M ost University students would agree there's a fascinating beauty and appeal to Charlottesville. The gorgeous weather, stunning landscape and elaborate architecture are no secret to townspeople and outsiders alike.
Yet a common opinion held by many Charlottesville residents is that University students do not experience even a fraction of what the town has to offer.
First-year College student Allison Kelley has been in town for two weeks and already sees how the grievance that Charlottesville students live in a social and geographical bubble is valid. Kelley said there is a definite focus on absorbing campus life as opposed to exploring other areas.
"I don't want to miss out because there is so much going on here, on Grounds," Kelley said.
Kelley suggested a reason for this attitude might be the frenzied first week of college life.
"Because I just got here, it's so crazy," Kelley said. "I feel like I'm not grounded."
Like many first-year students, Kelley spent her first weekend discovering the fraternity scene. Although she said she had a good time, Kelley said she would also like to find other options.
"I want to go to the mall, and go Downtown and see what kind of places are there," Kelley said.
James Crawford, a third-year Engineering student, has lived in Greene County all his life and considers himself a Charlottesville native.
According to Crawford, students are detached from the rest of the Charlottesville community and do not venture out of their social or geographic comfort zones.
"I guess it can be kind of intimidating going to a new place and not knowing the surroundings and places to go and things to do," Crawford said. "Being already a part of the community and then joining the University, I feel that students isolate themselves to the University area. Students coming to the Charlottesville area are not only coming to college but are coming to the Charlottesville community, and they should expose themselves to some of the offerings of the town."
Crawford suggested the Downtown Mall and other areas that can be easily reached, as long as students stray from their immediate locale once in awhile.
"There are other places to go besides just the Corner. ... there's 'Fridays after Five' at the Downtown Mall, which has really changed lately," he said. "They offer alcohol to those who are legal and a lot of interesting bands come down. Also, the Paramount Theater just reopened last year at the Downtown Mall with real live shows."
Crawford said in spite of the entertainment malls can provide, he also suggests reaching out to other, more obscure leisure activities.
The list of activities students can partake in, according to Crawford, is extensive.
"There are a number of really interesting things to do around here," Crawford said. "There are places to go swimming, museums, hiking, bike trails ... the list goes on and on. It's not too good on nightclubs, but we make up for it in other areas."
Other activities Charlottesville boasts include paintball, downtown clubs, tubing and wineries, if you are willing to travel a bit.
Of course, it may not be that easy for a significant population of the University to travel and find these places, especially for first years and others without cars. Nonetheless, Crawford said these challenges can be overcome.
"I understand some of the limitations of being a first year without a car," he said. "You can find ways around that rule, such as if you have a job. Driving around really helps you learn about the area just because you have to learn the roads."
Crawford also commended the bus system for its convenience in transportation.
While escaping Grounds may be difficult for first years, Crawford said there is no reason for upperclassmen not to go out and experience some of the things the area has to offer.
"I think that the upperclassmen don't take all the opportunities that they have because all they do is drink, and they think that's all there is to do," he said. "There is other stuff to do -- you have to be creative."
Crawford said the activities to look into depend on what your interests are.
"You just have to do some research and go further than Rugby Road and frat parties and the Corner," Crawford said.
The problem is these places may take more effort to find and travel to, and many students may not think the effort is worth the experience. On the other hand, Crawford pointed out, what do you have to lose?
As far as time commitment, Crawford said, "If you have time to go out and drink and get hungover until 3 p.m. the next day and still get everything done..."
Crawford went on to say trying something new once probably will not wreak havoc on the busy schedules of students.
He also discussed students' social separation from the Charlottesville community.
"I think students really feel superior to the outside community," he said. "They feel that they are in college and the people aren't up to par with them. In reality, Charlottesville was ranked the No. 1 place to live in America. There's a lot of people here that have very influential pulls, and it's not a 'nobody' town anymore. It used to be, but not anymore."
Crawford said he believes students should do their best to interact with the outside community. He said part of the college experience should be learning how to adapt to new environments.
"The chances of you getting a job in whatever you're majoring in and wherever you're from is not that great, so you need to learn how to move to a new community and become a part of it and not isolate yourself," he said.
There are students who follow this advice and have learned to become more integrated in the Charlottesville area. Third-year College student Emily Longenecker is from Ohio and knew little to nothing about the town when she first arrived. She said she learned more by living and working in the Charlottesville area over summer.
"I traveled around Virginia more during summer," Longenecker said. "I went to lakes, went hiking and spent a lot less time at the Corner than last year."
Longenecker said by working at Monticello, she got to know the shops and recreational areas on the way to her job.
"I found out I really enjoy the area -- it's beautiful," Longenecker said. "There are recreational facilities, historic sites, tons of coffee shops and the Warehouse District near the Downtown Mall has lots of sales."
While Longenecker agreed it is fun to be in the immediate area of the University because "everyone else is here and it's where the action is," she strongly advised going beyond the norm.
"Charlottesville is a really cool community," Longenecker said. "It's No. 1 for a reason. There is a lot to do for its size, you just need to be willing to find it."
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