September 19, 2026
After several days filled with university visits, lectures, company visits, and academic activities, September 19 gave us a chance to step away from the academic schedule and simply enjoy the weekend together.
The day was officially planned as a weekend recreation day, giving us the freedom to choose our own activities and explore more of Virginia.
A Fun Start at Topgolf
We started the day with a visit to Topgolf, where we spent time playing games and trying our hand at golf. It was a completely different experience from our usual academic activities and gave everyone a chance to relax, compete with each other, and have some fun.
Even for those who weren’t experienced golfers, Topgolf was easy to enjoy. There was plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and a lot of memorable moments as we tried to hit the targets and improve our scores.
It was a great way to spend time together outside the classroom and get to know each other in a more relaxed environment.
Lunch & Time Together at The Cheesecake Factory
After Topgolf, we headed to The Cheesecake Factory for a meal together.
After an active morning, sitting down for a meal gave us some time to relax and talk about the experiences we’d had so far during VAST 2026. Sharing food and conversations made the day feel even more special, especially because many of us had been busy with the program during the previous days.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying some of the famous cheesecake
A Visit to the Beach
Afterwards, we headed toward the beach and spent some time enjoying the coastline.
The beach gave us another opportunity to slow down and enjoy the day. We walked around, enjoyed the views, took photos, and spent time together by the water.
After several days of travelling between universities, research centers, and other academic locations, being able to simply enjoy the beach was a refreshing change.
ODU Monarchs vs. East Carolina
The highlight of the evening was attending the college football game between the Old Dominion University Monarchs and the East Carolina Pirates at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
For many of us, American football was a new experience, so being inside the stadium and experiencing the atmosphere in person was something special.
The energy from the crowd, the marching band, the cheers, the players, and the overall game-day atmosphere gave us a completely different perspective on American university culture.
Watching college football wasn’t just about the sport itself. It was also an opportunity to experience something that is deeply connected with student life and university culture in the United States.
A Day to Remember
September 19 was a perfect break from our academic schedule. From playing games at Topgolf, to sharing a meal, enjoying the beach, and finally experiencing American college football, the day gave us a chance to experience a different side of life in Virginia.
It was a day filled with laughter, new experiences, friendly competition, and memories that we will carry with us throughout the rest of VAST 2026.
Sometimes the best part of an international academic experience happens outside the classroom.
VAST 2026 learning, exploring, connecting, and making memories.
