now and is pre-med), but I don’t believe you should have any misgivings. Any student population reflects the general population, with allowance for age and the fact they are all college students. In other words, they are like you, and here in Georgia we are long accustomed to welcoming people from everywhere. Perfect? No, but I feel certain no one would be put off by where you’re from; in fact, you will be unique not coming from an Atlanta suburb! My wife, a PA native, loved it here after a few months, and says she would not move north of the Mason-Dixon line again.
Now, I have read there is still some separateness, which is a part of human nature: we innately feel comfortable being around those who are like us. But we also know this is not insurmountable. This is even more true for your generation, which is more open-minded and accepting of many ideas then your elders. For example, does “inter-racial” (I know, even the term is loaded and out-moded) dating cause a stir among your peers? I doubt it. I do not believe you will find racial tension. It is a diverse and accepting community, a university, after all!

In short, at UGA you are likely to find students much like yourselves, perhaps with some minor regional differences, almost all of which should be positive and interesting. You may even find yourself adopting some! But, you will feel welcome and comfortable. I wish you both the best of good luck with your UGA apps and your college careers, wherever you ultimately choose. I hope we can welcome you to Athens, the Classic City, and UGA. Go Dogs!