Randolph College Lynchburg
Randolph College offers a unique academic path with its Take2 program, fostering deep learning in a beautiful, peaceful campus environment.
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Randolph College Lynchburg
Best Time
Pleasant weather for campus exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Randolph College offers a unique academic path with its Take2 program, fostering deep learning in a beautiful, peaceful campus environment.
"Small class sizes and great personal relationships with exceptional instructors make this university a gem."
🎯 Inquire about housing maintenance
Ask specific questions about how the college addresses housing issues like heating and AC.
🍽️ Understand the meal plan
Clarify the details of the meal plan, including swipes and Skeller funds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Take2 Program
Focus on two classes for 7 weeks at a time. Less overwhelming academic load for students.
Beautiful Campus Grounds
Explore the picturesque campus, known for its aesthetic appeal and peaceful atmosphere.
President Sue Ott Rowlands
Learn about the 11th president and her vision for the college.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Campus Life
Campus Visit Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Inquire about housing maintenance
Ask specific questions about how the college addresses housing issues like heating and AC.
🍽️ Understand the meal plan
Clarify the details of the meal plan, including swipes and Skeller funds.
📚 Ask about the Take2 program
Learn how this unique academic structure works for students.
🚶♀️ Schedule a campus tour
Experience the beautiful grounds and get insights from student guides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Inquire about housing maintenance
Ask specific questions about how the college addresses housing issues like heating and AC.
🍽️ Understand the meal plan
Clarify the details of the meal plan, including swipes and Skeller funds.
📚 Ask about the Take2 program
Learn how this unique academic structure works for students.
🚶♀️ Schedule a campus tour
Experience the beautiful grounds and get insights from student guides.
🤝 Connect with faculty
Experience the small class sizes and personal attention from instructors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Randolph College receives mixed reviews, with many praising its dedicated professors, small class sizes, and the unique Take2 academic program. However, some students express significant dissatisfaction with campus housing maintenance and dining hall food quality, citing persistent issues.
"I'm transferring out of this place for a multitude of personal reasons. However, the main reason is what I feel is a lack of care for the students' wellbeing. Don't get me wrong, most of the professors and staff here are absolutely amazing and the only reason I'm giving this place a 2 star review instead of 1.
First, let me start with the food. If you live on campus, you are forced to get the meal plan, plain and simple. The meal plan includes "unlimited" meal swipes for Cheatham Dining Hall [there are enough swipes to go 4 times a day per week, and they replenish to that same base number each week], $300 dollars [per semester] for the Skeller [which is the alternative place to get food on campus], and 5 meal swipe swaps per week [where you can choose from a limited menu at the Skeller and use a swipe to get lunch there instead of at the dining hall. Now, this wouldn't be an issue if the food from dining hall was good most of the time. The staff there are so sweet, but the meal provider the college uses is horrible in my opinion, and in the opinion of the few people i know. Most students run through the $300 for the Skeller fairly quickly. It's usually the best on days where there are campus tours or events that have people come over. Additionally, there have been reported instances where food is either rotting or has bugs in it [available in pictures]. The first year I was here, a student was served raw chicken [also available in pictures]. They also implemented a new thing this year where you can't get your own salad from the salad bar if that's what you want. It needs to be served to you. That "rule" is iffy in my opinion and i dont enjoy it but it's not the end of the world.
Next up is living situations. Oh, the living situations. Heat has gone out both winters I studied here. It takes the college forever to fix the actual issue. The first year heat went out, it was only fixed AFTER parents got involved. This past winter, a student had to contact the president with Virginia State Code in order to get the issue "worked on". We left the college over winter break with no heat. We came back after winter break with NO HEAT. The college's solution? Mini heaters. However, you're not allowed to use your own, it has to come from the front desk. And they have limited amounts of heaters so, if you don't get one in time, you're out of luck until they buy more. It sucked. Also mushrooms growing in the bathroom [pic attached].
Honestly, I feel as if the college doesn't take student reports seriously. At all. Apart from the heating issue, my dorm's AC started stinking so badly I gagged when I entered the room. I called about it. Someone came in, cleaned it out, and sprayed mold spray. It still stunk so I called again, same guy came and sprayed mold spray. It still stunk. At that point I just gave up and turned off the AC. The issue cleared itself after a while but seriously. If the solution didn't work before, why would it suddenly work? Also, there's a leaking pipe by the private bathroom on Wright 3rd. It caused a tile to fall. I called about it, reported it as an active leak. An RA reported it as well. It took TWO DAYS for someone to even come and clean up the fallen tile. During that wait period, i called and the person said something along the lines of "is this about the leak in Wright? We know." They replaced the tile but guess what? Not the leak. So now, the new tile is starting to sag and will probably fall again because this school only seems to know how to put band-aid solutions on things.
There are pictures in my review of just how bad things look when you actually walk through the school as a student instead of on the campus tour when everything looks great and wonderful.
The only reason I gave this place 2 stars instead of 1 was because of my professors. I love them, as well as the sustainability program. I'm going to miss them when I'm transferred over."
M
"If smug glances and polite exclusion are part of the curriculum, this school’s doing a fantastic job.
I met some of your grads. They couldn’t even look people in the eye — but somehow still managed to look down on them.
A+ in arrogance. F in humanity."
Xinyuan Wang
"Randolph College have small classes. You are not just a number here. The Professors actually care about their students. The atmosphere here is so peaceful."
Debra Best
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Randolph College is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Visitors can typically reach Lynchburg via car, with major highways like US-29 and US-460 providing access. The nearest major airport is Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), which offers connections to larger hubs.
Parking availability can vary, especially during academic sessions or events. It's advisable to check with the college's campus security or visitor information for the most current parking regulations and designated visitor areas.
Lynchburg has a public bus system, the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC), which may have routes that serve the area near Randolph College. Check the GLTC website for specific route information and schedules.
The campus is generally walkable. For prospective students, campus tours are a great way to get acquainted with the layout and key buildings.
Lynchburg offers a range of hotels and accommodations. It's recommended to search for hotels in the Lynchburg, VA area, with many options available close to the college.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General visits to explore the campus grounds do not require tickets. However, if you plan to attend specific events, performances, or athletic games hosted by the college, you may need to purchase tickets. Check the college's events calendar for details.
The campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building hours, such as administrative offices or libraries, may vary. For official tours, it's best to book in advance through the admissions office.
Campus tours can typically be booked through the Randolph College Admissions Office website. They often offer guided tours led by current students.
There are no admission fees to visit the campus or attend an information session. However, there may be application fees associated with the admissions process for prospective students.
Yes, you can explore the campus grounds independently. However, a scheduled tour provides valuable insights and access to specific areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight the beautiful campus grounds and the peaceful atmosphere. The unique 'Take2' academic program is also a significant draw for prospective students.
The 'Take2' program allows students to focus on two classes for 7-week terms, rather than a full semester load. This approach aims to reduce academic overwhelm and enhance focus.
Student reviews indicate mixed experiences with living conditions, with some reporting issues with heating, AC, and maintenance.
Reviews suggest that the dining hall food quality can be inconsistent, with some students expressing dissatisfaction.
Randolph College hosts various events, including academic fairs, alumni reunions, and community gatherings like Maker Faire. Check the college's event calendar for current happenings. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining facility is Cheatham Dining Hall, which offers an 'unlimited' meal plan. There's also The Skeller, an alternative dining spot with a limited menu, accessible via meal swipes or with additional funds.
The meal plan includes unlimited swipes at Cheatham Dining Hall, a set amount of funds for The Skeller each semester, and a limited number of meal swipe swaps per week for The Skeller.
Student reviews suggest that the food quality at Cheatham Dining Hall can be inconsistent and is often a point of dissatisfaction for students.
While not detailed in the provided information, Lynchburg generally offers various off-campus dining establishments that students may frequent.
The provided reviews do not specifically address dietary restrictions. It's recommended to contact the dining services directly to inquire about options for specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The campus grounds themselves are often described as beautiful and picturesque, making them ideal for photography. Specific architectural features or scenic areas would be great subjects.
Generally, yes, for personal use. However, for commercial photography or large-scale events, you may need to seek permission from the college administration.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be respectful of students, faculty, and private spaces when taking photos. Avoid intrusive photography.
Given the academic focus, photos related to student life, campus beauty, and academic events are common. Alumni reunions also provide opportunities for group photos.
The campus's natural beauty suggests that outdoor shots during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) would offer excellent lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's crucial for families to be aware of potential housing and dining concerns mentioned in reviews. Inquiring about maintenance protocols and the specifics of the meal plan during campus visits or admissions discussions is highly recommended to ensure a smooth transition for students.
🎓 Prospective Students
Prospective students should also inquire about student life, including housing and dining services, as some reviews point to areas where the college could improve.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
For visitors, the primary 'cost' is time if visiting for tours or events. The campus itself is free to explore, and many community events are also free or low-cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Take2 Academic Program
This model encourages students to truly immerse themselves in their studies, potentially leading to a more profound learning experience. It's a significant departure from traditional semester systems and is often cited as a key reason why students choose Randolph. The program aims to provide a more manageable and effective path to academic success.
Student Life and Campus Environment
However, student reviews also highlight some challenges within campus life, particularly concerning housing maintenance and dining services. Issues such as inconsistent heating, AC problems, and concerns about food quality have been reported.
Despite these challenges, the college does host various events, from alumni reunions to community fairs like Maker Faire, contributing to a sense of campus community.
Community Engagement and Events
The college also participates in broader community initiatives, such as fire safety awareness campaigns, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of its students and the surrounding area.
These events not only enrich the student experience but also highlight Randolph College's role as an active and contributing member of the Lynchburg community.
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