The atmosphere of a university’s location is often a key component of where an applicant chooses to attend. Whether it’s a proximity to nature, a high volume of museums to visit nearby, or being nestled in the heart of a city, college life is more than just going to class and then back to your dorm. So, what kinds of non-academic activities can UVA students participate in, on or off-Grounds? The answer is simple: almost anything! UVA and the Charlottesville area have tons to offer for those who attend the University.
The Corner
The Corner has long been a staple of life at UVA, so much that multiple books have been written about it. Composed mainly of shops and restaurants, the Corner is a hangout spot for UVA students regardless of year and is within walking distance from Grounds. The Corner is also home to 1515 (a UVA-run student hangout space and Career Center outpost) and a police substation.
Many of the stores and eateries may have changed over the years, but a few have withstood the test of time. Ask any UVA student, staff member or faculty member and they’ll have good things to say about those staples, which include:
- The Virginian: A fixture in Charlottesville since 1923, The Virginian serves a variety of American fare ranging from crabcakes to burgers to fried chicken. Pro tip: Order the mac and cheese.
- The White Spot: A hole-in-the-wall diner known for its popular “Gus Burger,” which is a cheeseburger with a fried egg that countless UVA students swear by, and the Grillswith, which is two grilled doughnuts with a scoop of ice cream on top.
- Mincer’s: A local sportswear store that sells UVA apparel.
- College Inn: A favorite staple in Charlottesville that offers lots of food perfect for a late night with friends, such as gyros, pizzas and sandwiches.
- Ragged Mountain Running Shop: A local shop that sells running and walking gear to the outdoorsy Charlottesville and UVA populations, open since 1982.
While the Corner has continuity and its mainstays, it also stays current on modern trends. Currently there are not one but two juice bars on the Corner. There are also several 21-and-over bars that are frequently by upperclassmen. Students can purchase an “Elevate” meal plan (not associated with UVA’s meal plans), which is good at many of the restaurants on the Corner.
First years may feel intimidated by the Corner, but never fear! The Corner is a lively locale with lots of fun events, great stores and delicious places to eat.
The City of Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a city known for its eclectic vibe, growing foodie culture and proximity to the gorgeous natural landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking and enjoying nature through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the popular Humpback Rock trail (among many others!) are common attractions for students and townies alike, and Carter Mountain Apple Orchard offers apple picking and cider in the fall. Most of these are at most a couple of hours from Charlottesville, and areas like Carter Mountain are only ten to fifteen minutes outside of town. And, of course, the larger metropolitan hubs of Richmond and Washington, DC are one and two hours away respectively.
The Downtown Mall is a popular area frequently by many Charlottesvillians and students, boasting quality restaurants, fun shops and the Downtown Pavilion. The downtown area of the city also offers locations like IX Art Park (pronounced “icks”), which boasts tons of fun and weird art installations, an indoor area for local shows, and is surrounded by restaurants like the ever-popular Brazos Tacos. Other shopping areas throughout town include Barracks Road Shopping Center and Stonefield, the latter of which boasts a movie theater. Students can take Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) buses, University Transit Services (UTS) buses, local taxis or dockless bikes and scooters to easily get to most of these places.
If you’re looking for stuff to do off-Grounds, don’t worry — Charlottesville leaves UVA students countless options!