VCUs downtown Richmond location provides loads of unique educational opportunities for our students. From service-learning projects to internships at local businesses to visits to state government offices, our students are constantly learning from the city they call home.
Going to college in the city is completely different from going to a school with a more isolated, traditional campus. Theres so. much. to. do. And Richmond isnt just any city. Its got character. A state capital with an unlikely mix of qualities historic, artsy, food-obsessed, Southern, diverse, laid-back it has just the right dose of grittiness to give it an edge.
Richmond is the only city in the country with Class III and IV rapids roaring through downtown. But if youre looking for a calmer form of recreation, the James River offers that, too, from fishing and swimming to hiking the trails of the rivers park system or sunbathing on the rocks. Its an outdoor lovers playground.
Not only is Richmond a great place to live, its also a great place to work, and many of our graduates stick around and start their careers here, whether its at the state government, a Fortune 500 company or a startup. Here are some well-known companies where our students have found employment. *Number in parentheses indicates Fortune 500 ranking.
North of VCU, the Carver neighborhood was settled by Eastern European immigrants in the 1840s and became a thriving African-American community by the turn of the 20th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this neighborhood has a diverse population, which includes many VCU students. Carver's neighborhood association joined VCU in establishing the Carver-VCU Partnership in 1996 to address long-term community development.
Overlooking downtown Richmond, Church Hill is the oldest intact residential area in the city. Here you can find historic St. Johns Church, where Patrick Henry gave his Give me liberty or give me death speech. The neighborhood boasts the Chimborazo Medical Museum, which recounts Chimborazo Parks history as a Civil War hospital, beautiful townhomes displaying a variety of architectural styles and a slew of hip, critically acclaimed eateries.
Bordering the west side of campus, the historic Fan neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles such as Colonial Revival and Queen Anne and spans 85 blocks laid out in a fan shape. A popular place for VCU students to live, the neighborhood has many restaurants and shops that cater to a variety of tastes. It is also home to the iconic and controversial Monument Avenue, where protests resulted in the removal of Confederate statues in summer 2020.
In the center of downtown lies Jackson Ward, a historically African-American neighborhood andNational Historic Landmark District. Home to 19th- and 20th-century urban row houses, where many VCU students live, the neighborhood also boasts a museum dedicated to Maggie L. Walker, the first woman to charter and serve as president of an American bank. First Fridays, Richmonds long-standing monthly art walk, includes galleries located in Jackson Ward.
Manchester is an industrial and residential area directly south and across the James River from downtown Richmond. Currently an area of rapid growth, the neighborhood is seeing numerous old warehouses and industrial structures transformed into interesting, attractive spaces for work and living. Youll also find art galleries, a local brewery and the Manchester Wall, a 60-foot granite climbing wall.
The Museum District, sometimes known as West of the Boulevard, is located just west of the Fan district and north of Carytown. It is anchored by the contiguous six-block tract of museums along the west side of Boulevard, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Historical Society, hence the name. Youll also find a smattering of small restaurants, food shops and boutiques among its charming streets.
To the western edge of the Richmond city limits, the Near West End offers a peaceful suburban neighborhood just minutes from downtown. Here youll find the University of Richmond, as well as the Libbie and Grove shopping district, which includes cafs and restaurants, in addition to upscale clothing and home boutiques.
Consisting of multiple historic neighborhoods north of Broad Street, Northside offers homes in a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging from quaint bungalows to opulent Ginter Park mansions. The area also includes Joseph Bryan Park, Richmond International Raceway and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, as well as the campuses of Virginia Union University and Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Located close to the James River and just south of VCU, Oregon Hill originated as a working-class Victorian neighborhood. A tight-knit community, the neighborhood works to keep its identity with directed restoration and revitalization efforts. Here, youll find several popular restaurants, as well as the park-like Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of two American presidents and six Virginia governors.
After spending most of the 20th century as an industrial area, in recent years Scotts Addition has experienced a rebirth. Many former warehouses have been converted to loft-style apartments, restaurants, coffee shops and an ever-increasing number of breweries, cideries and even a meadery. Several shops sell antiques and vintage wares, and the Bow Tie movie theater, housed in a refurbished warehouse, is in easy walking distance.
Located downtown, these neighborhoodsare two of the citys oldest. Shockoe Slip boasts cobblestone streets, restaurants, shops and the Shockoe Design District. Traveling eastward, Shockoe Bottoms deep economic roots are seen in its huge tobacco warehouses, factories, shop fronts and the 17th Street Farmers Market. Formerly neglected warehouses have been renovated, and the area is nowa hub of restaurants, nightlife, apartments and businesses.
Located directly south of the James River, across the Nickel Bridge from the citys Fan District, these areas began as trolley-car neighborhoods in the early 1900s. Here, youll find well-established restaurants and businesses, as well as Forest Hill Park, now home to a popular weekly farmers market. The neighborhoods offer a number of houses with river views, as well as a variety of trails within the James River Park System.
We think youll love it here. But if you need the occasional getaway, there are lots of great places to visit less than a two-hour drive from Richmond, from sandy beaches to the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
Note: This site contains links to external (non-VCU) websites. VCU does not endorse these commercial providers or their products, nor is it responsible for the privacy practices or content of such websites.
Youre part of a culture that values hard work, stick-to-it-ness and even dare we say it? grit. You are part of a community that loves its city, serves its city and learns from its city. As a Ram, you also love a good Cinderella story like the time VCU surprised the country and made it to the NCAA Final Four. These are the success stories that make you cheer, make you proud, make you #RamProud.
Our mission is to serve our students, patients and communities in the best possible ways and lead every person to their success. Im proud of the VCU communitys work as educators, innovators, creators and healers to advance the human condition.
Virginia Commonwealth University and its academic health sciences center serve as one national urban public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community through:
Way back were talking more than 175 years ago in 1838, VCU was known by another name. We were the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, later becoming the Medical College of Virginia. It wasnt until 1968, when we merged with Richmond Professional Institute, that we were given the name Virginia Commonwealth University. But one thing is for sure: We have never stopped making history.
28,919students82% full time86% Virginia residents21,717undergraduates5,695graduates1,517first professionals 1,594transfer students 1,174Honors students 1,033 international students, representing102 countries5,955residence hall capacity
Reviews
Rating 3.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJ S
2 years ago
IF THEY TELL YOU TO BE THERE AT 6:30am: 1. You WILL be standing outside for an hour. Dress accordingly. 2. They only take a certain amount of walk ins a day, based on their schedule. First come, first serve. Why in the heck they aren't 100% clear about these 2 things are beyond me. We live in a world where you're supposed to be super sensitive to everyone about anything, but you can leave people outside for an hour at 35 degrees, possibly to be turned away? RIDICULOUS. That said, they did fix my wife's problem, but having a tooth ache is bad enough without being treated like a street bum looking for a handout.
Richard Hankins
2 years ago
Awful customer service experience. Called, waited on hold for 10 minutes, they transferred me to dental. Dental said the treatment I need is through Oral Surgery. Called back. They offered an automated callback. When they called back, they then put me on hold for 40 more minutes until I gave up. Why would you offer to call me back if you are just going to put me back on hold?
Ricardo H.
2 years ago
Great place to get an implant! Resident did an excellent job . Staff was polite . I am ready for my crown now and will get it done at VCU dental care faculty practice . Thank you !
Joseph Chambers
2 years ago
My wife and I are military retirees and she got a referral to have some dental work done at this office...We called to get an appointment but was instead greeted by a very rude lady who im thinking was the receptionist who books appointments. My wife tried to explain to her that a referral was put in thru the military but she kept telling us they had no referral in the system and that we would have to call back when we had one even though it was put in over a week prior. This young lady who we talked to a few times has to be the rudest person we have ever encountered and needs to be disaplened because she is hurting your business. We called tricare and had them changed the referral to another oral surgeon
Le'Quitta
2 years ago
Very first dental extraction experience. I got all 4 wisdom teeth out. I chose to be asleep. I was comfortable didn't feel anything. The surgical assistants Christa and Nicole V. were very helpful and nice. Talked me through everything up until the moment I fell asleep. Def. Would recommend their services.
Jasmine Adkins
2 years ago
I was calling to get information in regards to getting my tooth filled because of a crack/break. My insurance doesn't go into effect until the 17th for my job so I was trying to find out information about the process and what I could do considering I'm severely in pain. Symone (could be spelled differently) answered on behalf of the office and basically couldn't have been of any less help. Whenever I asked to speak to someone else, she quickly replied that she was the only one there answering phone calls and that there wasn't anyone else I could speak to, which leaves me to write this review. Whenever I was asking about programs that could have been offered for assistance, I was quickly met with "I gave you information, (she then gave me their office hours) you can come in for an emergency extraction for $195" I then replied that I wasn't necessarily wanting to have it extracted but more so just some help with the cost because dental procedures can be very costly and I'm just starting my new job etc. It was a very rude first interaction where I genuinely was calling to get information due to me being in pain and hopeful because I was referred to contact VCU for assistance. I instantly regretted wasting my time because I still had no answered questions and was met with such animosity from her.
Cruella Deville
2 years ago
The surgical assistant Nicole V. And Dr. Hawkins took great care of me. They demonstrated great care and compassion. Thank you again.
David Hoffman
2 years ago
Dr Talal Beidas and the entire staff at VCU Oral Surgery were very professional. From front desk to the assistants and the Surgeon - Awesome! Their beside manners and the way I was treated helped me get thru a very stressful period. I highly recommend them to others facing surgery or other serious maxillofacial surgery issues. Five stars! Thank you everyone!
Tyler Bragg
3 years ago
I was calling to get information in regards to getting my tooth filled because of a crack/break. My insurance doesn't go into effect until the 17th for my job so I was trying to find out information about the process and what I could do considering I'm severely in pain. Symone (could be spelled differently) answered on behalf of the office and basically couldn't have been of any less help. Whenever I asked to speak to someone else, she quickly replied that she was the only one there answering phone calls and that there wasn't anyone else I could speak to, which leaves me to write this review. Whenever I was asking about programs that could have been offered for assistance, I was quickly met with "I gave you information, (she then gave me their office hours) you can come in for an emergency extraction for $195" I then replied that I wasn't necessarily wanting to have it extracted but more so just some help with the cost because dental procedures can be very costly and I'm just starting my new job etc. It was a very rude first interaction where I genuinely was calling to get information due to me being in pain and hopeful because I was referred to contact VCU for assistance. I instantly regretted wasting my time because I still had no answered questions and was met with such animosity from her.
David Hoffman
3 years ago
Dr Talal Beidas and the entire staff at VCU Oral Surgery were very professional. From front desk to the assistants and the Surgeon - Awesome! Their beside manners and the way I was treated helped me get thru a very stressful period. I highly recommend them to others facing surgery or other serious maxillofacial surgery issues. Five stars! Thank you everyone!
Ricardo H.
3 years ago
Great place to get an implant! Resident did an excellent job . Staff was polite . I am ready for my crown now and will get it done at VCU dental care faculty practice . Thank you !
Joseph Chambers
3 years ago
My wife and I are military retirees and she got a referral to have some dental work done at this office...We called to get an appointment but was instead greeted by a very rude lady who im thinking was the receptionist who books appointments. My wife tried to explain to her that a referral was put in thru the military but she kept telling us they had no referral in the system and that we would have to call back when we had one even though it was put in over a week prior. This young lady who we talked to a few times has to be the rudest person we have ever encountered and needs to be disaplened because she is hurting your business. We called tricare and had them changed the referral to another oral surgeon
Le'Quitta
3 years ago
Very first dental extraction experience. I got all 4 wisdom teeth out. I chose to be asleep. I was comfortable didn't feel anything. The surgical assistants Christa and Nicole V. were very helpful and nice. Talked me through everything up until the moment I fell asleep. Def. Would recommend their services.
Cruella Deville
3 years ago
The surgical assistant Nicole V. And Dr. Hawkins took great care of me. They demonstrated great care and compassion. Thank you again.
Stephanie Duong
3 years ago
I just had my wisdom teeth taken out today (yes, today) and it was such a wonderful experience! From the front desk secretaries, the surgical assistants, to the oral surgeon, they were all so professional, friendly, and made me feel at ease. Being in my early 20s, this was my first big medical procedure I had done. I definietly had a lot of anxiety going into it (and of course given COVID-19) but no one ever hesitated to answer the many questions I had and made me feel super comfortable the whole time! I appreciated that they told me step-by-step of what they were doing, which also eased my nervousness by a ton. I think they told me it only took about 20 minutes for my extractions! Dr. McAdams was amazingly friendly, genuine, and thorough which made the experience even that much better. I'm already a patient at VCU dental care with their student practice, so going to VCU oral surgery, I can't say anything bad about my experience at all.
Beyonka Beauty
3 years ago
This is the worst place ever I was referred here by someone & they clearly messed up my tooth. Had one tooth extracted right next to my wisdom tooth and they messed up my wisdom tooth like wth and the doctor barely knew what she was doing ...
Cyber Doc
3 years ago
Had oral surgery here this week and was more than satisfied with the level of care I received by the staff and students. Thanks to Rachael for escorting me to the correct floor and surgery area. Dr. Kaplan rocks and has a great sense of ...
Stephanie Duong
3 years ago
I just had my wisdom teeth taken out today (yes, today) and it was such a wonderful experience! From the front desk secretaries, the surgical assistants, to the oral surgeon, they were all so professional, friendly, and made me feel at ease. Being in my early 20s, this was my first big medical procedure I had done. I definietly had a lot of anxiety going into it (and of course given COVID-19) but no one ever hesitated to answer the many questions I had and made me feel super comfortable the whole time! I appreciated that they told me step-by-step of what they were doing, which also eased my nervousness by a ton. I think they told me it only took about 20 minutes for my extractions! Dr. McAdams was amazingly friendly, genuine, and thorough which made the experience even that much better. I'm already a patient at VCU dental care with their student practice, so going to VCU oral surgery, I can't say anything bad about my experience at all.
Cyber Doc
4 years ago
Had oral surgery here this week and was more than satisfied with the level of care I received by the staff and students. Thanks to Rachael for escorting me to the correct floor and surgery area. Dr. Kaplan rocks and has a great sense of humor, too! Thanks for your help also, Jess! Major props. Highly recommended! (Edit: Just received a handwritten thank you card in the mail wishing me a speedy recovery from the VCU Team. Classy, personal touch! Thanks, folks!)
Beyonka Beauty
4 years ago
This is the worst place ever I was referred here by someone & they clearly messed up my tooth. Had one tooth extracted right next to my wisdom tooth and they messed up my wisdom tooth like wth and the doctor barely knew what she was doing she had to keep calling the main doctor in there for help. I never experience this at any other dental office before. I wouldn't recommend this dentist to anyone