Support and Services
VCU is here to support you throughout your VCU journey, from pre-admission advising to career services after you graduate. Academic support and advising are other ways we'll help you get the most out of your VCU experience.
From understanding and applying for financial aid, to planning a budget while you're in school and beyond, VCU staff and financial counselors are here to help. You will be empowered to become financially literate and fiscally responsible through personalized service, outreach, education and programming.
Financial aid
Prior to each year of college, fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal grants, work-study and loans. The information you provide on the FAFSA will help VCU determine your federal aid eligibility. After VCU reviews your FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report and your award offer from each one if eligibility is determined. One of the requirements of continuing financial aid eligibility is that you must make satisfactory academic progress in your degree program.
Cost of attendance
Whether you're planning to attend as an undergraduate or post-undergraduate, part-time or full-time, or in-state or out-of-state student, you can use our calculator to determine the per-semester cost of attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Please note the calculator provides an estimate of expenses and may not reflect the complete cost of tuition, fees and other charges. Visit the Student Financial Services website for the tuition and fees calculator.
Academic support is the support outside of your classes. The resources listed here will help you excel in the classroom.
Academic Advising
All students are assigned an academic advisor. You can find your advisor on Navigate. Advisors can help you with degree planning, major maps, course selection, navigating academic policies and more. Make appointments with your advisor early and often! First-year, undeclared and pre-health students can visit University Academic Advising for more information. Upperclass students with declared majors can visit VCU Advising.
Career Services
VCU Career Services supports students and recent alumni as they explore their interests and gain experience to reach their career goals. The Career Services team provides individual advising, as well as career resources and guides. They offer ways to search for jobs, internships and other experiential and employment opportunities, as well as customized career events, focused on skill-building, learning about industries and career paths, and networking with employers and alumni. To schedule an appointment, schedule via Handshake.
Campus Learning Center
The Campus Learning Center oversees all tutoring, Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), and academic coaching, as well as the Science Hub. The CLC is a partner in your success as a student. Visit them for support in course content, study skills and other learning strategies - best of all, it's free!
Writing Center
The Writing Center serves undergraduate and graduate students, providing in-person appointments, online consultations and workshops. The writing consultants can help you with brainstorming, collaboration, feedback and development.
Family support is important to your success as a student. Below are some resources that can help you as you transition back to being a student while supporting your family. See additional resources on the VCU HR website.
Childcare
Finding a safe place for your child to grow and thrive while earning your degree is important. We encourage you to look at these resources as a starting point in finding the best place for your family.
The Virginia Department of Social Services lets you search for licensed daycare centers and licensed in-home child care facilities. You can search for daycare options by name, location, and zip code.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) allows you to check the accreditation of daycare centers.
Lactation rooms
VCU has lactation rooms available for students, faculty and staff on MPC and MCV. Visit the VCU Student Affairs site for a map of lactation room locations and how to gain access.
Housing
Adult and non-traditional students can choose to live on or off campus at VCU. If you are interested in on-campus housing, you should reach out directly to Residential Life and Housing. If you need a place to live off campus in Richmond, you can start your research with the VCU Off-Campus Housing website, where you can filter by bedroom, bathroom, amenities and pricing. You can also connect with the Richmond Housing Authority.
At VCU, we know holistic wellness is important to your success as a student. There are a variety of offices that can help you focus on your physical and mental well-being.
University Counseling Services provides counseling, consultation, advocacy and prevention services to current VCU students and their partners. UCS provides a compassionate and welcoming atmosphere that creates spaces for healing and growth. USC demonstrates its commitment to social justice and cultural sensitivity through validation, empowerment and building wide-ranging relationships. These services are free and confidential.
University Student Health Services is located on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Students can make an appointment for a variety of services including primary care, lab work or sick care.
VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) has the goal of empowering the VCU community to prioritize well-being, connect with others and learn through play. You can work out at the gym, participate in group exercise classes, kayak down the James River, learn about meditation, and more!
Nutrition: Food is fuel! There are a few offices that can support you with your nutrition needs.
Student Health has a registered dietitian nutritionist on staff, who offers free in-depth nutrition consultations for VCU students. The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for VCU Dine is located in Shafer Court Dining Center and can help you with one-on-one consultations, tour the dining facilities, and assist with allergies and special dietary needs. To contact the RDN, call (804) 828-0306 or email dietitian@vcu.edu.
RamPantry ensures that no student in the VCU community goes hungry by providing access to nutritious food. Ram Pantry is located 930 West Grace Street. Refer to the website for operating hours, intake forms and special events. If you have questions, email rampantry@vcu.edu.