Student Life
Our goal at the University of Richmond is to help students open as many doors as possible. That’s why we offer a variety of opportunities and connections — from clubs and organizations to arts and athletics. Whether you’re exploring our city or studying abroad, we encourage you to try as much as possible. It’s a holistic approach that puts you at the center of your own experience.
Simply put, we want to give our students a great education, a great support system, and the best four years possible.
It All Begins With Tradition
Traditions at Richmond to bring our community closer together throughout the year. We honor our first-year students with our New Spider Walk, ceremonies like Proclamation and Investiture, and the class banner signing. We invite students into our clubs and organizations at our annual SpiderFest, and we let loose at our last day of classes concert. At the end of four years, we celebrate seniors with our Candlelight ceremony and Grad Walk.
These traditions reflect how special it is to be a Spider — it’s no wonder so many alumni come back for their class reunions.
Live on Campus All Four Years
Most students live on Richmond’s residential campus all four years, building community and connection amid the red brick Collegiate Gothic architecture. Over their time here, students can choose between our dorms and apartments.
Plus, with Richmond’s many options for living-learning communities, first-years and sophomores can join a community of students who live together in a residence hall, take a class, do research, travel, and engage on a deeper level with each other and professors.
And have the best food, too
A big perk of living on campus is the food. We have the #12 Best Campus Food (The Princeton Review, 2027) with an all-you-can-eat dining hall and eight additional dining options around campus.
Clubs, Orgs, & Greek Life
Your experience at Richmond will be well-rounded, both in and out of the classroom. The University of Richmond has more than 175 registered student organizations, including 13 fraternities and sororities and 30 sport club teams.
Whether you’re into singing a cappella, hitting the pitch for a rugby match, or nerding out on music and movies, clubs cover a wide range of interests. You can stay connected to the things you loved before your time here, discover entirely new interests, and build community along the way.
Your Well-being is Our Priority
We want all Richmond students to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. That’s why we prioritize well-being on our campus, in our curriculum, and all across the student experience.
Our dedicated Well-Being Center includes a full fitness gym and recreation center, health food café, confidential counseling services, and a health clinic alongside a meditation garden, salt room, and massage and napping chairs.
We also know that for many students, spiritual well-being is a priority. Our Chaplaincy helps students stay connected with their faith tradition, build community, and learn about the traditions of others.
The City of Richmond
Going to college in the city of Richmond is all about connection. You’ll be connected to our capital city through internships and job opportunities with federal, state and regional government, as well as major corporations like Capital One and CarMax.
You can connect civically through community service and action. You can immerse in the city’s excellent food and arts culture, visit a museum, or attend one of Richmond’s many festivals. And if you want to connect with the outdoors, there is so much to discover along the James River and through our sustainability initiatives.
Life at Richmond means a beautiful tight-knit college campus surrounded by dynamic city opportunities.
Plan on Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is not only about seeing someplace new, but also about learning something new about yourself, other people, and the world around you. Through our educational partnerships in more than 60 countries and opportunities ranging from a week to a summer or full semester, we encourage all undergrad students to study abroad at least once during their four years at Richmond. And because our financial aid travels with our students, it’s not surprising that 70% of Spiders study abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I study abroad?
Richmond students can study abroad in more than 60 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand). The most popular cities are Barcelona, London, and Tokyo. Learn more about Richmond’s programs abroad.
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How prominent is Greek life?
Greek life, also known as fraternity and sorority life, is available at Richmond, but it’s just one part of a bigger student scene. There are 13 active chapters on campus with about 1,000 students participating. Fraternity and sorority housing is not available, but you will see Greek life on campus through social events and community-service projects. Explore fraternity and sorority life at Richmond.
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What sports can I play?
We offer nearly 30 sport clubs as well as a variety of intramurals. Choose from volleyball, rugby, crew, water polo, ice hockey, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, dance team, and more.
We’re also one of the only liberal arts schools of our size that has Division I varsity sports. These include basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming and diving, cross country, and field hockey. Discover athletics at Richmond.
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Can I get involved in the arts?
Of course, there are plenty of student opportunities in the arts! All students can participate in the visual and performing arts at Richmond, regardless of their major. You can also join student groups, attend performances at the Modlin Center for the Arts, and visit exhibitions at University Museums.
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How many students live on campus?
91% of undergraduate students choose to live on campus all four years.
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Can students bring cars to campus? What is parking like?
Yes, students can bring a car to campus starting in their first year for an annual registration fee. The University also provides complimentary shuttle service to key destinations and events in the area.