There are always a ton of events and giveaways happening somewhere on campus, but if I had a dollar for every time that someone told me “I didn’t know that was happening!” or some variation of it ... I’d have half of my tuition paid for. No matter how many posters or TelegRAMs sent to your email, they’re all very easy to overlook.

That’s where your Instagram account comes in! A lot of us are busy people but like to browse Instagram when we’re bored and need a break. However, did you know there are many different VCU and RVA accounts that you can keep up with? Whether you’re a freshman or a last semester senior, following the latest news and events in Richmond enhances your college experience. Keep in mind these are only a handful of the accounts that are Richmond and VCU affiliated and you should browse around for major-specific accounts as well as clubs you are interested in.

1. VCU (@vcu)

Okay, so this one is pretty obvious. If you want to be an alert and rowdy Ram, you should probably be following the VCU account. Besides, what’s the best way to track down the whereabouts of Rodney the Ram?

2. Rodney the Ram (@doublezerovcu)

Okay maybe THIS is the best way to follow Rodney around. If you want to know what your favorite ram is up to, Rodney loves posting adorable pictures of him interacting with the VCU and Richmond community.

3. VCU Libraries (@vculibraries)

You don’t have to be an English major to be obsessed with Cabell Library. Club Cabell is one of the most important buildings on campus for its endless resources and study space. It’s recently been renovated too with an updated and expanded Starbucks, more study rooms, and access to impressive technology like 3D Printers (you can sign up to do a 30 minute tutorial to learn how to use it). There’s also the annual book sale with books, vinyls, comic books, and more!

4. VCU Police Department (@vcupd)

It’s essential to be connected to the VCU PD throughout your time at VCU. You’ll get crime reports through your VCU email, but VCU PD also offers workshops and events free of charge and bike locks to securely lock down your ride.

5. VCU Student Government Association (@vcusga)

It doesn’t sound fun, but the SGA sponsors a LOT of awesome (free!) events on campus. VCU Qatar Day celebrates our Qatar location with food, music, and a camel (go ahead and reread that, but I can assure you that you read it correctly). During finals, SGA normally hosts a variety of activities and giveaways. They also host extra exam study space with access to laptops and free food as well as a “Midnight Breakfast” in Shafer Court.

Along with fun stuff, they also have career and service fairs and opportunities to express your concerns about problems on campus at Monthly Meet-Ups. It’ll also keep you up to date with who’s running for SGA so you can decide who’s best to represent VCU’s needs.

6. Activities Programming Board (@APB_VCU)

Like SGA, APB is responsible for a lot of amazing events on campus. They bring in a lot of guest speakers like Family Guy’s Mike Henry, Ram Spirit Week, and movies at the Commons Theater.

7. The Commonwealth Times (@thecommonwealthtimes)

Our campus newspaper that you can pick up for free at various locations include the Student Commons. It’ll let you know when the next issue is out so you can see what your fellow Rams are writing about.

8. Richmond Times-Dispatch (@rtdnews)

If you want to find out what happens in the metro region outside of VCU, following a local news source like the Richmond Times Dispatch is a good idea. It’s not the only one, but it’s one of the most popular.

9. Rumors (@rumorsboutique)

Rumors Boutique is a staple of thrifty fashion in Richmond. They buy and sell your quirky and vintage clothing to create an eclectic collection of affordable fashion. Every day they post new products you can browse and get a sense of what’s in style in RVA. Rumors also has locations in Chapel Hill and Miami with separate accounts so you can shop for even more cute stuff!

10. RVA First Fridays (@rvafirstfridays)

Every first Friday of the month, Richmond has an “art walk” in the arts district. Galleries have new art pieces in their collection to show off, local cafes are buzzing with specials and other art enthusiasts. Even if you’re not an artsy person, you can still enjoy shopping for handmade items by local artisans.

Check out these awesome Instagram accounts to truly embrace all of the opportunities and unique traits that VCU and Richmond offer!

Got any more suggestions? Let us know in the comments!