Student Profile
Robyn
- Class: Senior
- Major: Psychology
- Gender: F
- High School: Robinson Secondary School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
The best thing about VCU is the diverse population and how interesting everyone on campus is. You have so many faculty members and counselors who are there for you every step of the way and who are looking out for you. This school is just right. When I tell people that I go to VCU they say things like, "Didn't you guys beat Duke in Basketball?" (yes) and "Don't you guys have great programs and a high percentage of graduates?" (yes) This isn't your ordinary college town because there is always something going on and somewhere to be. Richmond is amazing and fun and colorful. There are so many historic buildings, parks, shopping, entertainment, and extracurricular activities to do here. It is also centrally located in the city, not to mention only a few hours away from Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg. So much to do and so little time to do it in. VCU's administration is great. They are always there to help you and set you on the right track. I would recommend anyone who is on our staff. They are there for you 24/7 via phone, email, facebook or AIM. There is a lot of school pride and it is getting stronger and stronger every year. Since I have been at VCU our Greek Campus Life and Student Organizations have increased each year and have brought something unique and special to the table. Their school pride shows every time they bring an event, concert, exhibit or presentation to campus. One experience that I will always remember about VCU is being one of the main founders of my sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi. One of my best friends and I had an idea to start a new sorority on campus, and VCU being what it is and making anything possible, helped make this possible. I will always remember the struggles of getting started, the assistance from CPC and the encouragement from the VCU faculty that helped bring this dream into a reality. It is something that has changed my life forever and I will always remember the lessons that this experience has taught me.
Academic Life
In order for Professors to know your name, you need to put yourself out there. Just be yourself and show them that you are interested in what they are teaching you. One of the greatest ways to go the most out of your education is to make yourself known and ask questions. In a lecture hall of 200 students, it may be hard so office hours are great. It is also important to use their availability to speak to them regarding topics, hw, tests, future job opportunities and perhaps conduct some informational interviewing of them. They are there to teach you and help you. Accept it and use it! My favorite classes are ones where you are forced to think about things such as Interpersonal Relations and Human Sexuality. My minor is also Criminal Justice so crime scene investigation is also interesting. I would say that the students who take their education seriously study about a ratio of 1 hour of class time is equal to 2 or 3 hours of studying outside of class. In class participation is necessary in my opinion to succeed in college and it is often times a part of your final grade in a class. VCU students have intellectual conversations outside of class whether it be with friends, study buddys, organizations on campus, with faculty, etc. I think college has a lot to do with asking questions and finding out your own answers through class, conversations, and life experiences. As for study hours, it depends entirely on the class, whether you are good at it or not, and whether you are really giving 110%. At every school you are going to have students who are there to learn anything and everything they can as well as thos students who are there and don't really care. I would consider myself to be very competitive and a majority of my classmates to be semi-competitive. The most unique class that I have taken would have to be Human Sexuality. It was just so interesting and fun to learn about. I would def recommend it for sure. My major is Psychology with a minor concentration in Criminal Justice. It is very different from other majors because it is considered a science yet it is a social one. You find problems and nothing ever has a definite answer. Every situation is different therefore every solution will be different. I feel that VCU's academic requirements are at the right level for this institution. It is challenging yet do-able. Perfect balance I believe. I would say that the education at VCU is geared towards getting a job as well as learning for its own sake. You are at college to learn about yourself and what you may want to pursue as a career later on down the road. I think that both of those elements are important to learn and experience throughout school.
Student Body
All experiences that I have had on campus regarding racial, religious, LGBT, socio-economic and/or other groups on campus by students have not been negative or confrontational. I believe that a student who is not willing to try something new or try to put themselves out there is not going to feel at home at VCU. Yes, in the beginning everyone feels out of place, but those who reach out to others, get involved in campus organizations and try to learn the most from their teachers will do well here. Different types of students interact everyday at VCU. That was what I wanted the most here and that is exactly what I get. You have such a diverse and unique campus that interaction will happen daily. As for political afiliations, I am not aware of one being more predominant over another. I would say that there are some student organizations which focus on those issues and view points but I wouldn't say that they are overpowering or anything like that.
The Best Things
Everything!!!
The Worst Things
Nothing!!!
