Drinking at UR

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Richmond
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<p>D read some old posts from a couple years ago suggesting the main activity during free time is drinking. Other posts from a different web site seem to indicate there are enough other activities available, so drinking isn't such a focus. This is making her very uneasy and unsure of her decision to attend UR.</p>

<p>It would be helpful if some students could post their experiences, as well as future students weigh in on their intentions regarding the drinking and other social activities.</p>

<p>Also, what are the substance free dorms like?</p>

<p>Do students socialize at the Canal Walk area?</p>

<p>Do they head into the City?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>I have concluded (convincingly, by other parents) that there is not a college in America where the kids don’t drink. Some do more than others, but you can’t measure it by any posts, blogs or even student-written college books. The opinions we read will always be just that: the opinion of a handful of students.</p>

3

<p>Investor, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. The thing about college is that there is always going to be drinking, and generally, a lot of it. If your daughter picks another school to go to besides UR, there will be drinking there too. It’s just what college students do (sadly), and if you choose not to, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be shunned (at least not at UR). It just means you’re not doing what the majority does. And again, let me reiterate, that will be the case almost anywhere.</p>

<p>Anyway, I never drank in high school. I find that here I’ll occasionally drink with friends, but not often, and not to “get drunk” - just as a social thing. And I never feel pressured to, either. It’s not like you have to drink to go to a party. The common choice people make who don’t want to drink, is to go out to parties, just sober. Not drinking does not mean just sitting in their rooms because they don’t want to drink. There’s no rule that says you have to drink to go to a party, and I’ve found that when I don’t drink, which is most of the time, nobody is like “why aren’t you drinking?” or “Do you want a beer? Are you SURE?” Nobody really cares, which is a good thing. </p>

<p>Substance free living for freshman girls is in Lora Robins, where most other freshman girls live. The only difference is that, well, obviously, the girls don’t drink. But yes, I do still see them at parties.</p>

<p>As far as Canal Walk, I am familiar with a lot of the well known historical areas in Richmond, but have never heard of that, if that answers your question. I googled it, and it’s actually really far away from campus, which is probably why. A more common off-campus spot for socialization is Pony Pastures by the James River, which is only a few minutes away.</p>

<p>It’s hard to do anything off campus (besides grocery shop, which the shuttle can take you to do) if you don’t have a car, or know someone with a car. But there are ample things to do in the city if you have a car to take you there. There are also some parts of the city (like by VCU) that the bus can take you to, and UR provides free bus passes for students.</p>

4

<p>I have received several private replies to my questions. I greatly appreciate ALL the information provided, both public and private. </p>

<p>I am concerned though. This appears to be a more sensitive subject than many want to comment on, for fear of getting harassed based on a differing opinion.</p>

<p>On a different thread, and also in an online-chat that took place last night, there were a good number of prospective students expressing their “fear” and “concern” of the alcohol based socializing. They are hopeful to find other students interested in getting out to see the city, having dinner with friends, etc. </p>

<p>I urge students to post on this thread and respond to some of the original questions.</p>

<p>Lets make a pact…No Harassment allowed on this particular thread! Please just feel free to express yourselves.</p>

<p>Bump!</p>

5

<p>Richmond is a very interesting city, but it isn’t a very safe one. I think it would be very wise to exercise great caution if drinking in the city.</p>

6

<p>ksabbo, I am a mom of a daughter, too, and share your same concerns no matter where she goes to college (and she is going to UR!) We visited about 15 campuses over the past 18 months. On our very first visit, we went casually (not on tour) with a close friend to see her daughter and tour the LAC…sort of the “insider’s view”. When we went into her room, I was surprised to see the entire top shelf lined with bottles (liquor). Her mom saw my mouth drop open and she said “welcome to college” and I thought “I will find a place where it is different.” Well, what I learned through the process is that it really is not very different where ever you go; there are some schools, like Wesleyan, who have developed strong reputations for alcohol/drugs, and others, such as some of the small Christian schools, where it is very, very low key, but on average, drinking is everywhere. If a school is more secluded, like Sewanee, it might likely be more widespread…same true for Washington and Lee (one of our D’s choices)…but in the end, if the school has a rich and varied calendar of events, clubs, sports, arts, etc. and activities, I believe the child will gravitate towards what they want and will seek out those with like minds. Our D is 18 and we have done all we can to instill values and (hopefully!) common sense. She has been at boarding school where drinking can be found easily, but importantly, she has made other choices, has a big circle of friends who share her values, plenty to do on weekends, sports, etc. The transition for her will not be as hard as someone who has not had this experience. I hope your daughter attends UR and if so, we’ll have to introduce them to one another. The idea of exploring Richmond, going to DC, Williamsburg, etc. is very appealing to her…such a great location! I imagine the kids expressing fears is very real…especially if they have not had the opportunity to be away from home before at a summer camp, etc. Leaving the “bubble” is scary for both the child and the parent. I would end with asking if you have been to UR for a day, and if not, go! We went twice, talked with LOTS of students on campus, and then spoke with those we know there. We were so impressed with everyone we met. I loved how gracious everyone was, and as a southern mom, I loved how clean cut and well groomed they were! People went out of their way to make us feel at home. When our D got lost trying to find her next class (she shadowed) three girls noticed and walked her to her class…which was in the next building! They chatted all the way and she was very impressed with how friendly and helpful they were. Contrast to a few other schools we visited where you couldn’t get a student to even look you in the eye…but that’s another story! Hope this is a bit helpful to you!</p>

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<p>endicott, while there are parts of the city that aren’t safe, Richmond is no different than any other metropolis. Use your common sense and you’ll be alright. </p>

<p>While at UR, I didn’t make my way off campus (aside from things within 5 minutes of campus) too often, and in retrospect, I really wish I had. There are a ton of great places in the city. The fan has a bunch of great dining options, there are a ton of various museums, some great parks and festivals. I stayed in Richmond after graduating and quickly realized what I missed out on by only staying near campus, or heading downtown to the bars.</p>

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<p>Investor: Yes, we did visit and UR shot right up to the top of her list. It wasn’t until all her acceptance came in and UR also had the best FA package for her, that she suddenly felt boxed in to UR. I understand her feelings about that. She was accepted at 13 schools…most of them really nice schools. Only 2 of them are financially reasonable. UR and our local state school. She HATED the state school…so did I:(. While YES, she was boxed in to UR…what a lovely box it is:). </p>

<p>Now that she has stumbled upon so much negative information lately, she has tons of doubts and concerns about the social aspect. There are a number of posts like yours and other bloggers indicating they (or at least their kids), have the same concerns and are hopeful to meet other like minded students. My D just isn’t seeing THAT information right now. Sadly,I really think she is in panic mode.</p>

<p>We actually live in Maryland and are quite familiar with the DC area. I would love for D to meet your D. We are going to the admitted students *The Richmond Live[i/] program on 4/18. Will you by chance be there?</p>

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<p>I wish we were going, but we can’t get there. Let’s keep in touch! I hope she really loves the day. I understand her feelings of doubts…let her keep talking them out but do make sure she understands drinking is everywhere but that does not mean she has to be a part of it! Keep in touch. We are really sad we can’t go to accepted students day. PM me if you want! I am right there with you!</p>

10

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I’ve actually been considering substance free dorms for my freshman year. I’m aware that drinking is everywhere, and while the few people I know at UR have expressed that there isn’t pressure to drink in the college, I kind of like the idea of being with like-minded people who don’t want to drink. I did a lot of work with the Red Ribbon Campaign and with drug and alcohol abuse prevention work in my area so I guess it’s a personal choice not to want to drink. I spent three days (consecutively) at Richmond for Richmond Scholars week and I didn’t see any partying that was out of the usual. UR seemed like many of the other colleges I had visited. From what I know, if your D wants to be part of the substance free housing, she won’t be isolated from other freshmen since it is located in a floor of Lora Robins (where the majority of Freshmen girls are housed). I met a person who became part of this as a freshman last year and she found it to be a great experience–it was a good and easy way to make friends since most socializing seems to happen in dorms. </p>

<p>The people I met during those three days explained that they head out to the city in groups. Usually people that explore the city have a car. But I’ve been looking into transportation provided by Richmond and that seems to go to certain parts of the city. </p>

<p>Anyway, I was a little freaked out by the drinking thing at first too because I joined the facebook group and saw a lot of people say they did drink, but, really, I’m a little over it now because anywhere you go you’ll find people drinking. You just have to have strong personal conviction. If you don’t want to drink, no one is going to make you. Just a thought from one upcoming freshman to another.</p>