Though consistently ranked at the top of the heap, UVA doesn’t cut it for some ambitious college students who want more than Mr. Jefferson’s manicured lawns, neoclassical architecture and renowned professors. So where can they go to get away from the whole “public school” feel of things? The law school, of course, and its crowning gem, the Arthur J. Morris Law Library.
If you go there at night, you can witness the stately stone columns of the portico-ed entrance, warmly lighted by comfortable, elegant hallways within. Stroll past the portraits of professors and alumni to the library, where oak-paneled walls, gold desk lamps and red leather seating wrap students in a cocoon of pretentiousness. Or climb to the next two levels, where art exhibits, study rooms, and rows upon rows of obscure books fill the enormous space.
There’s always room for more (except, we suppose, during finals), so find your own corner and cozy up with a book some time. If you look closely, you may just find undercover undergrads: A young English major pretending to decipher the intricacies of tort law while actually struggling with Econ 101 or a sorority girl scoping out cute litigators-to-be. So instead of letting the consternated stares and oppressive silence intimidate you, revel in the self-importance and be one with the law library.—Sara Tisdale
