University of Richmond is gorgeous on sunny fall day, and feels very classic LAC but with a southern warmth. As we wandered around trying to figure out where we were on our little map, a professor and his wife came up with their dog. They showed us around campus, answered questions, and chatted with D about what she wants to study, etc. They told us about their daughter who graduated from Richmond as a classics major. Great representatives for the school!
We both thought the architecture was beautiful, and it didn’t feel too manicured or too perfect like people sometimes say. I love that they have built the new buildings to blend in, and the artistic details are truly lovely. The spider logo didn’t bother D at all, but she wasn’t a fan of the wolf-spider mascot, although it wouldn’t factor in a decision.
It was Saturday around noon, so it probably makes sense that the campus was a little quiet, other than a baseball game, people walking their dogs, and a few small groups of students (who just looked like typical college students—no certain vibe). There were students in the library studying silently (they let us use the restroom).
After exploring campus a bit more, we went to Carytown, a restaurant/shopping district about a 15 min drive away that students apparently like. It was funky, cute and packed with people. D19 would have loved it, but D21 is not a foodie, and isn’t really drawn to that boho feel (plus, she hates the smell of pot?).
We also went to Pony Pasture on the river, which is a popular spot with students (less than 10 min drive from campus). It’s very pretty, and there were people kayaking, biking and hiking. I know they raft and swim there too.
After a couple of hours at Richmond, D21 wanted to head back to W&M. This is where D19 goes, so we’ve been there many times, but D21 has always had trouble deciding whether it could be the right school for her. She waffled about it this summer before she suddenly wanted to do more small LAC visits. I thought maybe we should stay at Richmond today to see more students, but I let her lead, so we drove to Williamsburg. When we walked across old campus to the entrance to the Sunken Gardens, she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “this is it.” (She can be a little dramatic?.) Her sister is at home in NY for the semester, so it was the first time it had been just D21 on campus.
Right now, she’s thinking ED W&M, and starting to worry that she won’t be accepted. It still hasn’t sunk in for me . . . if she wavers again, I will strongly counsel her not to apply ED. (But I’m also secretly thrilled at the thought of them possibly being at the same school—as long as it’s really right for D21!)
