2026. 1. 8. 01:56ㆍ지구촌 소식/세계소식
"서울에 왔다 간 중국인은 싹다 K-병 걸렸다" 시진핑도 못 막았다?
미칠지경인 중국 현지 상황 (조현승 박사, 이슈임당/ 중국 특집)
버지니아 주의 최고의 대학 촌
The Best College Town In Virginia
the University of Virginia, Villige Town, Charlottesville, VA
The Best College Town In Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, is steeped in history, culture, and academia. Founded in 1762 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lovely colonial-era town quickly established itself as a vital hub for commerce and governance in Virginia’s early days, ensuring its place as a key player in the development not just of the state, but the United States as a whole.
It was here that U. S. President Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers and the third US President, chose to establish a public university that would rival already established institutions like Harvard, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, and even Yale. His remarkable vision led to the founding of the University of Virginia (UVA), now one of the country’s premier institutions of higher learning.
A History of Excellence at UVA
A statue of Thomas Jefferson greets visitors to the UVA's Rotunda (Photo: Bryan Dearsley)
What makes Charlottesville a great college town? It’s the strong synergy between the university and the surrounding community. Great college towns not only offer opportunities for cultural and academic engagement but also boast a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to students, residents, and visitors. Charlottesville meets all these criteria, consistently ranking not only among the best public universities in the United States but also among the best travel destinations in the South.
The University of Virginia was established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who envisioned it as a center for research and learning. Jefferson personally designed the campus layout, including the famous Rotunda, a grand central building inspired by Rome's Pantheon. Initially, UVA’s educational mission was modest, starting with only 123 students, but it has expanded significantly to now serve over 26,000 students.
Academically, UVA is well-known for its law, business, and medicine programs, with the Darden School of Business and the School of Law drawing top talent worldwide. It also has a notable alumni network, including author Edgar Allan Poe, astronaut Kathryn Thornton, and journalist Katie Couric—a testament to its legacy of developing leaders and innovators.
Must-See Attractions on Campus
The UNESCO Lawn and Rotunda at UVA (Photo: Bryan Dearsley)
Whether you’re a student or a visitor, the Academical Village is the historic heart of the university’s magnificent campus and a great place to get to know UVA. Conceived and designed by Jefferson himself, this well-preserved “village” stands as a hallmark of both architectural brilliance and philosophical depth, embodying his revolutionary idea of integrating living, learning, and community within an educational setting. His vision was groundbreaking in the early 19th century and continues to shape UVA’s identity as a leading place of learning.
At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is The Lawn, a long, rectangular expanse of grass and trees that serves as the university’s central axis. The Rotunda, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, anchors the space as its architectural and symbolic centerpiece. Originally housing the university library, the Rotunda now hosts events and meetings and is open to the public, with some of the best views of the Lawn can be had from the Rotunda’s upper levels.
Exploring the grounds of UVA is time well spent (Photo: Bryan Dearsley)
Boarding the Lawn are 10 pavilions, each with a distinctive classical design. Reflecting Jefferson’s commitment to blending architecture with education, these pavilions serve as both faculty residences and instructional spaces, fostering an environment where academic exchange thrives. The Lawn is flanked by 54 student rooms (27 on each side), highly coveted accommodations awarded to fourth-year students through a competitive application process.
You can stroll along the covered walkways in front of these accommodations, each featuring a classic wooden rocking chair and a small blackboard displaying the words “Ask Me About,' inviting students to stop and chat about topics they want to learn more about or share their knowledge.
The student rooms at UVA were designed to encourage the sharing of knowledge (Photo: Bryan Dearsley)
Another campus must-see is the Fralin Museum of Art, which houses a diverse collection of works ranging from classical to contemporary. Other highlights include the Leander McCormick Observatory, which offers public nights where visitors can stargaze through historic telescopes, and the University Cemetery, where Jefferson’s descendants and notable faculty are buried, providing a contemplative link to the past.
Charlottesville Beyond the Campus
The Downtown Mall is popular with students and visitors (Photo: Bryan Dearsley)
Charlottesville features numerous attractions linked to the university but situated off-campus. The Downtown Mall, a historic pedestrian-only street nearby, hosts shops, restaurants, and bars favored by students and visitors. Additionally, the historic Paramount Theater, constructed in 1931, continues to host concerts, plays, and film screenings.
The big off-campus attraction, though, is Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Jefferson had his magnificent estate built atop a hill within sight of the university’s Rotunda (at least it was at the time) over a period of 40 years starting in 1769. Pay a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll see neoclassical designs including a striking dome and columned porticoes drawn from ancient Roman and Palladian principles.
The interior showcases Jefferson’s inventive spirit, with features such as skylights, a dumbwaiter, and alcove beds added to maximize space and function. Admission is by well-organized guided tours only, and for those who enjoy walking, the extensive grounds are a delight to explore on foot. While you can take the shuttle bus for the short uphill journey from the visitor center to Monticello, the easy walk back down takes you past the property’s graveyard, where Jefferson and members of his family are buried.
If you’re planning a night or two in this beautiful college town (which you definitely should), consider checking the availability at the charming Oakhurst Inn. Situated just a short walk from UVA’s campus, this upscale 4-star hotel offers a picturesque setting and is only about 10 minutes on foot from the Lawn and the Rotunda. The Oakhurst Café, part of the hotel, is conveniently located along your path and is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or simply enjoying coffee and a sweet treat, popular among locals and students alike.
The Final Word
Charlottesville’s identity as Virginia’s best college town is well-deserved. Together, this lovely town and its university have created a community that values not only education but also the region’s fascinating history and rich culture. The University of Virginia’s contributions, from its academic excellence and traditions to its economic and cultural impact, have transformed the town into a hub of innovation and exploration. Little wonder, then, that Charlottesville’s rich history, picturesque campus, and thriving downtown make this Southern town a destination that appeals to students, alumni, residents, and visitors.
Alma Mater of the Nation
History
From centuries-old traditions to campus icons that have stood the test of time, William & Mary is a place where the past, present and future come together to create something enduring, meaningful and uniquely our own.
As the second-oldest college in the nation, our story began with a royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II in 1693, establishing a “perpetual College” in Virginia dedicated to divinity, philosophy, languages and the arts and sciences. But our vision reaches even further back, with plans for the university taking shape as early as 1618.
Alma Mater of the Nation
William & Mary is known as the Alma Mater of the Nation due to its close ties to America' founding fathers.
George Washington
Received his surveyor’s license and served as W&M’s first American chancellor
Thomas Jefferson
Completed his undergraduate studies at W&M
James Monroe
Completed his undergraduate studies at W&M
John Tyler
Completed his undergraduate studies at W&M
W&M Firsts
Not many universities can say they’ve canceled classes because the British invaded. At over 330 years old, William & Mary has a robust legacy of firsts.
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1694First U.S. institution with a royal charter and only school to receive a coat of arms from the College of Heralds
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1729First to boast a full faculty, consisting of a president, six professors, usher and writing master
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First to confer metallic prizes, which were gold medals donated by Lord Botetourt, governor of Virginia from 1768-1770
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1771
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1776First Greek-letter society, Phi Beta Kappa
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1779First elective system of study and honor code
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1779First law school in America, which made W&M the first college in the country to become a university
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1 stTo offer programs in modern languages (1779), political economy (1784) and modern history
A Brief Campus History
More than 200 years after its founding as a private institution, William & Mary became a public, state-supported school in 1906 and went coed in 1918.
In 1928, John D. Rockefeller Jr. chose the Wren Building as the first to be returned to its 18th-century appearance as part of Colonial Williamsburg’s restoration.
Now in its fourth century, William & Mary’s long history starts on our Historic Campus.
Thomas Jefferson at W&M
One of four U.S. presidents to be educated at William & Mary, Thomas Jefferson graduated in 1762. He helped found William & Law School, the nation’s oldest law school, and later received an honorary degree from the university.
Learn more about Jefferson’s ties to William & Mary, his history as one of the nation’s founders, his personal life including connections to slavery and his legacies as a diplomat and politician from the Special Collections Research Center Knowledgebase at W&M’s Swem Library.
William & Mary
Ambient video of scenes of life at William & Mary: aerial view of the historic Wren Building; a student and faculty member working in front of whiteboards; a student on a research boat; two people working in a lab; students tossing colorful powder during a Holi celebration on campus; students on an inflatable ride; W&M cheerleaders and griffin mascot celebrating at a football game in Zable Stadium
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Undergraduate Majors & Minors
With 115+ majors, minors and pre-professional programs, William & Mary offers room to discover your interests and amplify your passions.
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Choose from 115+ majors, minors and pre-professional programs — anything from business analytics to integrative conservation to a major you design yourself — and 45% of students major in STEM. W&M consistently ranks in the top 20 of public universities for undergraduate teaching, career services, internship connections, science lab facilities, study abroad opportunities and more.
William & Mary by the Numbers: A Top School for Academics and Beyond
Personalized, career-focused education to fit your goals.
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Explore William & Mary's Academic Programs
W&M students think critically and express themselves creatively. Here, you'll learn to question and to innovate. From our state-of-the-art science labs to the new, expansive Arts Quarter, W&M's well-earned reputation delivers a world-class education.
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About W&L
Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the U.S. Today, W&L is a place where students grow intellectually, unlock opportunities and prepare for their futures.
Distinctively W&L
Washington and Lee is a top-ranked, private institution in Lexington, Virginia, where we integrate the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our graduates, mentored by a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars, are equipped with the practical skills, habits of mind, and strength of character to make a meaningful impact wherever they go in the world.
The W&L Difference
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Transformative Education
As a small, private liberal arts university with established undergraduate programs in business, economics, politics, entrepreneurship, journalism, strategic communication, and engineering, as well as a graduate law school, Washington and Lee combines the advantages of a small liberal arts college with the opportunities of a research university. Our expansive curriculum encourages students to explore a variety of subjects and make connections between them.
Past, Present, and Future
About W&L
The ninth-oldest college in the nation, Augusta Academy eventually became Washington and Lee University, recognizing the direct contributions of George Washington and Robert E. Lee to the school’s growth and curricular innovation.
Our Distinctive Structure
A Liberal Arts University
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors, while choosing from a remarkable variety of majors, minors, and hands-on learning opportunities usually found only at large universities. We are one of the only top liberal arts institutions in the nation to have an accredited undergraduate school of business and a graduate School of Law.
Making Ends Meet
Access and Affordability
Washington and Lee’s dedication to access and affordability is reflected in its generous need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. The university is need-blind for all undergraduate students and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need with aid packages that do not include loans. Through the W&L Promise, students with an annual household income of less than $150,000 pay no tuition, and those with an annual household income of less than $75,000 pay no tuition, room or board.
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Lovable Lexington, VA
W&L is located in Lexington (pop. 7,000), a vibrant and picturesque town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Money magazine has named W&L one of the 10 best colleges for people who love the outdoors.
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