The University of Vermont is a public research university located in the heart of Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain and surrounded by the stunning Green mountains. One of our country’s oldest universities, UVM is also one of our most progressive schools: pushing the boundaries of sustainability and environmental initiatives. UVM is considered one of America’s best college towns. Church Street in downtown Burlington, within walking distance from campus, is an award-winning open-air pedestrian mall filled with a diverse selection of restaurants and shops.
SHORTCUTS
Stay: The Hotel Vermont | Breakfast: Henry's Diner
Lunch: American Flatbread | Dinner: Hen of the Wood
Visitor Information: Tour UVM
Transportation: The closest airport to UVM is the Burlington International Airport, just 3.5 miles from the school. You can also reach campus via Vermont Transit Bus lines, Megabus, Amtrak (to Essex Junction, Vermont, 15 minutes from UVM), or by ferry across Lake Champlain from New York. Note that some ferry service is seasonal. UVM is 100 miles from Montreal, 220 miles from Boston, 290 miles from NYC, and 145 miles from Albany.
Stay: Opened in 2013, The Hotel Vermont has brought contemporary cool to Burlington, earning high praise as one of the best new small hotels in the U.S. With three excellent restaurants, Lake Champlain in it’s backyard and the UVM campus just a short walk away--this is the place to stay. Other popular choices include the Courtyard Marriott Burlington Harbor, The Hilton Burlington, and Hilton Garden Inn.
Coffee: You will be hard pressed to find a Starbucks on the UVM campus; all their coffee is locally sourced. Henderson’s Cafe, adjacent to the bookstore, serves Vermont Artisan Tea and Coffee. Off campus, visit Maglianero Coffee Shop or for a different morning brew blend your own beverage at Dobra Tea. Near campus, go to Uncommon Grounds or Muddy Waters for the great coffee and the good vibes.
Breakfast: Locals tell us that for Burlington’s classic of classics, Henry’s Diner is the place, a landmark in town, right off Church Street. There is “no profit without purpose” at the Skinny Pancake, serving breakfast all day. All of their food is 100% sourced from local farms and producers. There might be a wait at the Penny Cluse Cafe, but it’s well worth it, for the delicious Huevos Rancheros and French Toast that’s off the charts. If you are staying at the Hotel Vermont, roll out of bed and eat well at Juniper.
Lunch: Some of the best pizzas in Burlington can be found at American Flatbread. Students love the burgers at the Farmhouse Tap and Grill. Leunig’s is Burlington’s longtime French bistro right on Church Street that serves excellent food with outdoor dining that’s ideal in nice weather. Savor taco plates, carne asada, burritos, and other authentic Mexican dishes at El Cortijo.
Dinner
Casual: Pizzeria Verita is known for delicious wood-fired pizzas with gluten-free and vegan options available. Duino Duende, a sibling of music venue Radio Bean, serves global street food with everything from curries, to banging wings to Korean tacos to chicken and waffles. The vibe is super hip and funky. A local foodie friend told us she can’t stop thinking of the grilled quail she had recently at Honey Road, specializing in small plates of shareable Eastern Mediterranean mezze. Though newer to the scene, the restaurant is the talk of the town so reserve well in advance of your visit.
A Step Up: The original Hen of the Wood in Waterbury, Vermont is one of Vermont’s best-loved restaurants. The second location, in the Vermont Hotel, continues to showcase only the best locally sourced, seasonal American food they are known for. Highly recommended! Featuring a handcrafted menu with local and organic ingredients, Revolution Kitchen’s vegetarian menu will win over the biggest carnivore.
Seasonal Dining: When the weather gets nice there’s no better dining than lakeside at The Spot—we guarantee you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a town favorite and can be a mob scene on the weekends. You can’t beat the water views at Splash at the Boathouse, located on Lake Champlain, with a casual bistro menu and full-service bar. Both restaurants are open May through October.
Sweets: It all began here - your visit would not be complete without sampling one of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors from the original location - a renovated gas station in Burlington. Calling all chocolate fans, head to Lake Champlain Chocolates where tours are conducted hourly during the week, and yes you get to taste the goods!
Local Attractions: If you get lucky with the weather, nothing beats the gorgeous sunset over Lake Champlain. In the warmer months, rent sailboats, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes at Lake Champlain’s Community Sailing Center. The Washington Post called it one of the country's most spectacular bike trails, rent some wheels at Local Motion and take a spin on Burlington’s scenic bike path to experience it for yourself. The beer scene is big in Burlington; the Hotel Vermont even has a Beer Concierge to help you experience the finest handcrafted distilleries. If you can only visit one, join a free tour, offered every day, at The Switchback Brewery. Burlington’s Saturday Farmers Market is considered one of the best in the country with samples of Burlington’s finest products. (It takes place outdoors at Citi Hall Park from May to October and moves indoors in the colder weather. ) Visit Shelburne Farms, a 1400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark, just 15 minutes from Burlington. Music is a big part of the UVM scene and there are some excellent venues such as Nectar's, Radio Bean, and Higher Ground if you want to catch a concert or just a live set.
Helpful Information: There is a free shuttle that goes every 15 mins from UVM down to the Waterfront stopping all along College Street. It's a great way to leave your car at UVM and not have to worry about parking which can often be a challenge. For schedule and routes of the College Street Shuttle click here.
View from Above
— QUOTES FROM CAMPUS —
“I can’t think of a better place to go to school—the academics are challenging, the student body is laid back, interested and interesting and you get to live in Burlington!!! Hanging at the lakeside, incredible activities no matter what the season, great restaurants—it’s just an awesome college town.”
“Cross country skiing in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer, and Montreal an hours drive away—what could be better—UVM has it all!”
UVM FAST FACTS
Established
1791
Mascot
Rally the Catamount
School Colors
Green & Gold
Acceptance Rate
69%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Action
SAT - AVG
1290
ACT - AVG
28
Type
Public
Size
Big - 10,000 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
194 South Prospect Street
Burlington, VT 05401-3596
(p) (802) 656-3370
(f) (802) 656-8611
admissions@uvm.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
John Dewey
Ben Affleck
Mike Gordon
SHOP
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
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