What is the University Guide Service?
The Guide Service is a student-run, volunteer organization which gives daily historical tours of the Rotunda and the Academic Village, as well as daily Admissions Tours for prospective undergraduates. The Guide Service also gives Athletic Tours, tours on the history of African Americans at UVa and tours on the history of Women at UVa.

What can I expect on a tour?
Historical Tours run approximately an hour and focus on the University's entire history, from its meager beginnings to its transformation to one of the top universities in the country. Tourists are taken through the Rotunda and the Academical Village to gain insight to Thomas Jefferson's vision of a higher education institution.

Admissions Tours run approximately an hour and a half and take tourists all over the Grounds. This tour is meant to show prospective students what student life is like at the University of Virginia. The tour covers a brief history of the University as well as academics, extracurricular activities, athletics, dining, traditions, and much more. Stops include libraries, classroom buildings, dorms, and major areas of importance to any UVa student.

Athletic Tours run approximately an hour long and tour John Paul Jones Arena. The tour focuses on the history and traditions of Athletics at the University of Virginia and discusses the uncompromised excellence of Athletics at the University, both historically and in its current form. The tour guide is accompanied by a student-athlete aid to give perspective on what it is like being an athlete as well as a student.

History of African Americans Tours run approximately an hour and cover the entire history of African Americans at the University of Virginia. Starting from the Rotunda steps, tourists learn about the lives of the very first African Americans at the University and the influential ground breakers who paved the way for African American students to gain admittance to the University.

History of Women's Tours run approximately 45 minutes and cover the entire history of women at the University of Virginia. From being denied admittance to the official coeducation in 1970, women's struggle in the fight for an education at the University of Virginia is one worth noting. Completely transforming the student population of the University, women comprise a majority of the students who attend the University today.

When does the Guide Service offer tours?
Admissions Tours are given every Monday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am. Historical Tours are given every day at 10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00. 

Athletic Tours are offered every Friday at 1:00 pm at John Paul Jones Arena. Tours on the history of African Americans at UVa are offered every Friday at 4:00 pm, leaving from the Rotunda, or by special request. Tours on the history of women at UVa are also available upon request.

The Guide Service does not offer tours during the three week period of Christmas, the week of Spring Break, during exam periods, or over the summer.

How do I book a tour through the Guide Service?
If you are interested in booking a special tour through UGS, please use the tour request link on the right-hand side of this page. A member of the Guide Service will be in contact with you to confirm the time and date of your tour.