Memories of yesterday fill the streets
in Richmond. Magnificent monuments, cobblestone streets,
a 300-year old farmers' market, renovated tobacco warehouses
and the White House of the Confederacy are examples
of the reminders Richmond offers about the capital
city's place in our nation's turbulent, fascinating
history. In Richmond grand riverfront estates, wrought
iron gates, a paddlewheel showboat, gaslit cobblestone
streets, and miles of historic battlefields blend the
past into the present.
Today, Richmond attracts both
the history buff and the adventuresome. Thrill-seekers
enjoy whitewater rafting through downtown, defying
gravity during a roller coaster ride at nearby Paramount's
Kings Dominion or joining in the fast-paced excitement
of NASCAR. Culturally speaking, Richmond's offerings
place the city in the category of much larger metropolitan
areas. Richmond enjoys its own symphony, opera and
ballet and more than 15 museums. From a renowned art
museum to historical, science and children's museums,
there really is something in Richmond for everyone.
Richmond, capital of Virginia since 1779, offers many
opportunities in culture, business and recreation.
Geographically, Richmond is located on both sides of
the James River at the seven-mile-long fall line between
low lying Tidewater Virginia and the higher elevations
of the Piedmont. The James' swift current here was
instrumental in Richmond's early development as an
industrial and transportation center. Today, the river
provides beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities.
For example, you may want to view the James River from
one of these public parks located near campus:
Maymont
Park, with hiking trails, wild animal habitats,
arboretum, formal gardens and a splendid Victorian
mansion - all free admission.
The
Canal Walk, accessible from Fifth Street and Canal.
Belle Isle, an urban wilderness area, accessible from
the Canal Walk.
In addition to VCU's
collegiate athletics, sports enthusiasts may
enjoy AAA baseball with the Richmond
Braves, hockey with the Richmond
Renegades, soccer with the Kickers, NASCAR
at Richmond International Raceway, horse racing
at Colonial
Downs in New Kent County.
In addition to music, dance and theater performances
by students and faculty in VCU's School
of the Arts, Richmonders enjoy two professional
theater companies, TheatreVirginia and Theatre
IV; the Richmond
Ballet; the Richmond
Symphony; Virginia
Opera; and a full program of concerts and other
events at Richmond's Landmark Theatre, adjacent to
the Academic Campus.
University Services
Some on-campus housing is available for single students, but most
graduate students live off campus. There is a wide variety of housing accommodations
at a wide range of prices; many graduate students live in the Fan District because of
its proximity to both campuses.
The university's free shuttle buses run between the
two campuses. Parking facilities for students are limited, however, the Health
Sciences Campus is accessible from most areas by public transportation and some
neighborhoods are within biking distance.
VCU offers prepaid medical care through the
Student Health Services. Students (and their spouses and dependent children) can also
take advantage of a moderately priced hospitalization plan. The gymnasium on the
Health Sciences Campus offers and extensive intramural sports program as well as a
full range of recreational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
These
include basketball, tennis, volleyball, racquetball, handball, squash and a pool.
There are also facilities for weight training and locker rooms with showers and
saunas. the Academic Campus offers the Thalhimer Tennis Courts in addition to a pool
and more recreational facilities. For more information about University Services,
click here.
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