Virginia Commonwealth University: located in the heart of Richmond, surrounded by the loud incessant noises of the exciting city life, and filled with little nooks of beauty and wonder. This campus is home to thousands of students (31,242 to be exact), faithful RVA locals, and the occasional alumni who come to reminisce on the good ol' days in the great city. VCU is a unique place in and of itself, with a spark of originality and a feeling of curiosity that occupies you with each step you take. Virginia Commonwealth University has more to offer than the gleaming lights of skyscrapers or the sounds of honking horns ... it is filled with much, much more. Here are some examples of why VCU is truly a beautiful place:

1. The churches and cathedrals

VCU is home to beautiful churches and cathedrals, including The Cathedral of The Sacred Heart, which is smack dab in the middle of campus. These amazing structures offer not only an immense amount of beauty on the outside, but on the inside as well. They are breathtaking and astonishing, and something us VCU students take pride over.

2. The street art

Street art and murals are special and close to VCU's heart. Richmond has frequently been acknowledged for having the best street art in the world, and the hard work put into these magnificent pieces doesn't go unnoticed to say the least. Street art can be found in the simplest of places here at VCU, whether it be when walking to class or going out to eat ... they'll somehow find you at every corner.

3. The city

Having a huge city right around the corner from campus is nothing but a benefit to us, providing countless of things to do, at any time of the day. The city is always a fun place to venture to ... whether it be during the day, or at night under the glowing lights of the buildings above you. The city life is what makes VCU ... well, VCU.

4. The sunsets

For some reason or another, the sun seems to hit VCU just right. Every sunset seems to bring a new form of beauty to our eyes, and our windows as well. Colors fill the sky when it's time for the sun to set, and people gaze at what seems to be the most magical sunset ever.

5. The urge to be modernize

VCU has put in an extreme amount of effort to give the school a modern and beautiful touch. Our library has been completely renovated, as well as the Starbucks within it. Many other things on campus are beginning to look brand new, which adds a modern sense to our school.

6. The little cafes and shops

VCU is home to countless numbers of cute cafes and hidden shops. Everywhere you turn around campus you can find a good place to eat, as well as shop.

7. The originality

VCU, and Richmond in general, is known for being unique. Its overall atmosphere is filled with creativity and originality.

8. The range of seasons

VCU maintains beauty no matter what season it's in. Whether it's absorbing the rainfall from a Spring storm, or melting the ice off of its sidewalks after that January blizzard ... VCU stays the unique and beautiful place it was before.

10. The people

VCU has some great people. Whether they are students, faculty, alumni, Richmond locals ... they're some over the nicest and least judgmental people that I've ever met. The diversity we have at VCU contributes to its beauty, and makes it a place that welcomes everyone.

So there you have it, Virginia Commonwealth University. People underestimate the beauty of this school, but should pay more attention to what doesn't meet the eye at first glance. After all, VCU is truly a beautiful place to be.