UGA Campus: What to See and Do in Athens, GA

Step across Broad Street from Downtown Athens and you'll step back two centuries in time to the birthplace of public higher education in America. Did you know? The University of Georgia actually predates the city of Athens. The University was chartered in 1785 and classes began in 1801, a full five years before Athens was chartered in 1806. 

The wrought iron Arch, forged just a few blocks north, is the traditional entrance to campus. You'll probably quickly notice that students veer to either side of the Arch rather than passing underneath-- that's due to an old superstition that students must wait until after graduation to walk through the Arch, else they won't graduate!

Early UGA presidents were Yale men and designed the original campus, now known as North Campus, after Yale. Far across the quad, facing the Arch, is Old College, the oldest building on campus. In the formative years of the University, students and faculty all lived, studied, and ate in this single building. What a long way they've come over two hundred-plus years!

Top Things to Do on UGA Campus

Today, the University of Georgia campus is over 760 acres and contains some of the most popular visitor attractions and scenic spots in Athens, including:

• Georgia Museum of Art
• State Botanical Garden of Georgia
• Special Collections Building
• UGA Bookstore
• Sanford Stadium

The UGA Visitors Center has maps, self-guided tour materials, and offers daily guided tours.

Can You Visit the UGA Campus?

Yes, the UGA campus is open to visitors year-round. Whether you're planning a college visit or exploring Athens for the weekend, the campus is easy to navigate and offers a variety of attractions.

Map of Top UGA Campus Attractions

Take a Campus Tour

Visitors can explore campus on their own or join a guided tour through the UGA Visitors Center. Guided tours are led by current students and typically include both walking and bus portions of campus.

Tips For Visiting UGA Campus

• Best time to visit: Fall and Spring for ideal weather and scenery
• Game days: Expect large crowds and limited parking
• Getting around: The campus is walkable, but comfortable shoes are recommended
• Start at the Visitors Center: You can pick up maps and plan your visit

Campus Scenes