Brown College at Monroe Hill — Attraction in Charlottesville

My daughter lived in Brown College for 3 1/2 years. The location is fantastic, right in the middle of Central Grounds. The Palladian architecture fits right in with archways and hidden courtyards. There are multiple "portals" (buildings) which are all connected by tunnels. Expect many stairs! My daughter was on the top floor of Davis for three years. This meant four double flights of stairs plus the stairs from Newcomb Road to enter the courtyard for access. The suites are big with large rooms and an interesting layout where you access the inner room by going through the outer room. The outer room accesses the bathroom by going through the inner room and the bathrooms are shared by 2 or more suites. You have privacy, but you don't. The inner rooms have closets while the outer rooms have a non-functional fireplace. Outer rooms might have an armoire but might not. You may prefer to bring a garment rack versus going into the other room to use the closet. It's easily worked out by the students living there. Students have to apply to live at Brown College and they pride themselves on being quirky. There are always social activities if you want to take advantage of them. So far this sounds good, right?

There are multiple physical issues with these buildings. During my daughter's time there, there were weeks without running hot water. There were sewage leaks in the tunnels. Mildew, mold and roaches can be found throughout the buildings. Many of the windows are painted shut even though they can be opened which is important when it's over 80 degrees inside and the heat is running. Worst of all was constant construction 24/7 right outside my daughter's window for almost her entire Third year. She switched portals for her last year at Brown College to avoid the construction noise and lights shining in her room and the construction was just as bad outside her new room. The noise was so bad that she had to wear industrial ear muffs to sleep. This set of dormitories NEEDS to be renovated. These aren't the only dorms that need renovation, yet the administration is more concerned with building the Contemplative Commons and the Ivy Corridor. There are calls for mandating that Second Year students live on Grounds, yet where will you put them? Brown College and other moldy, in-need of TLC dormitories?

I'm writing this review as both a parent of a recent graduate and an alumna. UVA can do better and needs to. With renovations, Brown College on Monroe Hill would be spectacular. Right now,...

Beautiful residential college, filled with life-changing people in a truly unique, distinguished, and ever-evolving community. 100 years...

Brown College is a can't-miss experience. You will laugh. You will cry. You will have one hell of a time. 100 years...