There are so many reasons to love UVA. Year after year, it has been ranked as one of the top public universities in the country. U.S. News & World Report named it as the #3 public university in the United States for the year of 2016. UVA's groundbreaking research is always in the headlines, the professors are amazing, and the university has yielded many notable alumni like Katie Couric, Robert F. Kennedy (Sr. and Jr.), and Tina Fey.
To students, Mr. Jefferson's university is more than its impressive resume. It's the little things that make the University so special to Hoos. Here's a list of some things that UVA students truly appreciate:
1. The Lawn.
There are two types of UVA students: those who picnic on the lawn and those who streak it.
2. Miss Kathy.
She is joy in human form (and one of the only reasons I visit Newcomb).
3. The Dumpling Truck.
Waiting in line with 100 other people is totally worth some dumplings.
4. The Rotunda (without scaffolding!)
Not only is the Rotunda the "crowned jewel" of Grounds, but it finally has no scaffolding! What a time to be a Hoo.
5. The joy of walking to class through TJ's beautiful Grounds.
Sometimes when I'm stressing over a major exam or an essay that needs to be finished ASAP, I have to take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous UVA really is. Walking to class doesn't seem too bad when every route is the scenic route.
6. The Corner.
It may not technically be a part of Grounds, but we consider it to be just as much our home.
7. The Good Old Song.
A true hoo gets teary-eyed when they hear it.
8. Knowing that Charlottesville is actually the happiest place on earth.
There's so much to see and do in Charlottesville, and we're so lucky to call it home.
9. Bodo's.
The most devoted fans camp out for the first ticket. The rest of us eat it any time and all the time.
10. Wheelie Kid.
The man. The myth. The legend. The wheelie skills.
All of these things are just a glimpse at what makes UVA such a special and unique place to students. The best part of Hooville, however, is being surrounded by such an awesome community of fellow Hoos. See y'all soon!