15 Pictures That Will Make You Wish You Were Starting At UVA Tomorrow
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, UVA’s Grounds are a historically admirable place. The unparalleled architecture coupled with the spirit of driven students creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Don’t believe me? Here’s 15 pictures that will make you wish you were a Wahoo right now:
1. Charlottesville
Although Charlottesville is home to UVA, it is also home to a city of beautiful people and art lovers. Charlottesville is covered with painted walls, and the self-expression creates a feeling of camaraderie among all the people of Cville, students and townies combined. Whether you’re driving down the Corner, or taking a trip downtown to the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, enjoy street art along the way.
2. The Corner
The Corner is a convenient strip of businesses located right across from the Rotunda. Along this strip, you can find a CVS if you catch a cold in between classes, grab a quick bite to eat, go shop with friends or enjoy a great Saturday night at bars. The Corner makes you feel right at home, and you’ll be among friendly wahoos!
3. Scott Stadium
College football, baby! Scott Stadium is where you can come watch the Cavaliers compete in the ACC conference. Free to all students, it’s going to be your favorite Saturday fall afternoon activity. And if you’re worried about finding it your first year, don’t worry. It’s located directly across from new dorms! Watch Cav Man storm the field from your window!
4. Dorms
UVA first years have the good life. This is a picture from the bottom of New Dorms on Observatory Hill. This big grass lawn is a perfect place to meet new friends your first year, participate in some spike ball tournaments with friends or just lay a blanket to study for a few hours. Wherever you go, it feels like home.
5. Old Cabell Hall
The Old Cabell Hall auditorium hosts some of the best speakers of the year, and in 2018 Hillary Clinton even payed a visit to grounds to speak. Sitting in this room, you feel the history of UVA encompass you. As the music hall of UVA, stop by Old Cabell in the fall for an orchestra concert or to hear the acapella groups!
6. The Aquatics and Fitness Center (AFC)
Open to all UVA students, the AFC is definitely an amenity you’ll want to use. There’s a lap pool if you’re in the mood for a swim workout, a hot tub, a full gym and 3 basketball courts. The UVA swim team takes advantage of the AFC for their workouts, so you know this place is top-notch. And guess what else? It’s also directly across from New Dorms on Observatory Hill. Enjoy!
7. The Scenery
One of the best things about UVA is that you’re always looking at an amazing view no matter where you are on Grounds. A walk across the Lawn at UVA will take your breath away and the mountains are just the cherry on top.
8. John Paul Jones Arena
JPJ is home to the Cavalier basketball team! This beautiful arena is brand new and the perfect place to enjoy watching the Wahoo’s crush another team. The half-time shows are unbeatable, and what’s better than watching the guy you saw at the dining hall slam dunk? Nothing.
9. Bodo’s Bagels
Another Corner spot, Bodo’s is a Charlottesville original. If you have an 8 a.m., you’ll want to stop by here for the bagel of a lifetime and a quick coffee. You can’t find this place anywhere except Charlottesville – literally. It’s a Cville luxury, and we’re glad that it found it’s home here.
10. The McGregor Room in Alderman Library
More commonly known as the “Harry Potter room,” this study spot below the lobby of Alderman library is a talking-free zone where you can come to finish, or start, that 15 page research paper. Sign the book when you enter, and leave a note for future Wahoos to receive your advice. Hoo knows, maybe you’ll see Hermione studying for her O.W.Ls.
11. Lighting the Lawn
Every year in December, all the Hoos in Hooville gather on the Lawn for a UVA tradition: Lighting the Lawn. The Rotunda and surrounding lawn buildings are covered from head-to-toe in Christmas lights, and after the Good Ol’ Song, the lights gleam on and a light show begins. This is the perfect Wahoo event to ring in the holidays and prepare to leave Grounds for winter break.
12. The classrooms
Brooks Hall is one of the original UVA classroom buildings and it’s located right next to the Rotunda. Most of the original buildings on Grounds hold classes, including the Rotunda. The historic feel makes you itch to learn while you sit in the same places as historically influential people such as Edgar Allen Poe and William Faulkner. Don’t worry, they finally replaced the stairs in Brooks Hall for the first time this year…
13. The Lawn
But especially, the Lawn in the fall. With the Rotunda sitting at the head, UVA is famous for this beautiful lawn. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, this is the place where students can come together and foster a community of Cavaliers. We are all one University, and the Lawn reminds us of that. Bring a hammock, a blanket, some homework and some good friends for an afternoon to soak in the sunset on the Lawn.
14. The gardens on the Lawn
Between the buildings on the Lawn are the gardens. Lined by the brick walls, these gardens are always blossoming with beautiful flowers, and all guests are welcome. Everywhere you go, there is a hidden wonderland of beauty!
15. The Wahoos
UVA students are a different breed. When you enter college, you’re afraid of finding new friends and fitting in away from home. The best thing about UVA is that everyone fits in. We’re all Wahoos, and everyone you meet will greet you with a smile and a “Go Hoos.” We link arms for the Good Ol’ Song, and are reminded of our love for the world, and for each other. Let’s all join hands and give a yell for Dear Ol’ UVA!
