StudentsReview :: Virginia Commonwealth University - Extra Detail about the Comment
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Virginia Commonwealth University

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA+ Faculty AccessibilityB
Useful SchoolworkA Excess CompetitionC+
Academic SuccessA Creativity/ InnovationA
Individual ValueF University Resource UseB
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyC- FriendlinessB
Campus MaintenanceA- Social LifeC
Surrounding CityA Extra CurricularsC-
SafetyD+
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Approachable, Snooty

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Unhelpful

Female
SAT2090
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Individual Value
F
Highest Rating
Educational Quality
A+
She cares more about Individual Value than the average student.
Date: Aug 02 2011
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I have experienced many good and bad things about VCU, but I would have to say that my experience on the whole has been very good, but I believe there is a reason for that.

I am an art student, and I have found that this fact alone has a direct relation to why I enjoy VCU so much. The school invests so much money and care into the art program, since it is so well renowned, and I have really been able to reap the benefits of such consideration. Professors have been extremely helpful, open minded, creative and absolutely excellent. I cannot say I have had a bad art teacher since I enrolled as a sophomore transfer student this past year. Varying from extremely laid back and creative to tough-as-nails and regimented, my professors have all taught their classes to the absolute best of their ability and have truly made me a better artist in every way.

That being said, I have also had professors for classes unrelated to art, and have not been impressed. Each one of them have presented their information in a way that is boring, lifeless and uninspiring. Granted, these were basic requirement classes, such as Biology 101, Writing, etc.. but that doesn't really change the fact that they were pretty dismal classes. I can fully understand why non-art students would learn to resent this university, especially if they were fairly bright and looking for an outstanding education. Outside of the art and nursing programs, nothing really seems so outstanding. I know I might be biased, but I'd be willing to bet that other students would agree with me.

The food options here are very good. Coming from the University of Vermont, I'm pretty sure anything would taste good, but many of my friends agree with me. Shafer offers a diverse array of food and I was really impressed with how much of it is fresh and actually really tasty. If you're a first year student constantly eating here day in and day out, however, it could get pretty old. Since I am a transfer, I buy groceries at Kroger and make food in my apartment, though I also have a small dining plan which gives me another option on those really hectic days. Just off of campus there are so many good places to eat. Kuba Kuba makes awesome Cuban sandwiches which are reasonably priced, Thai Top Ten offers free delivery and yummy food and though expensive, TT Lounge has delicious bubble tea and slushes.

There really is a lot to do in Richmond. There are so many unique places to see and so much history. The Virginia Museum for Fine Arts is incredibly awesome to visit, and is free for students, and Belle Isle is a really nice place to sunbathe and hang out with friends on the nicer days. I could walk around the town all day and never get tired of it. People here are a little bit strange- you really never know what to expect next… but the grand majority of residents are friendly and I've found that Richmond is a very warm and inviting place to live.

VCU is very diverse, which I really appreciate as I am from an almost all-white area in New Jersey. A downside of this school is that in-state residents sometimes attend with a bunch of their friends from high school, so there is a lot of leftover high school cliques. That being said, it really is not very difficult to make friends here, so long as you don't deviate wildly from the rest of the student body. People here are really nice, but really tend to hang out with like minded individuals. I notice a lot of separation between different majors, ethnicities, etc.

One major downside to VCU is that the school does not at all embrace each students individuality and contribution to the whole. The school really does look at you like a number, though that can be a good and a bad thing. As a sophomore transfer, I found that the independence I was given was refreshing and a nice change of pace. I didn't mind the responsibility and didn't need to be dependent on the institution to help me manage my time, social activities and the like. As a freshman, however, I could see how the independence could be overwhelming.

Overall, I adore Richmond and VCU. It's a perfect fit for me, but it's definitely not for everyone.

       
Responses
Being from jersey, would you say that there is a distinct difference between northerners and the southerners on campus? im actually from jersey looking to attend the school so im wondering if this is noticable. thanks
responseThere is a definite difference. Being that the school is southern, it's a little slower paced, but everyone is incredibly friendly. The art scene is really huge at VCU, so while there's a fair share of conservative students/residents, it's mostly a liberal school. I fit in well because I'm extroverted and love talking to nice people and in a school of 31,000, you never run out of new people to meet. After two years here, I consider Richmond/VCU my real home. (:
responseI actually became a student admissions ambassador this year because I love the school so much. If you want to get a good feel for how the school is/what the student body is like, you should definitely come visit when school is in session, take a campus tour, and talk to some students!
questionHi, I red you review about VCU! I am an exchange student from Italy, and I have to choose the university where to attend my 2^semester in 2013. Well, since I have many choices all around U.S.A. so it was hard to find something appropriate, what can you tell me about the international student in VCU? You wrote you come from NJ, I also have an option there, SAINT PETER'S COLLEGE, do you know anithing about that? Thank you so much, any anwer will be helpful! :)
responseI've never heard of Saint Peter's College, unfortunately! I know that VCU really embraces cultural diversity and that there will be plenty of welcoming students/faculty here if you decide to attend in 2013 (: E-mail me at _email_removed_ and we can discuss further!
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