Top Hangout Spots Near The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia is a hiker’s heaven, with 500-plus miles of Blue Ridge trails, and for those who like to watch others play, the NCAA is championship-winning Virginia Cavaliers to root for. The University of Virginia, which is within walking distance of downtown, is one of the state’s premier universities. Despite its rapid growth, this city retains its small-town charm (and delicious bagels). So, if you’re planning to study in the USA, Charlottesville should be on your bucket list —and don’t forget to stop by these top hangout spots near the University of Virginia on your next visit!

Must Read: Aspirants Guide for Admission Process to Study in USA

About the University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson, is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA places a strong focus on its historic foundation and is one of just a few universities in the country that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jeffersonian architecture that pervades the campus has also contributed to UVA’s status as America’s most beautiful college campus. 

As a public university, UVA strives to maintain an enrollment of around 66% of Virginia residents. In terms of profile competitiveness, UVA is among the top 40-50 colleges for in-state students. 

It is closer to a top 20 college for out-of-state students (higher than USC but significantly lower than UC Berkeley and UCLA). When evaluating general admissions data such as average GPAs and SAT scores, students should keep this difference in mind. 

The University of Virginia has 12 schools, ranging from public policy to engineering. The School of Law and the School of Medicine, both founded in 1819, are UVA’s oldest schools. The institution of Data Science is the newest, having been established only two years ago. 

Must Read: UVA Acceptance Rate

Charlottesville Student Guide

You will have a new city to discover if you opt to relocate to Charlottesville. Charlottesville is rich in history and culture, so you’ll never be bored. Before you begin, you must first determine the best neighbourhood in which to seek Charlottesville apartments. Here’s a quick rundown of Charlottesville’s several neighbourhoods.

• Downtown is a lively and vibrant area of town. Students living in this region have access to a variety of eateries, art galleries, boutiques, festivals, and even a weekly farmers market.
• The 5th Street Station Shopping Centre is the main lure for this region south of Charlottesville. It enables students to stay close to businesses like Great Clips, Panera Bread, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
• Because of its proximity to the University of Virginia, this region is highly sought after by students. It is also the location of The Corner, a college-friendly strip of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
• The Route 29 corridor is located to the north of Charlottesville. This area is home to several student flat complexes as well as popular destinations such as Fashion Square Mall, Kroger, and Fresh Market.
• Pantops is located on the city’s east side. Though it is primarily for the retired population, it also has recreational features such as Meade Park and Darden Towe Park.

Fly Homes – Student Accommodation in Charlottesville

Top Hangout Spots Near The University of Virginia

Now that you have a brief overview of the university and its student life, let’s check out the top places you can visit in your free time/day off while studying here. Check the top hangout places near the University of Virginia below:

Monticello

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s residence, is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville and the University of Virginia campus. Customise your visit to the 19th-century plantation with one of several excursions, including a behind-the-scenes peek at Jefferson’s home and an informative tour about slavery at Monticello. The excellent grounds, with a vast range of trees and flora, are a must-see for every garden enthusiast.

Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

Phone: +1 434-984-9800

Opened: 1809

Owner: Thomas Jefferson Foundation

Blue Ridge Mountains

Charlottesville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills, provides easy access to some of Virginia’s top hiking routes (and views). Shenandoah National Park, located nearby, has approximately 500 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Old Rag Mountain, the park’s most popular and hardest trek, is an all-day challenge for experienced hikers. Old Rag is well worth the effort, with its treacherous rock scrambles and breathtaking summit vistas.

Downtown Mall

Spend a day exploring Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-friendly historic district filled with restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops. Browse the old bookstores—New Dominion Bookshop, Blue Whale Books, and the three-story book lover’s utopia, Daedalus Books—and stop by the Charlottesville City Market on Saturday mornings during the warm months. With so many fresh fruits, local cheese, and other food vendors to choose from, you’ll be at a loss for what to sample first.

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Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art outside of Australia. The museum boasts one of the best collections of aboriginal art in North America, dating back to the 1920s. The museum provides tours as well as educational activities about indigenous art.

Address: 400 Worrell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911, United States

Phone: +1 434-243-8500

Founded: 1999

Director: Dr Margo Smith AM

The Rotunda

The Rotunda, which houses the University of Virginia Library, is a stunning and historic structure on any American college campus. The Jefferson-designed structure is without a doubt the most magnificent and historic place on any UVA campus. Students, alumni, and visitors all take pride in calling it home.

Address: 1826 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States

Phone: +1 434-924-7969

Architects: Stanford White, Thomas Jefferson

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Opened: 1826

Virginia Discovery Museum

The Virginia Discovery Museum is a children’s museum specialising in art, history, humanities, nature, and science. It is located in downtown Charlottesville at 524 East Main Street. All of these topics are covered in interactive exhibits at the museum, which are ideal for youngsters to explore.

Address: 524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

Phone: +1 434-977-1025

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Michie Tavern

The Michie Tavern In Charlottesville, Virginia, near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Every day from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., this historic institution serves a Southern buffet meal. There are two unique retail shops on-site that are open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Michie Tavern also hosts private dinners.

Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

Phone: +1 434-977-1234

The Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theatre is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres and plays an important role in the history of the city. The Paramount, which is now a vibrant and versatile facility for performing arts and community activities, is an important contributor to Central Virginia’s current and future quality of life, as well as an economic driver for the region. 

The historic nonprofit Paramount Theater’s mission is to educate, enchant, enrich, and enlighten through the power of the arts by providing high-quality programming and accessibility for the entire community’s artistic, educational, and charitable benefit while driving economic vitality for Charlottesville, Albemarle, and the Central Virginia region.

Located in: Downtown Mall

Address: 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

Phone: +1 434-979-1333

Capacity: 1,100

Opened: 1931

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FAQs

This was all about the top hangout spots near the University of Virginia. If you think we missed out on any other top favourite places, let us know in the comments. 

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