1. The People
In the movies you see colleges as cliquey where people party 24/7 and are rude. At Radford that definitely isn't the case. People are so nice at Radford and it's so easy to make friends. Many people from the community here at Radford would go above and beyond to help you out no matter the circumstance.
2. Academic and Career Advisors
Of course, advisors are supposed to guide you to make a decision about your major or a certain career field, but at Radford the advisors are like no other. They don't see students as just part of their job, but they care about each one individually.
3. The Campus
Radford University's campus is amazing and one-of-a-kind. It's beautiful architecture gives the campus a historical feel. Beautiful and tall trees parade across the big, open lawns. Moffett Lawn is well known for people to hang out on blankets, chill in the trees with hammocks, or even walk around. At the moment, Autumn is upon us and I don't think I've ever been so fascinated by sidewalks. The way the sidewalks are presented, makes me think that someone saw a big open space between buildings and made a masterpiece with connect the dots.
4. Diversity
Radford may be known as a small "conservative" town. The University, however, is made up of all different races, religions, and sexual orientations. The University itself also hosts programs where students are able to learn about different cultures. Dalton is known to have different days dedicated to different cultures and foods.
5. Different Clubs and Organizations
There is at least one club fair on campus per year. At club fair you can witness the many clubs and organizations around campus. They range from A capella clubs, diversity clubs, outdoor programs, or sports. Within these clubs you make many friendships and form bonds like none other. Shout out to Spectrum, an LGBTQ+ alliance group on campus. Without this wonderful group, I would not have the many friendships I have today.
6. Class Sizes
Radford's current enrollment rate is about 9,000 students with a student to faculty ratio at 16:1. Class sizes at Radford average out to about 30 students per classroom. Because of this, it makes it so much easier to form bonds with your professors and other students. Unless you have a class over 50, it is likely that at the end of the semester your professor will know your name.
7. Location
Radford's campus is in the heart of the mountains it seems like. Also, it is very close to Roanoke and Blacksburg, Within a short hour, you can find yourself in Roanoke shopping at Valley View Mall.
8. Dogs
Okay, dogs are God's greatest gift to all of us. Moffett lawn has at least 4 dogs playing on it a day. Even at the end of the semester Radford hosts a stress relieving event which includes puppies.
9. Squirrels
They're just everywhere and always eating and it is amazing.
10. The Departments
Okay, no matter what your major is at Radford, you can always feel confident that whatever your major is, you can always count on Radford to have the best advisers and mentors for that department.
11. Low Cost
Per year Radford has an estimated cost of $22,000. Although that is a lot, it is way less expensive compared to other colleges in the area, such as Virginia Tech.
12 . Resources
Radford hosts places on campus such as the LARC (Learning Assistance and Resource Center), Student Counseling Center, Student Health Center, and the Research Help Desk in the library. Believe it or not, but we pay for these services and we get to take advantage of them.
13. Places to study
Within each Residence Hall there are at least one study lounge on each floor. If you can't find yourself studying in your Res. Hall you can always go to Young Hall, the library or any study lounge in any open building.
Radford University can definitely have it's downsides sometimes, but it's an amazing place to be. Not only do the people make you feel welcomed, but the campus itself has a welcoming vibe. There is no where else I would like to call home for the next four years.
