MBA - Connect - Visit Darden

Darden Tour and First Coffee

Students may be on summer break, but our Admissions Team looks forward to welcoming you to Grounds! Sign up for a tour and First Coffee for an opportunity to meet with an Admissions Committee member for a brief, small-group conversation and a tour of the Darden Grounds. 

If you would like to visit over the summer on a day not available on the calendar, please email the Admissions Coordinator to get a copy of our self-guided tour. 

Observe a Darden Class

We welcome all prospective students to visit the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Grounds! Class visits are a great way to observe the case method firsthand, and to get to know Darden students, faculty and staff. We host these visit opportunities throughout the academic year, and dates will be posted quarterly as the academic schedule is confirmed.

Class visitors will be paired with a student host to observe an MBA class. Since participants are matched with a student host during their visit, we are unable to accommodate any class visit registrations within 48 hours of the class time. All visitors are invited to join the Darden community for First Coffee. This daily long-standing tradition takes place during the break between the first and second classes of the day. Students, faculty and staff take this opportunity to chat and catch up with each other under the cupola in Saunders Hall.

To make the most of your Darden visit, our team suggests visitors reach out to our student club leaders or Student Ambassadors to schedule a coffee chat during First Coffee or after class. Come prepared with specific questions and use this valuable time to gain perspective on the Darden culture and students’ unique experiences. 

Attend an Open House

Darden Open Houses provide a full-day opportunity for prospective students to experience Darden's distinctive case method approach, tour the Darden Grounds and connect with current students. While we do not currently schedule interviews during Open House events, attendees will be able to engage with our Admissions Committee in a panel discussion about the Darden application process. An Open House includes a class visit, so students will not need to sign up separately for a class visit on another date.

We look forward to announcing the 2023 Open House dates in late summer 2023.

​2022 Open House Sample Schedule

• 9:30-10 a.m. | Registration and First Coffee with the Darden community
• 10-11:25 a.m. | Class Visit
• 11:25-11:45 a.m. | Break
• 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Welcome from Admissions
• 12:15-12:45 p.m. | Admissions Committee Panel
• 12:45-1:10 p.m. | Career Center Overview
• 1:10-2:30 p.m. | Lunch with Students
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Tour of Darden Grounds

Times and activities are subject to change.

Lodging

We encourage you to make your travel plans and accommodations reservations early! The Charlottesville region offers a wide range of lodging options, from no-frills motels to five-star resorts. View the Visit Charlottesville Hotel Guide here.

Discover UVA Darden's premier boutique hotel, Kimpton The Forum Hotel, conveniently situated on the Darden Grounds. Enjoy luxe amenities, an upscale experience + a vibrant atmosphere. Check availability and make a reservation here.

Parking

For those driving to Darden Grounds, Darden is located at 100 Darden Blvd Charlottesville, VA 22903. Please park in the Darden School Parking Garage, which is the covered garage to the right of Saunders Hall. For Apple Maps – click here and for Google Maps – click here. Payment for parking is handled through ParkMobile. You can choose to utilize their app or webpage to set up parking. The UVA Darden Garage D-10 is Zone 5516 for ParkMobile. 

Dress Code

Visiting Darden means feeling at home, so leave those blazers behind and just bring your best smart casual, comfy attire. 

Additional Resources

• Explore Charlottesville
• Map of Darden Grounds
• Places to Stay
• Self-Guided Tour of the University of Virginia
• Transportation, Maps, Driving Directions and more