Just like any other college or university, Radford has its strengths and weaknesses. Some of Radford's strengths and weaknesses are more widely known than others. Here are some facts that us Radford students know all too well.
1. We can basically walk anywhere in the city of Radford.
Many other universities use "drunk busses" and taxis to either get on and off campus or to go out on weekends, but not at RU. Here, we can walk anywhere. Classes are never more than a 10-minute walk from your apartment, and bars like BT's and Macado's are even closer (depending on whether you live on Light Side or Dark Side). This brings me to my next point...
2. We love explaining the differences between "Light Side" and "Dark Side" to students at other universities.
Although you don't want to admit it, you know it's true. Light Side and Dark Side are staple terms in the Radford student language, and it's one of the unique qualities that makes Radford's landscape one of a kind. After learning the difference between the two areas (probably freshman year), you felt like you really did belong, and soon you would pick a side of your own.
3. Radford rarely cancels classes.
Even if you turn all of your clothes inside out, put a spoon under your pillow, pray to the snow gods, and call the President yourself, classes will still not be cancelled. Bummer, right? Well, we have gotten lucky the past couple years with a day off here and there, but more than likely the university will be open. So, turn your clothes right side out because that paper is still due the next day regardless if there's a snow keg at your favorite frat.
4. Parking Services is the enemy.
We have all experienced that sense of fury when you see a small white piece of paper stuffed under your car's windshield wiper. While it is
5. We need more internet and cable company options.
There is only one cable provider in the area, which leads to either getting cable from them or not getting cable at all. Either way, you still need internet in your house or apartment, meaning you will get ripped off and you will be very unhappy when your internet goes out in the middle of an online exam. It's a lose-lose situation, really.
6. Being asked, "What is Radford's mascot?"
It is the Highlander. Why can't students from other universities remember this?
7. Yes, we study. A lot.
Many people think that just because we have a reputation for being a sociable school, we do not focus on academics. This is far from true. Most organizations on campus, including fraternities and sororities, have GPA requirements, and college departments have high grading standards that have to be fulfilled in order to move up in your major. Yeah, we probably could have applied ourselves in high school a little bit more, but that doesn't mean we don't fully apply ourselves at the college level.
8. Our school spirit needs some help.
While this can be our own fault, we do take pride in our athletic achievements. Our sports teams are continuing to get better, which is why we are upgrading our athletic facilities more and more every year. If you need a resolution for the semester, go to more sporting events. Especially being at a Division I school, our Highlander athletes need your support. #Will2Win
9. We are tired of hearing that our degree is "worthless" compared to other university degrees.
Every time we hear this one, it hits us hard. We love Radford University, including the grueling hours spent inside each of our classes. So hearing that the knowledge we've gained over the past four years is ineffective can be upsetting, and sometimes we can get defensive.
10. We are all on the same page.
Only students at RU understand what it truly means to go there. It is a different atmosphere that only we can understand and appreciate. There is a certain connection that Radford gives to each student that attends. It's almost as if we are all on the same page and level of insight. We are a friendly community that supports one another in good times and (the rare) bad times too.
Sure, Radford has disappointed us here and there, but we love it just the same. At the end of the day, there's no other black hole we would rather be in.
