WVU Frequently Asked Questions

Where is WVU located?

WVU is located in Morgantown, West Virginia, the heart of Mountaineer Country, along the Monongahela River. The region is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and welcoming small-town charm. The WVU campus spreads across multiple areas, including Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences.

What are the different campuses at WVU, and what do they mean?

There are 3 prominent areas that make up the WVU campus, including Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences. Depending on where the student chooses to live, they will likely live on either the Evansdale or the Downtown campuses. The Evansdale campus holds one of the main dining hall options, Evansdale Café, located in one of the main residential buildings, Towers. On Evansdale, you will also find the Evansdale Crossing, Creative Arts Center, Student Recreation Center, and Recreation Fields. Typically, engineering, agriculture, human science, creative arts students, and more will take key classes on this campus. Health Sciences, located near the Milan Puskar Football Stadium and Ruby Memorial Hospital, is home to health-related majors as they become more hands-on with their studies. The Downtown Campus hosts the student union building, The Mountainlair, and the iconic Woodburn Circle. Generally, Downtown is the busier side of campus, with many organizations and student life activities active throughout the day. The Mountainlair serves as the main student dining hall downtown, with additional quick-service dining options located throughout the area, while nearby Summit Hall in the Sunnyside area offers student housing with a dining hall. Business, media, liberal arts, social and behavioral sciences, and foundational classes are typically held on the Downtown Campus. It’s also where you see the majority of campus photos taken due to the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings.

How can I visit WVU?

WVU offers guided and self-guided daily campus tours along with a variety of open house events for prospective students. There are also additional online options through virtual tours and webinars. All options can be found on the Visit WVU website.

Where should I park on campus?

WVU offers several parking options for visitors, including short-term metered parking, parking garages, and designated visitor lots. The most convenient options are located in the Mountainlair parking garage (Downtown campus) and the Evansdale Crossing parking lot (Evansdale campus). Street parking (typically metered or time-sensitive) is seen around the city. Additional parking garages are also available throughout downtown within walking distance to campus. Keep Morgantown’s famous hills in mind when exploring the area!

How do I get around campus?

WVU has a few free transportation options for students and low-cost options for visitors. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) is a unique monorail-like system that connects the Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences campuses, with five respective stations. The PRT is free with a student ID and on big event days, such as football game days, free to the public. On off days, guests can experience a ride on the PRT for only a few cents. The PRT is one of the easiest and most fun ways for visitors and students to navigate campus quickly. There are also campus buses, free with a student ID and costing no more than a dollar for the general public, that operate according to the Mountain Line bus schedule. When the weather is pleasant, the campus is connected through walkable pathways and sidewalks, with the Downtown and Evansdale campuses being about a 40-minute walk from each other. Get ready to get a workout in, as WVU is notorious for its hilly campus!

Where can I stay nearby?

Morgantown is full of lodging options with a variety of services and amenities, including hotels, short-term rentals, long-term stays, campgrounds, and more. Popular options include the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hotel Morgan, Holiday Inn, La Quinta, Mylan Park KOA, and more. It is recommended to book early during busy times like football weekends and graduation. Visitors can also explore participating hotel partners offering special rates and deals to those attending WVU-related activities.

What should I see while visiting WVU?

Must-see attractions on or near WVU include Woodburn Circle, the Mountainlair Student Union, the Hope Coliseum, the rail trails along the Monongahela River, Coopers Rock State Forest, the West Virginia Botanic Garden, and the Core Arboretum.

Can I make a weekend itinerary around my WVU visit?

Definitely! Many visitors turn their campus trip into a weekend itinerary by combining a campus tour or visit, outdoor recreation, local dining and shopping, and attending a WVU game or event. Favorite activities include hiking or biking the North Central West Virginia rail trail, hiking and sightseeing at Coopers Rock State Forest, exploring the West Virginia Botanic Garden, taking scenic drives, white-water rafting through Adventure WV, and checking out the Core Arboretum. Visitors can also explore the Mountaineer Must-Dos Itinerary, created with recommendations from locals and students, or browse additional experiences through the Visit Mountaineer Country Trip Planner App, including the Coffee Trail, deals, and more.

What are fun things to do in town?

There’s no shortage of fun and memorable things to do in Morgantown! Start with a sweet treat or take a water bike on the river at Jazzy’s Sweet Spot, a local favorite known for its delicious ice cream and donuts. If you’re feeling creative, head over to the WOW! Factory, where visitors can enjoy hands-on activities like painting pottery and making crafts. For entertainment, you can catch a live show or event at the historic Metropolitan Theatre or explore performances and exhibits at WVU’s Creative Arts Center. Outdoor and sports enthusiasts can lace up their ice skates at Mylan Park’s Hope Gas Ice Pavilion or cheer on the West Virginia Mountaineers at any of their exciting sports games. During the summer, catching a West Virginia Black Bears baseball game is a great way to spend an evening. Also, don’t miss First Friday for the Arts in Downtown Morgantown, a lively downtown celebration filled with local art, music, and community spirit!

What can I expect on game days?

Many of the WVU sporting events, especially football game days, come with proud Mountaineer Fans. Game days, especially football and basketball, are popular and busy. You can expect heavier traffic, limited parking, and larger crowds in the area to cheer on the Mountaineers. It is best to arrive early, review parking and shuttle options, and be mindful of WVU’s clear bag policy before attending.

Are there any events happening during my visit?

Morgantown is a lively town, typically full of a variety of events in all seasons. Check out our events calendar to find the perfect local event for you during your time in the area.

Where are the best places to eat on or near campus?

Visitors can enjoy a mix of local restaurants and well-known staples on and around campus. Popular spots range from coffee shops to family-friendly options. Local favorites include Black Bear Burritos, Mountain State Brewing Company, Pies and Pints, Table 9, Mario’s Fishbowl, and Tropics Restaurant & Bar. Current and prospective students can utilize our Students Savings Pass to use coupons on local favorites, with our Mountaineer Deal program always available and growing as we partner with more local businesses.

What are the best coffee shops and study spots in Morgantown?

Morgantown’s coffee scene is full of inviting spaces perfect for studying, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a great cup of coffee. A great way to explore many of local favorites is by following the Mountaineer Country Coffee Trail, which highlights some of the region’s favorite local spots. Downtown staples like Blue Moose Coffeehouse and Coffee Tree Roasters are known for their relaxed, creative atmospheres and are popular spots to bring your laptop or enjoy a good book. For expertly crafted, locally roasted coffee, Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee Shop is a must-visit, while Stone Tower Brews offers a cozy setting and inventive seasonal drinks that keep locals coming back. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, AntiquiTea House provides a quieter, more intimate space with an extensive tea selection alongside its coffee menu, which is perfect for a peaceful study session. Morgantown has no shortage of welcoming spots, so sip and stay awhile!

Where can I buy WVU gear and local souvenirs?

In Morgantown, you can find plenty of places to pick up WVU gear, apparel, and gameday essentials at campus bookstores, Alumni Hall, Mountaineer Zone, thrift stores such as Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate, or local favorites like Latch Boutique. For something more local, explore small businesses throughout the area that carry West Virginia-made products, handmade goods, and regionally inspired gifts. Spots such as Hoot and Howl, Appalachian Gallery, and River Fair Trade are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs that go beyond the typical blue and gold merchandise. Weekends or special events can often be paired with local markets, pop-up vendors, and festivals, so be sure to check our events calendar so you don’t miss out on meeting local makers and discovering unique items. From handcrafted goods to locally inspired gifts, Mountaineer Country makes it easy to take home a piece of your student’s college town.