University of Richmond Top Questions

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Academics are tough. The professors know you so skipping class is not really an option. Most classes are discussion based so if you don't read you're screwed and it will show.

I am very impressed with the academics at UR. Classes are challenging, and students spend a lot of time in the library (it's open 24/7). The teachers really make an effort to get to know you, and they are more than willing to meet outside of class. My favorite classes have been my First Year Seminars (FYS). Every first year student is required to take one FYS each semester. In the fall I took "Education and Citizenship" which examined the history of the public school system in America and looked at the inequalities in education both here in Richmond and across the country. This semester I'm taking "America in the World, the World in America" which looks at how the U.S. is portrayed through film and literature. These classes are capped at 16 students, and they're the largest classes I've taken here so far. Participation is common across all classes, and because they are so small it's very difficult to hide in the back row.

I think the two greatest assets of our school are the business schools and the science departments. These provide a level of instruction far above most other undergraduate institutions. We also have very solid liberal arts programs, particularly in political science and international studies. My favorite class so far was organic chemistry, but I also loved my English class and microeconomics, which are outside my major. Class participation is a must at Richmond, usually it is considered in your grade, and the classes are too small to be anonymous in. Teachers and students know each other by name and meet one-on-one frequently. The academics are difficult; you have to work hard to do well here. However, the professors are great and you learn a lot.

Academics at Richmond are challenging but manageable. As a student here you should expect to be intellectually stimulated and challenged. All of my professors know my name, and I have gotten to know most of them personally outside of class. Students usually spend their days balancing classes, meals, clubs, and studying. You definitely won't feel like all you're doing is studying. Our most popular major is international relations, and we have a top-ranked business school.

Professors at Richmond are some of the school's greatest assets. With a 9:1 student to faculty ratio and the average class size of 17, there is a lot of student-professor interaction. Many classes are discussion based but even lecture style classes are heavy on class participation. Students are always expected to be prepared for class and a small classroom setting requires it. The work load is sizable but for students who can master time-management there is always enough time for fun. Classes at UR are unique because professors want students to be able to apply the theoretical material they learn in the classroom. As a result, students often work out in the community practicing the skills and utilizing the theories they have been taught. This includes performing leadership asessments of organizations in the community or being a part of the Student Managment Fund which has the opportunity to invest $300,000 into the stock market each year. Aside from tough academics that stress skills like critical thinking, students really are prepared to go out into the work place and the school provides a variety of opportunities to secure jobs. Job expos, practice interviews, resume reviews, and hosting large corporations on campus are the norm and it certainly pays off.

Academics are tough here at Richmond. People are always in the library working hard. But I think the atmosphere here seems to be work hard, play hard, which is nice because you don't want to burn yourself out! Professors will know your name here, and ask you where you were if you miss class or ask if you are feeling better if you were sick. The professors are for the most part outstanding. They really care about their students. For a macro-economics class, I was sick and missed a class and my professor, Professor Dolan, allowed me to call him at home so that he could explain a concept to me so that I could finish a problem set that was due the next class. There are always outside educational opportunities at Richmond as well including speakers, round table discussions, and clubs. Richmond requires you to get a full liberal arts background by taking different classes across departments (math, science, literature, visual or performing art, etc.) so you really get a broad education. The education here is a good mix between academia and teaching you things that will actually be applicable in your career field.

Academics require a lot of hard work and teachers assign A LOT of reading and assignments. Professors will know your name and so will everyone in your class.

My smallest class here has been 8 people and my largest was about 24 people. With small classes, the professors really get to know you on a personal level which is great. Many classes will celebrate the end of the semester with a dinner at a restaurant or at a professor's home. Academics are tough, and students put a lot of time into their work during the week. I'm a Leadership Studies major which is a unique program here at U of R. Because the school is the first of its kind and one of the only undergraduate leadership studies programs in the country, all of the professors involved are the leading experts in their field and are really dedicated to both research and teaching. I like the Leadership School because it allows for exposure to a lot of really smart people from a lot of different backgrounds including economics, philosophy, political science, and history. Some people complain about the general education requirements, but ultimately, most are glad to have their liberal arts background no matter their major.

Academics are challenging for sure, but are invigorating. I certainly spend time in the library, but what differentiates academics at Richmond is the professors. The intimate atmosphere means office hours are encouraged to be taken advantage of. I may struggle with material sometimes, but there are so many resources to help me, that I never feel like it is a mountain I cannot climb.