University of Richmond Top Questions

If you want small classes, then you'll like this place. I know all my teachers and all are very available for help. Class selection is incredibly competitive because the administration is super concerned with keeping the student/teacher ratio down. So don't count on getting close to what you want every semester, especially in your freshman and sophomore years. Students are overly competitive here and think they're a ton smart than they are. Most kids here are the try-hard type who really aren't that smart on their own, just study all damn day to make the ever important A. The assignments here tend to reflect that, especially in English. I had a teacher who insisted that I work 20 or more hours on each paper he assigned us. Keep in mind these were 4-6 page papers. The teachers, for the most part, are pretty damn smart, but maybe a little too opinionated. The professors liberal slant is a stark contrast to the rich, aristocratic atmosphere of the students here.

Academics at Richmond are amazing. Classes are very small and intimate; everyone participates and is actively involved. Attendance is mandatory for sucess and to pass. Skipping class is rare and has consequences. Professors know your name - always. They talk to you outisde of class, via email, around campus; some people are even friends with their professors and "hang out" with them. Students spend a LOT of time studying here. The library is the "cool" place to be on any given night; you'll see all yoru friends there. It's a social zone - do your work and see your friends at once. If you're not at the library or don't have work to do, you're the one who's out of place. The opportunities are awesome. There are field trips (one calss went on an airplane to new york this winter!), famous guest lecturers, and a multitude of opportunities for students. Lots of support and help getting internships, study abroad, and pursuing activities in the community. There are SO MANY great opportunities this school has to offer and it is an enriching, excellent learning environment in all ways.

I definitely know all my professors my name and they know me for sure (which sometimes sucks if you want to slack off). Students study A LOT here... there's a lot of work. Of course it depends on the student and how much he/she decides to take on (unfortunately double majoring with all these minors is very popular on campus thus stressing you out even more... I'm a victim of the viscious cycle) and his/her time managment capabilities. All of students seem to pull things off pretty well. Others, don't, but get by. I would say there are definitely Richmond students who want to engage in intellectual conversations, but I wish there were more of them/more opportunities to get involved in such conversations. Students are definitely competitive here (how can any student not be when looking at grad school admissions, etc.?). I'm doubling in Spanish and French, and for the most part love it. I think the French department spends too much time on literature, and not enough time on the history of francophone countries, current events, etc. One of my French teachers once invited our 6-person class to her appartment to have lunch and make up a missed class. It was awesome. Definitley one of the more memorable experiences I've had a Richmond. I feel like education is definitely geared toward learning for its own sake, which is what's best (or so they say?) for the "real world" since, if you know how to think, you can adapt yourself more easily to different jobs/learn faster.

Classes are small and its easy to get a close relatinship with your professor. There are two types of students at campus. People who are working hard most of their time and then there are the people who are very good at doing minimum and getting satisfactory grades. Most students take their class work seriously even though those that dont seem to make this seem untrue. One thing i reccomend is to make sure u have a rough idea of your major and to start getting prerequistites out of the way for it.

The are not enough good things to say about the professors and administrators. They seem to genuinely care about the academic community. It is not uncommon for professors to invite their students for home cooked meals at their homes, or participate in community service with their classes. Students are highly engaged in their work inside and outside the classroom. They are not afraid to hold intellectual conversations about their school work or current events. Almost everyone competes for the best internships and grades, but professors are known for seeing a B as an advanced grade.

Every Professor I have knows my name. I am a good student, but not particularly outstanding. They know my name because the classes are so small. This is a huge advantage that Richmond offers. The individual attention gives almost infinite academic resources at his disposal. But be careful! The drawbacks of such small classes is that you are always under the watchful eye of a teacher. You will be expected to participate and discuss is virtually every class.

General education requirements are a hassle and waste of time, as is Core, the requirement for all first year students. Classes are small, which is great. I had a class last semester of 11 students which enabled me to feel more comfortable participating and to get to know the professor really well.

The credit system will make my hopes of getting in to medical school disapear.

The academics are very satisfying, however this is also due to the fact that I enterred before the drastic tuition hike and was thus unaffected. On the whole the faculty is competent, friendly, and concerned with their student's well-being.

Professors are fine. Students study. Participation is average. Richmond students sometimes participate in intellectual conversations outside class, but not too much. Students are somewhat competitive, but not very much. Professors seem to care about their students. Academic requirements are ok. The education can be geared toward whatever the student wants it to be geared towards.