An Insider's Guide to the Best Dorms at the University of Virginia
Hey everyone, so you're heading to UVA! CONGRATS! That's a huge deal, & you should be incredibly proud. Now comes the fun part: figuring out where you're going to live. Honestly, your dorm is more than just a place to sleep; it's where you'll make your first friends, have late-night study sessions fueled by questionable snacks, & create memories that will stick with you long after you've tossed your graduation cap in the air.
Choosing a dorm at the University of Virginia can feel like a HUGE decision, & in some ways, it is. But here's the thing: there's really no bad place to live your first year. Each dorm area has its own unique vibe & set of perks. I'm here to give you the inside scoop, the kind of stuff you won't find on the official university website, to help you figure out what might be the best fit for you.
First-Year Dorms: The Lay of the Land
First things first, as a first-year, you're required to live on-Grounds (UVA's lingo for campus). This is a good thing, I promise! It's how you get immersed in the university community. The housing assignments are mostly random, but you can choose to apply to one of the residential colleges. Don't worry about the cost being a factor in your preference; first-years pay the same rate no matter where they're placed.
UVA's first-year housing is generally split into a few main categories: the McCormick Road dorms (aka "Old Dorms"), the Alderman Road dorms (aka "New Dorms"), suite-style options, & the residential colleges. Let's break 'em down.
The McCormick Road Dorms ("Old Dorms"): Location, Location, Location
The Old Dorms are legendary. They're located right on McCormick Road, which is a prime spot. You're super close to a lot of academic buildings, which means you can roll out of bed & be in class in minutes. This is a MAJOR plus, especially on those mornings when you hit the snooze button one too many times.
The renovated Old Dorms, like Bonnycastle, Kent, & Dabney, are the cream of the crop. They've been updated with modern amenities, including the holy grail of college living: air conditioning. Seriously, Virginia gets hot & humid in August & September, so having AC is a game-changer. Bonnycastle is particularly popular because it has a dining hall, "The Castle," right in the building. Imagine grabbing a late-night snack without even having to put on real shoes. The dream.
The other Old Dorms, such as Hancock, Lefevre, & Metcalf, have a ton of historical charm. They haven't all been renovated with AC, so you'll definitely want to bring a few fans. But honestly, students have been living in these dorms for decades & have loved them. There's a certain prestige that comes with living in a place with so much history. The social scene in the Old Dorms is very traditional hall-style, which means you'll get to know your hallmates really well. The doors are always open, & there's a real sense of community.
The Vibe: Classic, social, & convenient. Perfect for students who want to be in the heart of everything & don't mind a more traditional dorm experience.
The Alderman Road Dorms ("New Dorms"): Modern Comforts
The New Dorms, located on Alderman Road, are a bit further from the central Grounds, but they make up for it in modern amenities. We're talking newer buildings, air conditioning in all of them, & generally cleaner facilities. Some of the most popular New Dorms include Gibbons, Shannon, & Lile-Maupin. Gibbons, in particular, is often called the "hotel" of first-year dorms because it's so spacious & modern. It's also right across the street from the AFC (Aquatics & Fitness Center), which is a huge perk if you like to work out.
The New Dorms are also hall-style, but the buildings are bigger, so you'll have even more people to meet. The walk to classes might be a bit longer, but UVA's bus system is fantastic, & there are stops right near the New Dorms.
One of the more infamous New Dorms is Kellogg, also known as "Mount Kellogg." It's situated on a hill, so you'll get a bit of a workout every day just getting to your room. But hey, think of it as a built-in fitness plan!
The Vibe: Modern, comfortable, & a little more relaxed than the Old Dorms. Great for students who prioritize modern amenities & don't mind a short bus ride to class.
Suite-Style Dorms: A Different Way to Live
If the idea of sharing a bathroom with a whole hall of people isn't your thing, you might be interested in the suite-style dorms. The most well-known are Gooch & Dillard, which are located a bit further down Alderman Road, near the football stadium. In these dorms, a small cluster of rooms (usually three) share a common living space & a bathroom. This setup is awesome for fostering a tight-knit group of friends right from the start.
The downside to Gooch & Dillard is their distance from central Grounds. The bus will definitely become your best friend. However, the rooms are often a bit bigger than in the hall-style dorms, & having a semi-private common room is a pretty sweet deal.
There are also the Alderman Road suite-style dorms, sometimes called "the motels," which include Courtenay, Dunglison, & Fitzhugh. These have a unique exterior walkway design. While they used to be less desirable, they've been renovated & offer a great sense of community. You'll often see students hanging out on the balconies, especially on game days.
The Vibe: Close-knit, independent, & a little more private. Ideal for students who want to have a built-in group of friends from day one.
For students looking for a more integrated academic & social experience, UVA's residential colleges are an amazing option. These are application-based, so you'll need to express your interest.
Brown College: Located right near the Lawn, Brown has an incredible location & a vibrant, active community. It's known for its unique culture & frequent events. It's a bit more selective to get into, but if you're looking for a really immersive & social living experience, it's worth checking out.
Hereford College: Hereford is focused on sustainability & social equity. It's a bit further out, on Observatory Hill, but it has a really strong sense of community & offers a lot of programs related to its themes. It's a great choice for students who are passionate about these issues & want to live with like-minded people.
International Residential College (IRC): The IRC is a fantastic option for both international & domestic students who are interested in global cultures. It's close to central Grounds & has a really diverse & engaged community.
The Vibe: Academic, tight-knit, & purpose-driven. Perfect for students who want to be part of a smaller, more focused community.
Upperclassmen Housing: The Options Open Up
After your first year, a lot of students choose to move off-Grounds. However, there are still some great on-Grounds options for upperclassmen that are worth considering.
On-Grounds Apartments
UVA offers several apartment-style dorms for upperclassmen. These give you a bit more independence & your own kitchen, which is a big step up from the first-year dorms.
Bond & Bice: These are newer apartment complexes on Brandon Avenue, close to the hospital & central Grounds. They offer single rooms, full-size beds, & modern amenities. They're a popular choice, so they can be hard to get into.
Lambeth Field Apartments: Lambeth is another popular choice, especially for second-years. It's close to the A-School (School of Architecture) & has a good community feel. The apartments are a decent size, & there's a convenience store right there for late-night cravings.
Copeley & Faulkner: These are located on North Grounds, which is a bit of a hike from central Grounds. However, they offer larger apartments with single rooms, which is a big draw. If you have a car or don't mind taking the bus, these can be a great option for a quieter living environment.
As you move into upperclassmen years, you might find yourself with more stuff, whether it's from moving out of a dorm or just accumulating things over time. If you need a place to store your belongings during the summer or while you're in a smaller apartment, you could check out Prked. It's a pretty cool platform that connects people who need storage with homeowners who have extra space in their garages, attics, or basements. It can be a more affordable & convenient option than a traditional storage unit.
Language Houses
If you're a language enthusiast, UVA's language houses are an incredible opportunity. Located on Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA), these houses offer an immersive experience where you can practice your language skills with fellow residents. There's a French House (Maison Française), a Spanish House (Casa Bolívar), & Shea House, which hosts several different languages. Living in a language house is a great way to deepen your cultural understanding & make friends with people who share your passion.
Off-Grounds Housing: The Wild West
Living off-Grounds is a rite of passage for many UVA students. It gives you a taste of "real life" with your own lease, utility bills, & more freedom. There are tons of options, from apartments on The Corner to houses in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The big debate is always on-Grounds vs. off-Grounds. On-Grounds housing is often more convenient, with utilities included & a 9-month contract. Off-Grounds housing usually requires a 12-month lease, which can be a hassle if you're not planning on staying in Charlottesville over the summer. However, off-Grounds places often have more amenities, like in-unit laundry & dishwashers.
One of the biggest challenges with off-Grounds housing is parking. It can be EXPENSIVE & hard to find. If you have a car, you'll definitely want to factor that into your budget. If your apartment doesn't come with a parking spot, you might want to look into services like Prked. It connects drivers with homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It can be a lifesaver, especially in a college town where parking is at a premium.
So, What's the "Best" Dorm?
Honestly, the "best" dorm is the one that you make the most of. Every dorm at UVA has its own unique personality & community. You'll find your people no matter where you live. My advice is to go in with an open mind & be ready to get involved. Leave your door open, say hi to people in the hallway, & go to the events your RA plans.
I hope this was helpful in giving you a better idea of what to expect from the dorms at UVA. It's an incredible place, & you're about to have the time of your life. Let me know what you think, & feel free to ask any more questions you have
