First-year students at UVA have a plethora of exciting experiences to look forward to in their introduction to college, from fall football games to lounging on the Lawn to figuring out their beloved Bodo’s order. Among these traditions is the First-Year Formal, which is organized and run by the First Year Council. Giving students the opportunity to step away from the books and computer screens and be able to dress up, this event is one of many that first-years can attend to add to their memories of such an important time. Here is what to know about the night.
During their first semester, students run for various positions on the First-Year Council (FYC) to represent their class. Candidates campaign vigorously for roles such as FYC President, Vice President, and several Representatives. FYC operates uniquely and “has its own constitution, officers, members, and agenda that are separate from the University-wide Student Council.” Amongst FYC’s share of responsibilities are organizing engaging activities for the class to participate in together. These have ranged from professional development such as career advice talks and resume assistance, community service such as meal swipe drives and writing cards to veterans, and fun treats such as a study break with donuts and, finally, First-Year Formal.
This year’s First Year Formal was held on the evening of February 21 at Alumni Hall on Emmett Street. Students only needed to show their student ID cards for free entry and were allowed one guest to bring as well. According to the formal announcement Instagram post, the chosen theme for the night was “Havana Nights.” Although there was no strict dress code, long dresses and suits were suggested. In previous years, however, students have stuck to the theme and taken the opportunity to dress up. Attendees were informed to expect lots of dancing, music, and refreshments.
With a turnout of approximately 1800 students at last year’s First Year Formal, FYC said in an Instagram caption that their goal was to surpass that number for the class of 2028. To achieve this, FYC got the first-years interested by promoting the formal through frequent announcements and updates, Q&A’s, and initiatives to help find dates for those looking.
Originally, FYC had created a fun and lighthearted way for people to meet each other by sending out forms for “The Button,” as inspired by the popular YouTube series. The concept of “The Button” is a unique way of speed-dating where two people sit across from each other at a table with a red button in the middle. On YouTube, the button periodically asks questions to stimulate conversation, and either makes or breaks peoples’ decision to press the button. Pressing the button signifies for somebody new to come out and take their place at the table. This continues until neither person wants to press the button. Unfortunately, FYC had to postpone The Button until a later date and instead replaced it with “Formally Yours.” Students simply had to fill out a short form to answer several basic questions and preferences to be matched accordingly. The form offered a low stakes, low commitment way to potentially meet someone new just in time for the formal. As a bonus, “Formally Yours” even had an option to put in a match request.
Another one of the most anticipated and advertised aspects of First Year Formal, FYC brought in a live band to enhance the experience. No Composure is a student-run UVA band and was scheduled to play from 9 to 10 P.M, in between the DJ sets. As featured on the WUVA YouTube channel, No Composure is made up of five undergraduate students who came together as a band last year with their shared interest in music. They had already performed at local beloved spots such as Crozet Pizza and Ellie’s, so students were excited about the opportunity to hear the band play live.
When the awaited night came along, first-years excitedly donned their formal wear and headed to Alumni Hall. FYC worked diligently to decorate in accordance with the Havana Nights vibe and transformed the venue into a tropical paradise. With palm trees and warm lighting, the theme was brought to life. To much delight, there was even a photobooth for everyone to partake in, and many photos were shared on social media afterwards.
As one of the milestones of the first-year experience, First Year Formal remains a fun tradition and memorable night. It provides students with an opportunity to get together outside the usual academic setting. In the midst of exams and work picking up, students enjoy the chance to take a well-deserved break and interact with their class. Overall, attendees spoke positively of the formal and expressed their appreciation for all of the effort put into organizing the event. Several students noted that they hoped for this tradition to continue as a snapshot of what UVA has to offer in the years to come.
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