Jasmine Chong
Hometown: Malaysia, boarding school in Australia
Major: College of Arts and Sciences: Possibly English
If I could give one piece of advice to incoming international students!
Approaching new faces when you are in a foreign country can be slightly intimidating at first, but dont be afraid to do it. Everyone else is in the same boat and just as eager to get to know people. Take a step outside your comfort zone and strike up conversations with people who arent from the same country as you. I cannot express how rewarding it is to have friends from different placesyou end up knowing just a little more about life in another country, and that is always a good thing.
Make an effort in particular to get to know the people you will be living with. I am happy to say I get along perfectly with my suitemates and that many good times have been shared, such as recording the dolphin-like sounds my roommate made as she slept then replaying it to her in the morning, breaking out into dance in the common area at 1 AM, and of course the inevitable sharing of apparel.
What class do you think is a “must take” for any UVA student and why?
My favourite class for the Fall semester would have to be ENWR 110: Is Life Worth Living. When browsing through the Course Offering Directory to construct my fall schedule, the provocative name of this class caught my eye and, suffice to say, it has not disappointed in the slightest. All the ENWR (Academic, Professional & Creative Writing) courses address academic argumentative writing with varied themes. Is Life Worth Living is particularly palatable for me as it places a philosophical spin on academic writing. Also, the fact that Mr. Chris Forster teaches this class significantly lessens the pain of having it on early Monday morningshe is always armed with witty comments and class is literally never a bore. And Im not just saying that.
A resource that was very helpful to me here was…
The Office of Admissionsin particular, Dean Parke Muth (Director of International Admissions) was exceptionally helpful with providing advice and insight regarding my possible major (English), and introducing ways for me to immerse myself in the literary side of UVa.
Some of my upperclassmen friends have been excellent sources of information, especially when it comes to matters of classes, professors, the quickest route to a certain building and even trivial things like the goodness of a Gusburger. It always helps to talk to upperclassmen because everything you go through as a first-year you can be sure that theyve done it all before.
My favorite event that Ive attended at UVA:
Even if you are not a fan of football, it is an absolute must that you attend at least one game. The Sea of Orange is an amazing sight (and sound), and if you do not feel school spirit running through your veins as you join arms with fellow students in the singing of The Good Ole Song.. well, you must not be human. Honestly though, football games are quite the experience, whether you decide to don an orange shirt or a sundress. And this is coming from a girl who still does not grasp the concept of touchdowns.
The best place to grab food:
My favourite place on-grounds would have to be Crossroads at O-Hill, mostly because of its close vicinity to the Alderman dorms... and partly because of their baked ziti. Off-grounds, I am a fan of Little Johns (the hummus bagels are amazing), Archs for ice cream, Mesob (Ethiopian cuisine) and Mellow Mushroom for pizza.
What is your favorite study spot?
On a good day, the benches in the grassy area in front of the Alderman library are ideal. I can spend hours there with my iPod, journal or some assigned reading for class. Studying in that area is also great as I often see familiar faces walking past, and it is always pleasant to have a quick catch-up with a friend.
