Take just a 10-minute jog from Maggie Walker, and you will find yourself on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). VCU is well known for its diverse student body, vibrant city atmosphere, and strong academic programs. But what is life really like for students at VCU? We spoke with Chiara Wells and Lucie Bouton, both Maggie Walker alumni from the Class of 2024. Chiara is a freshman majoring in Latin American Studies with a double minor in photography and journalism, and Lucie is also a freshman and an Honors College student at VCUarts. The interviewees shared their insights on their school’s campus culture, typical day-to-day life, academic culture, surprising elements about VCU, and one thing they would change about the school.

One of the defining characteristics of student life at VCU is the sense of community that students create for themselves. While some universities have long-established traditions and a centralized campus culture, VCU thrives on its diversity of experiences.

“VCU isn't really a structured, defined college. It's a collection of people in RVA who all have their own passions and interests. We've all found our groups to thrive and let our passions and interests expand, and most of us love VCU not for the school, but for the community and the city of Richmond as a whole,” Wells explained.

That sense of belonging doesn’t always come immediately, especially for students who worry about making new connections. However, the welcoming nature of the campus quickly eases those concerns.

As Bouton explained, “I think what surprised me the most was just how nice and welcoming everyone here is. I'll admit that I was rather fearful that I'd have a hard time meeting new people and getting along with anyone, but I very quickly had my fears proven wrong. I've also grouped together with a good few of my fellow MLWGS alumni.”

At the same time, the social structure of VCU differs from high school, especially for students from academically tight-knit environments like Maggie Walker Governor’s School. Bouton noted, “I think I was surprised by the difference in community compared to MLWGS. As with all colleges compared to high school, it's a lot more independent and you don't really feel that sense of an academic community unless you actively seek it out through meetings and extracurriculars.”

Unlike schools with a centralized, small-campus feel, VCU requires students to be proactive in finding their place. But for those willing to explore, the university offers countless opportunities to build friendships and create a personal college experience.

The academic culture at VCU is often described as a mix of laid-back engagement and independent exploration. Students are encouraged to focus on personal growth and don’t feel too much of a pressure to constantly perform. “I'd say the academic culture at VCU is pretty laid back. Most people seem to enjoy what they're doing, but not so much that everyone's obsessed with academic perfection,” Wells observed.

However, for students coming from more competitive high schools, the transition can feel noticeably different. For Bouton, “It [the academic culture] is somewhere in between [competitive and laid back]. Compared to my time at MLWGS, there is a lot more group work and activities at VCU. Additionally, it is much less competitive than MLWGS and grades are not as openly discussed.”

While the relaxed atmosphere can be refreshing, some students wish there were more opportunities for deeper discussions in their classes. When asked what she would change about VCU, Wells responded, “I think if I could change one thing about the VCU experience it would be to make the classes more discussion-based and give students more opportunities to discuss issues and their thoughts.”

As is part of the typical college experience, there are always a few professors who really stand out and leave a strong impact on students’ personal growth. For example, Wells shared how “my Honors 250 class last semester made me a much better writer and gave me a massive appreciation for my own writing skills and ability to tell narratives. The professor, Sarp Demiral, was a graduate student and an avid writer himself. Through his lessons and our readings and class discussions, I got a lot of practice both writing about and thinking about my feelings on the world around me and my life.”

Beyond academics, VCU offers plenty of ways for students to get involved, whether through clubs, events, or student-led initiatives. “There’s tons and tons of clubs and places to socialize. There’s also lots of events held at the commons and residency centers where students can hang out and get more comfortable with their campus,” Wells explained. Similarly, Bouton added, “The main way to get involved is through events. There are lots of clubs and fairs, as well as events held by the different schools (medical, honors, arts, etc.) within VCU.”

While getting involved is easy, students also carve out their own traditions when it comes to how they spend their weekends. For many, that means staying on campus and making the most of Richmond’s social scene.

When asked about what a typical weekend looks like at VCU, Wells responded, “For me and my friends, we usually spend our weekends on campus. We watch movies at my friend Sonora's dorm, play pool in the student lounge, and go out to eat. We have even started going to local band shows. Richmond has a massive music scene and there's always something cool to go listen to.”

The student lounge, a lesser-known but beloved space on campus, is a go-to hangout spot for many. Wells shared how in the lounge, “students can play ping pong, board games and pool, do homework, and watch movies.” Wells personally enjoys playing pool almost every day there with her friends, and is a part of the school's billiard team. She expressed how “it's our designated hangout spot and the place I always know I'll feel comfortable. The funniest thing about it, however, is that there's lots of students who don't even know it exists. They never mention it or show it to you during your tours or introductory events, so you kinda just have to discover it on your own.” For students looking for an exciting, culture-filled city to explore while still enjoying the comfort of a close-knit group, VCU provides the best of both worlds.

According to Bouton, one aspect about VCU she wishes was more engaging was the student traditions: “I would add more school wide events. Compared to what I've heard from my friends at UVA and W&M, VCU has a lot fewer traditions and celebrations than other colleges.”

Overall, VCU's location at the heart of Richmond significantly influences the campus atmosphere. So whether you’re looking for a more laid-back academic culture or a chance to engage in creative endeavors, VCU offers a little bit of everything.