<p>My D is looking at grad programs at each of these schools. Can anyone tell me about the areas these schools are in? We’ve heard that VCU is in a high crime area. Know nothing about either area.</p>
<p>VCU is in a high crime area. that said…it has exceptional programs in the arts and in social work among others and I know a lot of very happy kids just out of undergrad who live near the Fan district or near Shockoe Slip. Richmond is quite manageable as a city and has a great arts community. Cary Street is also a charming region of intown vibrancy and shopping.</p>
<p>I have a friend on the faculty at the University of MD Baltimore and she is very happy but very vigilant when going to the parking lots…she does take precautions and is careful. Baltimore has serious issues but can be a very fun city to reside in as well. Lots of cultural opportunities and I personally love the whole Chesapeake region.</p>
<p>That’s interesting that you mentioned the social work program. My wife has a MSW from VCU (she lived on the avenue with all the statues) and an MPH from Hopkins (commuted from DC). The area around Hopkins medical is the pits.</p>
<p>Yeah…Monument Avenue with the statues of largely Civil War Generals is interesting …now it has hometown hero Arthur Ashe, tennis great as a great feature.</p>
<p>VCU School of Social Work is a highly regarded program nationally…as are the graphic arts and sculpture programs of VCU.</p>
<p>VCU biomedical research is excellent also. DS has been at VCU for almost 3 years and has spent time at both the Monroe and MCV campus; he enjoys the area but takes precautions. When he is out at night, he is always with a group. He locks his room as well as the door to his quad. He carries the minimum amount of cash on him. </p>
<p>He likes the mix of students. He is studying science but he loves hanging out with art students. And there are interdisciplinary research opportunities galore.</p>