University of Virginia Library

Advice A - F

Offering advice can be almost as
obnoxious as receiving it. However, with
eyes on our own reminiscences, let us
follow H.L.Mencken's advice: "Let us hold
our noses and do our duty."

Academics — It would be presumptuous
and dull to say much here. Unlike many
large universities where a high attrition rate
bespeaks low standards of admission and
unready freshmen, this University practices
a theory which would admit no student
unable to proceed to a degree. Naturally,
some of you will decide a sheepskin is not
the token you seek and accordingly may
leave by any of a variety of channels the
administration maintains for that purpose.

Activities — On the Grounds are a
number of organizations and publications
which are in constant need of new blood
and new ideas. Two student newspapers, a
literary magazine, a film production group,
Student Council's committee volunteer
system, as well as Madison Hall and its
growing work in the community, are but a
few of the plethora of possibilities.
Moreover, Athletic Director Eugene
Corrigan has stepped up construction of
new facilities — twice the number of tennis
courts as were available last year — for
students so inclined.

Books — Where to buy texts and course
books most likely will be described at first
meetings of classes. Since Alderman Library
is miserably under financed, its shelves often
bleak and alien, many of you soon will
find yourselves in need of stronger stuff.
At the Corner, Lloyd's stocks the widest
selection of paperbacks, while Noonday
holds the edge on hardbacks, new
best-sellers, and certain course books.
Mincer's "gift books" hardly bear
mentioning. Paul's News has an atmosphere
all its own (and many, many magazines).
Finally, there is the smaller of the two
Newcomb Hall bookstores, whose repertoire
of works on film, art, literature, and
history, as well as its eccentric but solid
supply of fiction, is unequaled in the area.

Chauvinism, Male — Yes. When it
happens to you, scream bloody murder,
and maybe someone will be listening. Plant
a flower in a urinal.

Contract Cafeteria — Inexpensive,
normally digestible food, guaranteed to
sustain. If you have doubts, a one-semester
ticket may save you trouble later. These
are fully refundable for a few days and
then hard to get rid of.

Dipsomania — "Drink is an escape. That
is why so many people do it now. There is
Weltschmerz — the uncertainty of the
world today. All sensitive minds feel it.
There is a passing away of the old order
and we wonder what there will be for us
in the new — if anything."

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Dormitory Life — Like most unpleasant
things this much-maligned phenomenon
offers its own lessons. Just what these are
we cannot recall. Ask your counselor.

Drugs — Until not long ago,
Charlottesville held a reputation for its
copious supply and laxness of enforcement.
Should any doubts remain following last
year's protracted crackdown, Narc Deavers'
remarks to the counselors last week left none:
the outlook is for many more busts. Dorms
are NOT immune to this threat. Nor can the
University police, who are deputized to
enforce drug laws, be trusted. If they do not
arrest you themselves, they have shown their
willingness to point out students suspected of
dealing or personal use to authorities. Don't
be paranoid. Just be cool.

Fraternities — You won't be coming
into contact with the clubs which line
Rugby Road and Mad Lane for a few
weeks. When you do, you may think these
institutions too good to be true; they are.
Rush is engineered to entice, to draw you
in, often without much chance to view
critically the houses and to see beyond the
surface. The watchword to follow is
caution. More later.