Life at Richmond: Dining
Life on a residential campus has many different dimensions. Since some colleges have terrific residence halls and others are not so great, prospective students have learned to ask about them. But most assume the food won't be very good because conventional wisdom is that college food service just isn't very good anywhere. If you've assumed that about Richmond, then you've assumed wrong.
Richmond's Dining Service is University-owned and operated, so it is very responsive to students. All students who live on campus in a residence hall are required to be on a meal plan, because there aren't kitchens available within the halls (many have microwaves, and most students have a small fridge of their own, but you can only live so long on microwave meals). First-year students and sophomores are required to buy what is known as the Spider Plus plan, which includes 19 meals-per-week. Upper-classmen may choose to purchase a smaller meal plan and students who live in the University Forest Apartments, which have full kitchens, can go off the meal plan altogether if they wish. (You'd probably be surprised how many apartment dwellers remain on the meal plan, because the food is so good and convenient, and on a college senior's schedule, it is hard to find time to grocery shop.)
There are two main dining facilities on campus plus several other places to grab a quick bite or cup of coffee.
The Heilman Dining Center, which students call "D-Hall," offers cafeteria-style dining with several entrees and vegetables at every meal, plus consistently excellent salad and burger bars, a range of vegetarian options and truly outstanding desserts. If nothing else suits your fancy, you can always fall back on cereal and soft serve ice cream. "D-Hall" is an all-you-can-eat arrangement, so you'll never have to leave hungry.
The staff at the Dining Center pays attention to individual student's unique dietary needs. The on-staff nutritionist is always happy to work one-on-one with any student who has questions or concerns about nutrition. Attention is paid to menu planning to accommodate cultural concerns as well; for example, kosher meals are available for Jewish students during religious holidays.
Tyler's Grill, located in the center of the Commons Building, is a fast-food style restaurant for students on the go. The menu includes plenty of healthy options. Tyler's is on the meal plan; there is a certain dollar amount per meal that is allowable.
The Cellar is the on-campus pub, also located in the Commons. It's a great place to go when you want to have a pizza, hang out with friends and hear live music or other entertainment.
Whitehurst is considered to be the "living room of Richmond College." With late-night food service until 1:00 a.m., it is a great place to grab a bite when burning the midnight oil.
Edible Bites is the convenience store located in the lobby of the Dining Center. It's a great place to stock up on snacks, drinks and other items to save a trip off campus.
8:15 At Boatwright keeps a pot brewing until midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 3 a.m. on Friday. It's a great place to take a quick study break or visit with a friend.
Both D-Hall and Tyler's Grill participate in the meal plan and the others accept the Spider Card, allowing students to carry very little cash on campus. The Spider Card Account is an optional feature of a Richmond student's ID. A debit card feature allows students to deposit money at the beginning of the school year and use it year-round to shop in the Bookstore and in campus vending machines and laundry rooms. As a convenience, several off-campus establishments also accept Spider Card–mostly pizza places and a Chinese food restaurant.
When you visit the University of Richmond, please leave time for a meal while you are here!