The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who established the curriculum and designed the buildings which still provide a focus for the University, allowing close contact between the students and faculty and promoting Jefferson's ideal of an "academical village" for the free exchange of ideas between fields. Today the University has grown to a community of 20,000 students, including 6,300 graduate and professional students, and nearly 2,000 faculty in ten schools. The faculty of Arts and Sciences, with undergraduate and graduate programs in 24 departments, defines, as it has from Jefferson's day, the focal point of the University.

The original buildings, designed by Thomas Jefferson, represent one of the great achievements of American architecture and help to make the grounds of the University one of the most attractive campuses in the United States.

The University is located in Charlottesville near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The relatively mild but seasonal weather contributes to the area's reputation as an exceptionally pleasant place to live. The region is unmatched in the richness of historic sites, museums, and landmarks, and is known for its fine restaurants and local wineries. The University sponsors an extensive year-round program of events, including concerts, plays, and social and athletic activities. Charlottesville is 110 miles from Washington, D.C.; 70 miles from the state capital, Richmond; a 20-minute drive from the George Washington National Forest, and a few hours from the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Virginia's beaches. The airport offers direct service to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Charlotte, and New York.