Virginia Commonwealth University

I am currently a student at VCU and i LIKE it. Socially, this is a great school. It is very clique-y though, but with that said i'm sure you'll find somewhere to fit in, and will find life long loyal friends. However, academically certain programs are good, some aren't. I highly suggest that if you are NOT an art student or pre-med student, you look at other universities that are better fit for what you want. (And) Even our art school has an art foundation program, and at the end of that, you don't choose which program you want to get into, they put you where they think is best for you (??? idk what that is about). VCU has a habit of not letting you decide what is best for your academic future, they suggest what is best for you, but then it always seems like what they suggest is unavailable at the time. The faculty isn't very helpful, and if you like to take tests this is definitely the school for you. 95% of my classes have been study/test! There is no additional work, i have an issue with this as i don't feel like tests show your potential and abilities like projects or coursework does.

Residential life is pretty good though, once you are no longer a freshman. I didnt like the dorms so much when i was a freshman, but the upper classmen apartment style living is SOOOO much better and i actually like it.

And if you are not from Richmond, the city pretty much sucks. There is A LOT to do. Is it near VCU, no. You have to either drive to get there or hop on the bus. I've gotten on the bus for trips before and it's usually a 45 minute ordeal because malls/shopping/restaurants/nightlife are not that close to the main campus. However if you are ever able to get to Shockoe bottom and Carytown you will have a good time!

Like any school VCU is what you make it. They babysit you freshman year, then after that you are on your own. You are in an urban setting. Richmond is the worst city, you will get hassled by homeless people, possibly mugged, cars get broken into, men yell obscene things at you, BUT you don't get the 24 hour city life, with good theatres/shopping/restaurants/culture/lifestyle like you would get in a bigger city. So if you want a city life, i suggest you move to a real city like NYC, Chicago, LA, San Diego, Dallas, Seattle, DC, etc!But to each his own, VCU has a lot of potential, but it can also set you back no matter what you do. Do your research first, and make sure you visit first, visit and stay a couple of days!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2011

Campus Maintenance: A-, Useful Schoolwork: F

I would consider attending a different university if you are considering a career outside of graphic designs. The educations program is poor. The professors refused to ask general questions about difficulties as teacher and were extremely biased when it came to answering questions about racial discrimination in the classroom. Longwood University, University of Richmond, Radford University, or James Madison University are much better schools for aspiring teachers. Overall, majority of the faculty are extremely arrogant and some would ask students to run personal errands, which is extremely inappropriate. Be aware!

4th Year Male -- Class 2007

Surrounding City: B-, Useful Schoolwork: D

Get a graduate degree from a college where you plan to live, or from one of the top ten colleges. Anything else, it will open doors, but it will not be the great help that universities sell you.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000