Virginia Commonwealth University Off-Campus Housing Guide When to search
The search for off campus apartments near VCU is most active after winter break. Most students begin to look for VCU houses for rent in the months of March and April. However, if summer rolls around and you realize you're still apartment-less, don't worry-you'll most likely still be able to find a place.
Rent In Richmond, VA
Rent prices in Richmond can vary depending on a number of things, though they tend to be fairly reasonable considering the city's metropolitan location and rich culture. Many students choose to live in the Fan District or the nearby Monroe Ward, as they are within close proximity to VCU's main campus. However, it's not uncommon for students to venture into Downtown Richmond or even the historic Shockoe Bottom to find a VCU apartment for students, though rent at these places can be more expensive. Some places near campus come with utilities included in rent which can come off expensive but certainly is a desirable deal.
You will generally be able to rent a bedroom for less than $600 per month, but choosing to live with more roommates can definitely save you some cash.
Here's a breakdown of average rents per person, per bedroom
| Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $889.00 | $895.00 | $593.00 | $594.00 | $565.00 |
Life in Richmond, VA Where to Have Fun
The majority of Richmond's tourism in is centered around its Civil War history and the Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, Richmond is also well known for its bustling downtown area that truly has something for everyone: shopping, restaurants, bars, salons, and plenty of live entertainment.
Highlights include:
- American Civil War Museum
- Hollywood Cemetery
- Local Craft Breweries (Hardywood, Triple Crossing, Strangeways, etc.)
- Canal Walk
Dining
The VCU campus is incredibly walkable, meaning the best bars and restaurants in Richmond are only a few steps away. Students hoping to dine off campus often head over to Carytown, an area in the heart of Downtown Richmond with a diverse list of off-campus restaurants, bars, and shops. Make sure to check out these popular student hangouts during your time at VCU:
Best Restaurants:
- Edo's Squid
- Ipanema Cafe
- Mojo's Philadeli
- The Village Cafe
*Honorable Mention: Food trucks
Best Bars:
- Baja Bean Company
- Ipanema
- The Black Sheep
- Bellytimber
Outdoors
Richmond, VA is full of outdoor opportunities just waiting to be tapped, but authentic outdoor adventure trips can be pricey-who knew nature wasn't free? Lucky for you, VCU sponsors an Outdoor Adventure Program that offers students and faculty the opportunity to explore the area and participate in outdoor activities for cheap. Take advantage of the guided trips, hiking, biking, rafting, equipment rentals and more before you graduate.