The University of Virginia is full of unique traditions that make it special. These traditions allow UVA students to gather together, and they create great memories that are remembered long after graduation. Let’s go through some of UVA’s best traditions that involve everything from acapella groups to streaking.
Lighting of the lawn
Lighting of the Lawn is an event that happens every year at the end of the Fall semester to celebrate the holiday season. The event starts with performances by UVA’s acapella and dance groups and ends when the Rotunda and Lawn are lit up with lights for the first time. It is not just a countdown to the lights turning on, the countdown ends with a full on light show complete with glow-in-the-dark beach balls. It feels so special to be surrounded by the student body as everyone marvels at the Rotunda. The Lighting of the Lawn happens right before finals week, so it is a great way to have some fun before buckling in to study. This is a great tradition to partake in to get into the holiday spirit. Make sure to get there early for the best view!
Foxfield
Foxfield is a uniquely UVA tradition. In the spring semester, students attend the horse races at the Foxfield Track, located about 20 minutes away from UVA. Fraternities and Sororities pair up and go together, and many clubs rent out a plot of land as well. Floral dresses are the fashion attire, and many girls pair them with cowboy boots and crazy hats. Foxfield is the perfect example of the more Southern side of UVA, and many people embrace the traditional Southern attire. Foxfield is a great opportunity to get off-grounds, and take part in one of UVA’s beloved traditions.
MidSummer’s
Midsummer’s is an annual UVA tradition that occurs in the summer! During the weekend between UVA Summer Sessions, students come back to the University to reunite and party on “Mad Bowl”. The unofficial tradition serves as a way for students to hang out with their friends and enjoy Charlottesville in the summertime. Midsummer’s is full of students in dresses as well as bikini tops since several places have slip n’ slides to help beat the heat. Midsummer’s is the perfect excuse to spend time in Charlottesville without having to worry about the stress of classes.
Rotunda sing
The Rotunda Sing occurs at the beginning of the school year during the first week of fall classes. It is hosted on the lawn and groups perform in front of the Rotunda. Many of the UVA acapella groups (and there are a LOT) perform. Dance groups perform as well, and it serves as a great way for new students to see some of the different personalities of the student organizations on grounds and meet new friends. The Rotunda Sing is a great chance to listen to live music before classes get too hectic, and there is almost always free merchandise from the University Programs Council.
Streaking the Lawn
Streaking the Lawn is one of UVA’s more raunchy traditions that is “required” of you before you graduate. It’s UVA custom to run naked down the steps of the Rotunda, down the Lawn, kiss the statue of Homer, and then run back up the Lawn. The Lawn is 740 feet long each way, so one has to run naked for quite a long time. Many people choose to streak the lawn on a night when they have some extra courage! Everyone has a different approach to Streaking the Lawn with some people waiting until 4th year and others trying to get it over with as soon as possible. Some students even streak the lawn several times while at the University. Either way, it is best to have someone with you to hold your clothes as you make the daring trek. Rumour has it that Mr. Jefferson gives a prize to the student who can do it the most times in their four years!