University of Richmond (UR)

It pays to go to Richmond University-literally. Students speak highly of the way the school combines academic and real-world opportunities, whether that's "grant money to do summer internships" to getting paid "to do research...on a topic of my choice." These are great ways to explore career options, say students, like a sophomore program that pays "for you to go to a hotel over the weekend to learn business networking skills." Another student mentions the school covering travel to New Orleans for a week "as part of my class to learn about environmental racism," and one fondly cites their "international work experience, fully funded by the university." Locally, there are opportunities to "work with Richmond-based companies to implement skills and theories we have learned in class. For example, in Principles of Marketing, we worked with Capital One." Students also praise "a class called Benchmark where you create a product and start an actual business and have to have talks with suppliers, marketing teams, and try to truly manage a startup." Across academic programs, Students agree that professors comprise one of the school's greatest assets. As one student explains: "I love my professors and have developed close relationships with many of them. They genuinely care about me, my interests, and my career path. My professors have given me a wonderful academic experience." Between the top-notch professors and the travel and research opportunities, "the resources Richmond has are unparalleled."

"Students at the University of Richmond are hard-working, athletic, friendly, engaged, and have many interests that connect us to many people and places on campus." Furthermore, Richmond students aren't "afraid to try something out or take risks to pursue what they love." One student explains: "You can find people here interested in every field and many have already made significant strides in their careers like starting businesses, filming documentaries, or producing music." Another student reports that their classmates are "motivated leaders," who are "socially aware," "future focused, and career oriented." By and large, students are "very diligent and hardworking individuals, who take their classes and extracurriculars seriously." They are also thoughtful, with one student elaborating, "The discussions in my classes, sometimes on pretty contentious topics, are generally well thought-out and informed." One Richmond student summarizes their peers as "social, outgoing, and adventurous," with most "willing to help others in and outside of class, and although students like to...have fun, we also are devoted to our studies and enjoy learning at Richmond."

Students agree that the Richmond "campus is gorgeous," with gothic brick architecture and "unbeatable facilities" that are kept in "tip-top shape," and students accordingly find it to be "a blessing" that they have "housing available on campus all four years." Recreationally, students often enjoy grabbing "food or coffee with friends and walking around the lake" and have "dinner together at the dining hall, which is really good and family style." Students bond over "big events, such as concerts, basketball games, and the spring dance" as well as club sports, which are "extremely well-funded." Student athletes "have access to great facilities...the smaller student population makes these teams more attainable to get a spot on." Outside of sports, Greek life plays a strong role in the school's social scene, whether social or professional chapters. One student describes being "in a business fraternity and social sorority. I like these extracurriculars because they give me something to do on a small campus...joining has enriched my college experience, especially as an introvert." That said, students note that you are free to partake without joining, and that they are perfectly happy "to go downtown to bars or to eat at many of the great restaurants."

Students at the University of Richmond triumphantly declare that the school’s Career Services office is “incredibly helpful and thorough.” It’s “constantly reaching out to students” and manages to “foster great relationships” with several companies. Undergrads flock there to explore various majors and careers (the Career Advisors are even certified in analyzing the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator assessment) and to take advantage of fantastic programs like Spider Shadowing, which provides individuals with the opportunity to spend time with an alum or employer to learn more about a particular career. As if that wasn’t enough, students can turn to the office for résumé reviews and interview prep. Industry-specific preparedness programs like Q-camp, A&S NEXT, and the Jepson EDGE Institute ensure undergrads are able to translate their skills when it’s time to job hunt.