====Virginia Commonwealth Univ. c/o 2011====

[tater2]

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I've been to Richmond a bunch of times and really like the downtown area...particularly around Shockoe Slip...do you live near there downtown or somewhere else? Also...do students tend to live in that area? I think it seems great...but I don't live there so it's hard to tell if I'd be happy actually living around there...ok...thanks!

Yes. I live about 6 blocks up from Shockoe Slip and will probably be moving into the slip or bottom at the end of the summer. I like downtown, I'm addicted to walking to class, and if I lived in the fan I would probably miss a lot more class then I do now. But it depends on your preference. Some people find the fan more homey and like that they can street park and some people feel safer. I like downtown because it is closer and has a more professional atmosphere (no undergrads). Either way you'll end up going out with friends in both areas and it's about $7 cab ride between the two so it's not a huge deal. I would recommend between 12th and 22nd streets in downtown. They tend to be the safest and more populated areas.

 

[extremefocus]

+ve, sorry to hear about the small scholarship. Have you tried looking for outside scholarshiips from fastweb or any other site? Just an idea... Anyway, how was second look?

By the way, I got accepted way back in October and I received an e-mail about second look but I never got the actual package; needless to say, I didn't go. I have not gotten any info about financial aid but I just got a full tuition, books, and fees scholarship through the military so I'm not really trippin.

I will most likely be attending VCU, but I am still holding out for two other schools. The more I hear other people excited about going and others wishing they could go, the more I lean towards going even if I do get into the other two.

 

[extremefocus]

Seeing as how I'm moving all the way from Cali, I will probably start my move in july so that I can get comfy b 4 school. I want to buy a house and possibly rent out the rooms so I will definitely need to start looking in june.

 

[iheartcheerios]

wow, does everyone really move that early? i was thinking of just moving a week or so before orientation. what do most people do? btw i'm not going to buy a place and don't have to worry about moving a whole family - just myself and some suitcases.

 

[BQ24]

I was thinking of moving down the end of July, maybe first weekend in August.

 

[Grimlock]

Does anyone know what approximate rent prices are for the downtown area?

 

[extremefocus]

I am moving in July so that I have time to get settled in before school starts. I really don't think that is too early. I also want to have time to explore the city because I havent been there since the interview.

The best way to find rental rates is on the internet; try richmondvirginia.com or something like that. They should have a real estate section.

 

[+ve]

I plan on moving a week before orientation say between August 3 - 6. I'm considering the fan area (boundary is belvidere - boulevard, broad - cary), area between undergrad and med campus (east of belvidere street down to 7th street), and shockoe slip (12th - 14th street on Main & Cary) -- I don't like shockoe bottom (anything from 16th street up). I'll be going back to Richmond within the next month to explore these areas and check out some apartments, but probaly won't finalize and secure one until mid-late june. I don't want to drive to class every day because parking around MCV blows and you have to walk up a steep hill. My plan is to either live close enough to walk to school, or along the VCU campus connector shuttle route. Do you guys plan on living alone or having a roommate? I would like a place all to myself at least first semester/year while I adjust to med school.

 

[+ve]

+ve, sorry to hear about the small scholarship. Have you tried looking for outside scholarshiips from fastweb or any other site? Just an idea... Anyway, how was second look?

By the way, I got accepted way back in October and I received an e-mail about second look but I never got the actual package; needless to say, I didn't go. I have not gotten any info about financial aid but I just got a full tuition, books, and fees scholarship through the military so I'm not really trippin.

I will most likely be attending VCU, but I am still holding out for two other schools. The more I hear other people excited about going and others wishing they could go, the more I lean towards going even if I do get into the other two.

Second look was nice-- there were only about 12 or 13 students of which half are on the waiting list. The meagre scholarship sucks big time but there's not much I can do. I will have to sacrifice a lot of money to go to the school I'm happiest and most comfortable with. Hopefully, I don't regret my decision down the line...

 

[C.P. Jones]

there was a 2nd look that WLers got to go to? i'm guessing they invited ppl high on the WL, meaning i must be lower 😕

 

[+ve]

there was a 2nd look that WLers got to go to? i'm guessing they invited ppl high on the WL, meaning i must be lower 😕

Relax-- the second look was organized by the office of student outreach for accepted URM. They also invited those on the waiting list just incase they do get in. I don't believe it had anything to do with their position on waiting list. Personally, I wish the school also had a second look for everyone cos' I would have loved to meet more of my potential classmates. Perhaps our class can convince them to start one!

 

[C.P. Jones]

Relax-- the second look was organized by the office of student outreach for accepted URM. They also invited those on the waiting list just incase they do get in. I don't believe it had anything to do with their position on waiting list. Personally, I wish the school also had a second look for everyone cos' I would have loved to meet more of my potential classmates. Perhaps our class can convince them to start one!

thanks! more schools need 2nd looks....NYMC doesn't have a 2nd look either.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Does anyone know what approximate rent prices are for the downtown area?

Rent is going to depend on how nice of a place you get and whether you have a room mate or not.

Singles can be small and generally run from 650 and up (expect around 700)

If you get a roomate you will probably be looking at 450 and up (expect 500)

Prices are a touch more expensive downtown compared to the fan, but not much. I pay 500 and have one room mate.

 

[Tangent]

I plan on moving a week before orientation say between August 3 - 6. I'm considering the fan area (boundary is belvidere - boulevard, broad - cary), area between undergrad and med campus (east of belvidere street down to 7th street), and shockoe slip (12th - 14th street on Main & Cary) -- I don't like shockoe bottom (anything from 16th street up). I'll be going back to Richmond within the next month to explore these areas and check out some apartments, but probaly won't finalize and secure one until mid-late june. I don't want to drive to class every day because parking around MCV blows and you have to walk up a steep hill. My plan is to either live close enough to walk to school, or along the VCU campus connector shuttle route. Do you guys plan on living alone or having a roommate? I would like a place all to myself at least first semester/year while I adjust to med school.

There is a shuttle that drives you up the hill from the parking lot; it comes every few minutes. Also there are other lots that are on the west side of MCV, these are a little bit further, but no hill. A lot of people walk to school, but if you find a place you like a little further away and are going to have to drive in, I wouldn't worry too much about parking. (You do have to buy a parking pass to use these lots)

 

[mglavin]

orientation stuff is up on the application status website

gogogogogo

 

[iheartcheerios]

orientation stuff is up on the application status website

gogogogogo

what date exactly is the white coat ceremony? i couldn't find it there...maybe i missed it. can someone please tell me?

also what are we supposed to wear to that? it says professional dress...what does that mean? can i still wear a dress? i don't have any 'professional dresses.'

 

[BQ24]

what date exactly is the white coat ceremony? i couldn't find it there...maybe i missed it. can someone please tell me?

also what are we supposed to wear to that? it says professional dress...what does that mean? can i still wear a dress? i don't have any 'professional dresses.'

August 16th I believe..

 

[tater2]

what date exactly is the white coat ceremony? i couldn't find it there...maybe i missed it. can someone please tell me?

also what are we supposed to wear to that? it says professional dress...what does that mean? can i still wear a dress? i don't have any 'professional dresses.'

So, to be frank, they basically mean don't look slutty or sloppy. A good dress with a cardigan will do it (think church clothes) and for guys it's shirt with a tie.

My roommate is an M1 here and has already done all this fun stuff.

 

[JuliaMDinSD]

Hey,
I'm probably going to be in VCU's class of 2011 (OOS). I'm really excited!
I was just wondering if current students or especially knowledgeable MS0's can comment about any specific things that are particularly nice or terrible about the curriculum. The prevailing theme when I see VCU come up in the pre-allo forum is "VCU, I've heard only good things" but I haven't been able to find out much about what academic life at MCV is like. Is there a note-taking or lecture-taping service, are there opportunities for academic/career counselling, how extensive is the use of PBL, do people go to lectures? i've heard that the computer system is great? How do people do on the boards and are classes taught to the boards, or are there board prep classes of any kind? I know the hospitals are great, but how do people feel about their clinical training after years 3 and 4? The match list looks pretty good!!
I think I've learned enough about Richmond as a city (especially on my visit), but I just want to know how people feel about the academic side of things, preclinical and clinical both.
Thanks!!!!!

 

[Instatewaiter]

Hey,
The prevailing theme when I see VCU come up in the pre-allo forum is "VCU, I've heard only good things" but I haven't been able to find out much about what academic life at MCV is like. Is there a note-taking or lecture-taping service, are there opportunities for academic/career counselling, how extensive is the use of PBL, do people go to lectures? i've heard that the computer system is great? How do people do on the boards and are classes taught to the boards, or are there board prep classes of any kind? I know the hospitals are great, but how do people feel about their clinical training after years 3 and 4? The match list looks pretty good!!
I think I've learned enough about Richmond as a city (especially on my visit), but I just want to know how people feel about the academic side of things, preclinical and clinical both.
Thanks!!!!!

Three is no note taking service but for each class you are given a syllabus which amounts to a group of condensed notes from each professor. So you have exactly what you need to know in front of you. Syllabi can be lengthy but much better than using texts. Besides Bates for FCM, an anatomy atlas and one for neuro you dont need any books. So dont buy any except Bates, Netter/Rohens and Haines.

There is also no lecture taping service. But again, you dont really need one since literally everything you need to know is in the syllabus. For this reason there are a lot of people who dont go to class. I would say a good 1/8 of the class does not attend lectures. They do just as well as everyone else if not better.

PBL use is very minimal and confined to the first 2 months of school. You will have around 6 PBL sessions in those months in the afternoons. That is a good thing because PBL is a ridiculous idea first year since you have no idea of the pathological states. It is a collosal waste of time since no one has any idea what is going on.

I dont know what you are talking about career counseling but if you mean does the administration offer counseling then yes. If you are doing poorly they offer tutors too. And if you are psycho they offer that kind of counseling too. Oh I'm sorry that was politically incorrect, I meant crazy.

Computer system is great. CBIL ( the study area that you guys were taken to during the tour) is going to be revamped over the summer. There is a good deal of computer use including tests and for histo slides.

People do well on the boards, while the average hovers around the nat'l average, this may be because of the admissions policies of MCV. They tend to be forgiving about MCAT scores so certain groups will do poorly (ie pass but not that high) while others will pass with flying colors. Two years ago we had someone get in the 270s which is essentially the equivalent of getting a 45 on the MCAT. Linda Costanzo teaches the board prep course and sets a game plan for each student individually. She is nationally known as the phys guru. People have equated her teaching our board review course with Jesus teaching your Sunday school class. Classes are not taught to the boards but at the same time they are not going to toss in something that is neither clinically or board relevant.

Clinical training is the strongest point of MCV. If anything is weak it is the basic science curriculum... and that is not weak.

 

[tandski]

Hey I was recently accepted and I have been looking for housing. Does anyone know of a good area for students with families (wife and kids)? I really don't know anyone there to give me a heads up on good or bad neighborhoods for families.
Thanks in advance

 

[Instatewaiter]

Good neighbor hoods generally are in the west end. A good areas to look are around the Freeman and Godwin School districts. Those are also pretty decent schools.

I grew up here so if you want to bounce some areas off me go ahead and PM me.

 

[iheartcheerios]

instatewaiter mentioned that lectures are not taped. during our interview tour they told us that lectures (just the audio) are available to download. i even remember something about allowing us to check out ipod shuffles to listen to the lectures. is that still happening? i think it'd be nice to be able to go back to the lectures if you nod off for a bit during class.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Either I have missed something this entire year or that is a second year thing or perhaps a new thing they are going to introduce next year.

They are totally revamping the CBIL (computer based Instructive learning) and with it all of the computer and electronic resources. So it stands to reason that the IPOD thing is going to be something that they are adding. Honestly if they said it on the tours I can't imagine that it is not true.

I can tell you that literally everything you are going to need is in the syllabus. If I have to miss a class (*dont want to get out of bed) I dont have to worry because they will cover nothing extra that is not in the syllabus. So I can just read the syllabus and be well prepared.

There are people who literally dont come to class, master what is in the syllabus and blow the tests out of the water.

 

[HB Maid Marian]

So I'm having a tough time deciding between VCU and SUNY Buffalo. I'm like 90% leaning towards VCU, but my family wants me to go to Buffalo because tuition is about $65,000 cheaper there for the 4 years. Money is the only thing that's making me ponder over this decision. Anyone have any thoughts that could help me? My problem before was getting in at all, and now choosing between schools seems almost as bad!

 

[Sparkler]

Has anyone checked out the Faces Book (I guess it's different from the traditional "facebook") for VCU? I sent my info. in, but I'm not sure how to access it...Thanks!

VCU/MCV 2011 😍

 

[itnstalln]

Has anyone checked out the Faces Book (I guess it's different from the traditional "facebook") for VCU? I sent my info. in, but I'm not sure how to access it...Thanks!

VCU/MCV 2011 😍

You probably won't be able to access it until your orientation week. Last year they put together a montage of the pictures and names and played it sometime during the week.

 

[itnstalln]

Either I have missed something this entire year or that is a second year thing or perhaps a new thing they are going to introduce next year.

They are totally revamping the CBIL (computer based Instructive learning) and with it all of the computer and electronic resources. So it stands to reason that the IPOD thing is going to be something that they are adding. Honestly if they said it on the tours I can't imagine that it is not true.

I can tell you that literally everything you are going to need is in the syllabus. If I have to miss a class (*dont want to get out of bed) I dont have to worry because they will cover nothing extra that is not in the syllabus. So I can just read the syllabus and be well prepared.

There are people who literally dont come to class, master what is in the syllabus and blow the tests out of the water.

I too must have missed something. They currently DO NOT have audio/video of lectures. However, I recently discovered the board reviews for the M2 students is available as streaming audio (Real Media Format). Maybe that was a test run, I dunno though.

 

[Vizsla]

So I'm having a tough time deciding between VCU and SUNY Buffalo. I'm like 90% leaning towards VCU, but my family wants me to go to Buffalo because tuition is about $65,000 cheaper there for the 4 years. Money is the only thing that's making me ponder over this decision. Anyone have any thoughts that could help me? My problem before was getting in at all, and now choosing between schools seems almost as bad!

if it were me, I would go to Buffalo. VCU is a solid school but not worth losing out on saving 65 grand. Then again, you will be spending 4 yrs of your life at whichever school you choose so you want it to be the palce that gave you the best feeling during interview day. If you honestly can say you would be happier/more successful at VCU, then I guess we will see you in the fall. good luck with your decision

 

[Vizsla]

instatewaiter mentioned that lectures are not taped. during our interview tour they told us that lectures (just the audio) are available to download. i even remember something about allowing us to check out ipod shuffles to listen to the lectures. is that still happening? i think it'd be nice to be able to go back to the lectures if you nod off for a bit during class.

did you interview @ gw? i remember them giving this exact ipod spiel during the interview ...maybe youre confusing the two?

 

[ScubaSteve2011]

Maybe I'm just not that savy with the VCU website, but I cannot find this "orientation website" link. I was curious as to info on orientation schedule, white coat ceremony, etc. that I called their office and after a few transfers around the phone was told all my answers could be answered via this website. Someone from the curriculum office even mentioned that the exam schedule for the year would even be on it. If someone can post a hyperlink, I'd appreciate it!

OH! for those looking for apartments. I found this amazing one the other day and signed it. I used http://richmond.craigslist.com (basically a glorified classified ad). There were quite a few single bedroom apt for $575-750 range as well as those expensive $1200 ones. Because I'm not too familiar with the Richmond area I also had google maps opened.

Hope to see all of you in the fall!

 

[FutureDoc2011]

Hey Everyone - Just wanted to say that I've been accepted to VCU and look fwd to attending! The wait-list gods must've been smiling down on me 😀 Looking fwd to meeting you all soon! 👍

 

[Carmenita79]

I just wanted to say hi too. I recently got in off of the waitlst and I am 90% sure I will be going to Richmond. Can't wait to meet everyone!

 

[pseudoknot]

Maybe I'm just not that savy with the VCU website, but I cannot find this "orientation website" link. I was curious as to info on orientation schedule, white coat ceremony, etc. that I called their office and after a few transfers around the phone was told all my answers could be answered via this website. Someone from the curriculum office even mentioned that the exam schedule for the year would even be on it. If someone can post a hyperlink, I'd appreciate it!

http://www.admissions.som.vcu.edu/orientation/

 

[rachitdoshi]

Hey Guys,
I got off the waitlist too and I am sure I will be attending VCU in fall!

I still need to figure out housing and was wondering if you guys had any advice on how much 1 bedroom apartments cost in the fan area. I plan to live by myself

Thanks guys

 

[FutureDoc2011]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the offer package to come in the mail? I just got my acceptance and paid my deposit last Thursday (6/7)?

Thanks! 👍

 

[Carmenita79]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the offer package to come in the mail? I just got my acceptance and paid my deposit last Thursday (6/7)?

Thanks! 👍

I got my acceptance the same day and haven't received anything in the mail yet, but I thought they did everything by email.

 

[FutureDoc2011]

I got my acceptance the same day and haven't received anything in the mail yet, but I thought they did everything by email.

Thanks Carmenita! I just sent them an email today and will keep you posted if I hear anything.

 

[Sparkler]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the offer package to come in the mail? I just got my acceptance and paid my deposit last Thursday (6/7)?

Thanks! 👍

Hey, congrats on your acceptance!! I think I received the letter something like a week or two after I got the email...hope that helps.

See you in 2 months! 🙂

 

[McSnubbs]

Whatsup guys.. another post-waitlister here. Looking forward to August!!!

Cheers!

 

[FutureDoc2011]

Hey, congrats on your acceptance!! I think I received the letter something like a week or two after I got the email...hope that helps.

See you in 2 months! 🙂

Perfect. Thanks! 😀

 

[FutureDoc2011]

Whatsup guys.. another post-waitlister here. Looking forward to August!!!

Cheers!

Congrats! I know there's a forum that people have been posting to at VCU as well as one on Facebook. Check it out if you get a chance 👍

 

[Carmenita79]

Does anyone know what the common banks in Richmond are? What ATMs are on-campus/in the hospital?

thanks.

 

[Vizsla]

Does anyone know what the common banks in Richmond are? What ATMs are on-campus/in the hospital?

thanks.

hey i just PMed you. you should prob open a Wachovia acct. Theres a branch right across from Sanger Hall and theres an ATM in the hospital. Also your VCU ID card can be activated so you can use it as a Wachovia bank card.

 

[nka1985]

Well, it looks like I'm going to be joining you guys in August! Dr. WC just told me not to bother with secondaries for reapplying, because she is sure I will receive an acceptance email within the next week, but maybe even sooner because she's looking at the list this afternoon. HOORAY! When I get the email, it will be my first acceptance.

Only now I realize I have to figure out how to get from CA to VA. Not that I'm complaining....LOL. I had a few questions for you guys though, since you've had longer to make plans. When did you find out about financial aid? Do we just assume we'll have complete financing somehow, whether loans or whatever, and find somewhere affordable to live?

And where to live...? I've heard good things about the fan area, but what area is considered the fan? I don't mind a bit of a drive to school even, because I have a car, I just want somewhere clean, safe, and relatively affordable to live. And somewhere pet-friendly. If anyone is familiar with the area, can you let me know where some good areas are to look? I'm going to get a map so I can mark out areas for my search. Thanks!🙂

 

[Carmenita79]

Well, it looks like I'm going to be joining you guys in August! Dr. WC just told me not to bother with secondaries for reapplying, because she is sure I will receive an acceptance email within the next week, but maybe even sooner because she's looking at the list this afternoon. HOORAY! When I get the email, it will be my first acceptance.

Only now I realize I have to figure out how to get from CA to VA. Not that I'm complaining....LOL. I had a few questions for you guys though, since you've had longer to make plans. When did you find out about financial aid? Do we just assume we'll have complete financing somehow, whether loans or whatever, and find somewhere affordable to live?

And where to live...? I've heard good things about the fan area, but what area is considered the fan? I don't mind a bit of a drive to school even, because I have a car, I just want somewhere clean, safe, and relatively affordable to live. And somewhere pet-friendly. If anyone is familiar with the area, can you let me know where some good areas are to look? I'm going to get a map so I can mark out areas for my search. Thanks!🙂

Congrats!!! You must be really excited and relieved!!

If you don't mind living with roommates, there are a couple of places listed on the MCV 2011 facebook page. Also once you get the official acceptance letter you'll get a password for the matriculant forum which has some housing info. Also, I think there are a lot of apartments and roommate situations on craigslist. Other than that I think +ve posted the boundaries for the specific neighborhoods in an earlier post. The fan does seem like a cool area and if you are close to the undergrad library, there is a shuttle to MCV that runs until midnight. Downtown, Church Hill and Shockhoe Slip/Bottom seem popular with students too.

 

[buffettfan]

When are people thinking of moving in and settling into the city? My lease doesnt start till like aug 10 so I was going to move that weekend before Orientation but hoping I dont miss a lot of the fun being had. I was just seeing when others were moving that were coming from some distance.

 

[Instatewaiter]

And where to live...? I've heard good things about the fan area, but what area is considered the fan? I don't mind a bit of a drive to school even, because I have a car, I just want somewhere clean, safe, and relatively affordable to live. And somewhere pet-friendly. If anyone is familiar with the area, can you let me know where some good areas are to look? I'm going to get a map so I can mark out areas for my search. Thanks!🙂

This picture should help you figure it out a bit better.

in the above picture MCV is located right above where the purple line intersects the O of downtown

Sketch areas that you probably don't want to live in include: oregon hill, Jackson ward, Randolph or anything with court in it (ie Gilpin court). Also, dont live right across the river from downtown (ie called manchester on the second picture). Finally dont live too far north of broad street in church hill. For those of you that went to the financial aid workshop the director lady told you that Jackson ward is a good area to live in. I pretty much crapped myself when she told you that. Jackson ward is a really sketchy, really dangerous part of Richmond. Don't live there.
.

Here is a second picture that shows things a bit further east

Here MCV is located right around where it says "court end"

The Fan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_District
Note that while Wikipedia doesnt consider west of boulevard 'the fan' many in Richmond do. Others refer to west of boulevard as "the museum district." Either way it is nice to live near carytown (shopping/eating area). You will be good living pretty much anywhere in the fan area. But the further away (west) from the undergrad campus, the quieter things will be. Generally around the 2000 block (of streets parallel w/ broad st) you should be in good shape. Other considerations are that there are a lot of bars on Robinson. So you might want to live around there (i think about 2500 block). The further west you go, generally the safer things get.

Church Hill: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Hill
Note that you dont want to live very far north of Broad street. If you can, stay SOUTH of broad street (red line going up church hill). Really I cant stress this enough. If you go like 10 blocks north of broad around church hill you will get shot. Only half kidding about this. South of broad street has some very beautiful areas and some very nice apts. North of broad is a great place to buy crack. You see the dark black line going north of church hill, that is where the projects are and is arguably one of the most dangerous area of Richmond. So stay away from it.

Shockoe Bottom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockoe_Bottom
Apts are spotted throughout here generally above shops or in converted industrial buildings. The apts generally have a lot of character but, it can get loud if you are near the clubs/bars. Most of my class lives in the bottom so that is a consideration, plus it is nice and close to MCV. Basically on a decent day you can walk from the bottom. Things can get pricey here but if you look you can find a cheap place.

Other notables are the west end and the southside. Unless you have kids, these are kinda far. If you have kids: freeman and godwin school districts are good in the west end.

PM me if you have questions.

 

[Sparkler]

CONGRATULATIONS, nka!!! I know how long you have been waiting

Well, it looks like I'm going to be joining you guys in August! Dr. WC just told me not to bother with secondaries for reapplying, because she is sure I will receive an acceptance email within the next week, but maybe even sooner because she's looking at the list this afternoon. HOORAY! When I get the email, it will be my first acceptance.

Only now I realize I have to figure out how to get from CA to VA. Not that I'm complaining....LOL. I had a few questions for you guys though, since you've had longer to make plans. When did you find out about financial aid? Do we just assume we'll have complete financing somehow, whether loans or whatever, and find somewhere affordable to live?

And where to live...? I've heard good things about the fan area, but what area is considered the fan? I don't mind a bit of a drive to school even, because I have a car, I just want somewhere clean, safe, and relatively affordable to live. And somewhere pet-friendly. If anyone is familiar with the area, can you let me know where some good areas are to look? I'm going to get a map so I can mark out areas for my search. Thanks!🙂

 

[nka1985]

This picture should help you figure it out a bit better.

in the above picture MCV is located right above where the purple line intersects the O of downtown

Sketch areas that you probably don't want to live in include: oregon hill, Jackson ward, Randolph or anything with court in it (ie Gilpin court). Also, dont live right across the river from downtown (ie called manchester on the second picture). Finally dont live too far north of broad street in church hill. For those of you that went to the financial aid workshop the director lady told you that Jackson ward is a good area to live in. I pretty much crapped myself when she told you that. Jackson ward is a really sketchy, really dangerous part of Richmond. Don't live there.
.

Here is a second picture that shows things a bit further east

Here MCV is located right around where it says "court end"

The Fan: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_District
Note that while Wikipedia doesnt consider west of boulevard 'the fan' many in Richmond do. Others refer to west of boulevard as "the museum district." Either way it is nice to live near carytown (shopping/eating area). You will be good living pretty much anywhere in the fan area. But the further away (west) from the undergrad campus, the quieter things will be. Generally around the 2000 block (of streets parallel w/ broad st) you should be in good shape. Other considerations are that there are a lot of bars on Robinson. So you might want to live around there (i think about 2500 block). The further west you go, generally the safer things get.

Church Hill: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Hill
Note that you dont want to live very far north of Broad street. If you can, stay SOUTH of broad street (red line going up church hill). Really I cant stress this enough. If you go like 10 blocks north of broad around church hill you will get shot. Only half kidding about this. South of broad street has some very beautiful areas and some very nice apts. North of broad is a great place to buy crack. You see the dark black line going north of church hill, that is where the projects are and is arguably one of the most dangerous area of Richmond. So stay away from it.

Shockoe Bottom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockoe_Bottom
Apts are spotted throughout here generally above shops or in converted industrial buildings. The apts generally have a lot of character but, it can get loud if you are near the clubs/bars. Most of my class lives in the bottom so that is a consideration, plus it is nice and close to MCV. Basically on a decent day you can walk from the bottom. Things can get pricey here but if you look you can find a cheap place.

Other notables are the west end and the southside. Unless you have kids, these are kinda far. If you have kids: freeman and godwin school districts are good in the west end.

PM me if you have questions.

Thanks so much Instatewaiter! That's all really helpful info.

And thanks Sparkler! I'm still waiting for the actual acceptance because the list seems to have slowed a bit, but Dr. WC said she is "very close" to my name, and she should be able to tell me by Thursday.