One of the University’s undeniably defining features is its historical and picturesque campus — uniquely referred to as “Grounds” — which goes far beyond a hub for classes and functions as a home for the passionate University body. Whether students find themselves trekking to the Lawn for a midnight snowball fight, rushing Scott Stadium, singing a cappella or conducting research, they are part of the one-of-a-kind community at the University. As first-years spend more time on Grounds, places that began as directions plugged into maps become spots with nicknames as first-years embed themselves in a vibrant social community.
A student’s time in Charlottesville is sure to be filled with happy memories and periods of personal growth — themes reflected in countless pieces of media that confront self-growth and a coming of age reflected by a student’s first time living away from home. Here are two films, a book and an album to enjoy before coming to Grounds to get a taste of college life and reflect on what it means to become a college student.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
Many explore their creative and artistic interests while in college, and “Good Will Hunting”’s writer was no exception — Matt Damon wrote the first 40 pages of the film in a playwriting class at Harvard University. After graduation, he, alongside Ben Affleck, finished the script. Directed by Gus Van Sant, the film stars Damon as Will Hunting, Affleck as his best friend, Minnie Driver as his girlfriend and Robin Williams as his brilliant psychologist. It follows 20-year-old Hunting, who works as a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spontaneously solves a seemingly impossible equation left on a chalkboard after school hours. A professor discovers Hunting is actually a silent genius, and the film follows the confrontation of his buried identity.
Will Hunting’s story teaches viewers about the complexities of coming of age and what it means to be human through his battle with his childhood trauma, his growing love for his girlfriend Skylar and his guilt about leaving his old life behind. Damon masterfully portrays the protagonist as he learns to embrace uncertainty and concealed insecurities so common amongst young adults stepping into a new phase of their lives. From Damon and Affleck’s early artistic ambition to the work’s characters struggling with imposter syndrome at an elite university, “Good Will Hunting” is imbued with many lessons incoming students can carry into their first year.
“Love & Basketball” (2000)
“Love & Basketball,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, follows childhood neighbors Monica Wright, played by Sanaa Lathan, and Quincy McCall, played by Omar Epps, from their first meeting to their adulthood. It dives into themes of young love and college sports — two common facets of any college experience. The film shows Monica and Quincy playing Division I basketball at the University of Southern California, and explores the evolution of their relationship with each other and with the sport in tandem as they grow into adulthood.
Both love and basketball are deeply entrenched in student culture at the University. Students pack the stands of John Paul Jones Arena for home basketball games, ignoring odds to favor the Cavaliers as March Madness winners year after year. Another annual tradition — the “Marriage Pact” — sees many fill out surveys designed to find their most compatible romantic partner at the University. Years after graduating, alumni often return to Grounds in white dresses and tuxedos for idyllic weddings at the Chapel. Before stepping into an environment characterized by a love of sports and love itself, a viewing of “Love & Basketball” can get incoming students excited to cheer on the Cavaliers at JPJ and perhaps fall in love.
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
“Ninth House” is a fantasy novel following Galaxy “Alex” Stern in her role in the Lethe House — a secret organization tasked with managing Yale University’s magical secret societies. Alex’s traumatic past as well as her ability to interact with ghosts drive her to wrestle with isolation and imposter syndrome at her university. “Ninth House” sees her uncover Yale’s underbelly of ritualistic hidden groups while balancing social and academic pressures at an elite university.
While the University’s secret societies may not deal with magic, they are an active and alluring presence on Grounds. Aged markings denoting the Z Society, the IMP Society and the Seven Society as well as others are on numerous academic and local buildings, which can certainly puzzle any first-year upon first impression. “Ninth House” paints these groups at Yale as shadowy and surreptitious, but the University’s secret enclaves are less maleficent in reality — mainly serving to support the University by celebrating community members and through philanthropic acts. Regardless, the novel prepares an incoming student for that bit of mystery that comes with the University’s storied history.
“Parachutes” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s members met in 1996 at University College London, where they played together for the first time under the name “Pectoralz” and later “Starfish.” “Parachutes,” their debut album, was written soon after their graduation and has garnered billions of streams, being a favorite amongst the discography of what is now one of the most well-known bands of the 21st century. Coldplay’s story is the dream scenario for many student bands — including the countless that play on Grounds. Live music is abundant at the University thanks to passionate student bands who grace Rugby Road, local bars and University events with their performances.
Beyond the University’s lively band culture, Coldplay’s “Parachutes” is a lyrically vulnerable album to listen to when moving to a new part of life. The album remains relevant through its themes of love and reflections on youth even 26 years after its 2000 release. It is brimming with the emotions that come with becoming an adult. It touches on falling in love for the first time in the song “Yellow,” adapting to a changing worldview in “Don’t Panic” and seeking forgiveness in “Trouble” and “Sparks.” First-years starting a new chapter would benefit from the wisdom and love that bleeds into every chord on “Parachutes.”
Art is said to mirror real life, and these pieces follow that idea — media inspired by college and formative young adult years in general can give incoming students visions of their spell on Grounds. A student’s first year at the University is a time of transformation and self-discovery, as students navigate what mark they want to leave on the University. While no piece of media may truly capture all of the magic found on Grounds, the stories explored in these pieces can be applied to one’s time in Charlottesville.
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