VCU Orientation

 High School is officially in the rearview mirror as Anna sets her sights on starting college in the fall.  She was excited to attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) summer orientation on June 24-25 in Richmond, Virginia.  It was two days full of information for both Anna and her parents.  As an added bonus, Anna got to spend the night in a dorm and meet her roommate for the fall.  Somehow there are no people pictures from the trip, but rather some of campus.

Joe and Theresa were marveling at how much college has changed since they went to college back in the 1900s. For example,

• In order to find a roommate, Anna filled out a detailed on-line questionnaire and then was able to look at other potential roommates (sort of like online dating).  Potential candidates were able to message each other to see if it may be a fit.  Theresa and Joe both seem to recall it was a roommate lottery.
• The dining options are robust with every sort of food you can think of, including a sushi bar.  Both Joe and Theresa remember the dining hall being one step better than the high school cafeteria with limited options.  It was a good day if the soft serve machine worked.
• Each dorm contains laundry rooms that are card activated.  You can see on the app whether a machine is available, and you will be notified when your laundry is done.  Joe and Theresa both remember carrying quarters and waiting around for machines.

  

  Joe with the lucky Ram Horns

• There are over 500 clubs and organizations to join on campus.  Neither Joe nor Theresa can remember any clubs from college.  
• There are endless support services for students - everything from the writing center to career services, to academic advising, to financial advising.  There is so much it is difficult to know who to ask.  Both Joe and Theresa remember working with an advisor that was a faculty member.  That was it.
• There are all sorts of ways for families to connect with the University community, including Facebook groups, mailings lists, pod costs, etc...  Neither Joe or Theresa can recall any parental participation opportunities when they were in college beyond paying the bills and moving in/out of dorms.
• There is so much demand for housing, you are only guaranteed on campus housing as a freshman.  Housing was available through senior year if you wanted it back in the 1900s.

VCU has grown, like many universities, and has taken over a significant part of Richmond, which is a cool small city.  There is much to see and do in the community and it is easily accessible by train or bus for students.  

Anna left orientation more excited to start.  She has her initial classes selected and will be meeting with her advisor in the coming weeks and will hopefully find out her dorm assignment next week.  Joe and Theresa left the event overwhelmed with information and excited for Anna.  Theresa is already plotting weekend visits to Richmond as there is much to deal (she is already trying to recruit Aunt Gayle, a VCU alum, to meet her for a visit).

Move in day will be either August 16 or 17 with classes beginning on August 20.  It is right around the corner!