Living on Campus

We’re a close-knit community here at Sweet Briar. As you consider working with us, you might decide that you’d like to live on campus, too. Great! About 30 percent of us do. There are many attractive housing options — from single-family homes to 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom apartments. No matter what side of campus you’re on, you’ll be surrounded by trees, trails and fields. You might be overlooking the Lower Lake from your back porch. Perhaps you’ll be watching deer, squirrels and foxes in the forest outside your window, and there’s probably that one little birdie that always comes back to visit. With 2,840 acres, there is plenty of space to explore, relax and bond with other members of the Sweet Briar family.

Because we’re a college campus, weekly — and often daily — lectures and arts performances by local, national and sometimes international authors and artists happen right here at Sweet Briar. And because we’re small, you might find yourself having dinner with an award-winning novelist or chatting it up with a groundbreaking NASA scientist. It’s how we roll.

Off campus, there’s plenty to do, too. The quaint Town of Amherst is just a mile north. You’ll find a weekly Farmers’ Market and arts events at Second Stage, as well as a grocery store and several restaurants. Head 12 miles south to Lynchburg or 54 miles north to Charlottesville for diverse shopping, dining and entertainment options. Virginia’s state capital, Richmond, is less than 2 hours away by car, and you’ll be in Washington, D.C., in about 3 ½ hours. If driving isn’t for you, Amtrak will take you there daily from Lynchburg and Charlottesville. Need to stick your toes in the sand? You can make it to Virginia Beach in less than 4 hours. More nature awaits just a short, scenic drive from campus on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where outdoor enthusiasts hike the Appalachian Trail, float down the James River or camp with friends. When the temperatures drop, head to nearby Wintergreen Ski Resort for a fun-filled day on the slopes. Go on, take a long, deep breath. This is home.