Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987, the University of Virginia is a beautiful university, rich with history, academic rigor, and ambitious and intelligent students and professors alike. Built on a strong appreciation for academic curiosity, the University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by President Thomas Jefferson. Students affectionately call the campus "Grounds" and freshmen "first years" because they know it is unique to other colleges across the nation. Students practice self-governance, a core tradition of UVA, as they take charge charge in upholding the Honor System and protecting our Community of Trust. Watch the sun set while sitting on the Rotunda steps, take a delegation picnic on the Lawn, tour the University with your team, and explore Alderman Library to find the awe-inspiring McGregor Reading Room. Year after year, delegations are inspired by our conference and its location, and we hope that you bring refreshed motivation into committee! Once you are done with committee for the evening, we recommend you walk around our beautiful home town. Charlottesville is the best you can ask for in a college town. Culture, history, and a great relationship with the university community make it stand out as one of the best cities in Virginia. Plus, historic sites such as Monticello, the beautiful home of President Jefferson, are just a short drive away. Charlottesville is a very accessible town; with the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Amtrak station and Greyhound buses, it is safe and easy to reach Mr. Jefferson's university. With the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) bus system, hotels and stations are conveniently and cheaply connected to central Grounds.
If you have finished exploring our university and city, we are sure you want to try some of our delicious restaurants and check out our shops in the city. We are the #3 Public University in the United States! Take a ten minute walk to the Corner to eat a gourmet burger, buy UVA gear, or visit trendy shops. Or, take the CAT's Free Trolley to Downtown Charlottesville to see a movie, go ice skating, or eat at cultural restaurants. No matter how you spend your time in Charlottesville, we are confident you will want to return year after year.