*This article was originally featured on the VCU University Student Commons and Activities blog*
For anxious high school seniors across the country, a simple trip to the mailbox will be the start of the next chapter of their lives. While receiving an acceptance to Virginia Commonwealth University is the first step in becoming a Ram, there is plenty to know about VCU and what the school and the city collectively have to offer its newest additions.
Welcome to VCU, VCU’19! Here are nine reasons why you couldn’t have picked a better home.
- VCU is smack in the middle of one of the country’s most up and coming cities: Richmond, Virginia.
Restaurants, jobs, nightlife, p
arks and the beautiful James River – VCU students enjoy all of the luxuries of living in downtown Richmond, among the natural atmosphere provided by the parks and rivers. Gems like Belle Isle, Maymont Park, countless thrift stores and a plethora of delicious food are only a few of the perks of living in River City. The home to a variety of fortune 500 companies and diverse organizations, Richmond boasts an assortment of internship and job opportunities for those who take advantage.
Not convinced? Check out Richmond in Forbes’ article for up and coming cities for young entrepreneurs!
- Diversity is tradition here at VCU, and we sure are proud of it!
Over 100 countries are repr
esented in the student population at VCU, which makes it a melting pot for culture, diversity and growth. VCU graduates more minority students than any university in the state. While walking across campus to class, it’s not uncommon to hear many different languages including Spanish, Chinese and Arabic, to name a few. One third of the current freshman class are first-generation college students, which offers a great experience for students to learn more about different cultures, people and lifestyles, and the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world.
Our distinction is in our diversity, and we are proud to integrate both academic excellence and diversity in our unique student body.Should you choose to do so, you can become a part of VCU Globe – a living learning community housed in West Grace North which allows students to live and learn with international students – just another perk of our diverse, urban environment.
- HAVOC lives here
“You don’t wanna go to war, with the RAMS!” The famous fight song of VCU is a favorite at VCU basketball games, a popular pastime for Ram fans everywhere. Flying Qdoba burritos, song covers by the VCU Peppas band and some good old-fashioned basketball are reasons to attend one of VCU’s renowned basketball games. No strangers to the Atlantic 10 Conference, or the Final Four, our Division One basketball team will never cease to impress. But remember to reserve your free student tickets early because games are sure to sell out!
- There are endless opportunities to get involved
Interested in nuclear science? There’s a club for that. Like eco-friendly fashion? There’s a club for that. Into Pokémon? Yes, that’s right – there’s a club for that. There are over 500 different student organizations which invite students to get involved and expand their horizon. Ever wanted to try something new in college? Here’s your chance. And the best part? If we don’t have the club you want to be a part of – grab four other students and create your own.
- All of the glorious opportunities to bask in artistic talent
Home to the number one public art school in Virginia, VCU boasts an eclectic mix of artistic spirit. With the murals, architecture and graphic design – the city and the school serve as an art hub. With events like the annual Street Art Fair, open gallery First Fridays, and Virginia Museum of Fine Art events, VCU is in the perfect location for the artistic souls.
- VCU never fails to start and end each semester with a bang!
The start and end of the semester are both crazy times for VCU students – thankfully, the university has it covered. Welcome Week and Homecoming Week begin the festivities which involve food, school spirit, and a jam-packed schedule of events for students to attend. The end of the semester brings delights such as Puppies for Stress, a free Midnight Breakfast at Shafer and relaxation events, all to help take the stress off of finals week.
- VCU is one of the largest public universities in Virginia, with almost 32,000 people.
We know, it may seem daunting passing thousands of people everyday – but that just means endless opportunities to make friends, network, and be part of a dynamic community.
- VCU is home to the University Student Commons, an invaluable student resource!
While it might look like just a building with some restaurants and offices, it is so much! The Commons is a community dedicated to helping students like you get involved and excel on campus, by providing volunteer opportunities, resources for student organizations, event spaces, a career center, and even spaces to cool down and unwind from all the madness of being a college student.
- We love being able to brag about how good we have it!
We really do have it good here at VCU! And we want everyone to know! Follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/vcustudentcommonson Twitter @vcu_commons and on Instagram at @vcustudentcommons!