Staying in the loop: the accounts you should follow as a VCU student

This story ran as part of a VCU Student Media Center summer special publication, The Compass, which serves as a guidebook for new students.

Scott Malone, Contributing Writer

Before talking about accounts to follow, don’t forget about one of the most important tools social media offers: hashtags.

For example, if you want to connect with other freshmen to room with, things to do or just to make friends, go on Twitter and search the hashtag “#VCU” or “#VCU23” for other Rams in the same graduating class. It may seem like a simple tip, but it’s quite useful and easy to forget. 

Another good idea is to look up the individual Twitter accounts for your major, department or school to stay up to date on internship opportunities and events pertinent to your area of study. 

Now, on to the accounts to follow. 

VCUDine – @VCU_Dining 

All students should be familiar with the available dining options. View dining brochures and stay up to date with VCU’s dining hours of operations and specific swipe times by following this account, which lists all a student needs to know about grabbing a bite to eat on campus. 

Is Shafer Cooking? — @IsShaferCooking

Shafer is hit or miss, and not necessarily in that order. This account is simple. Almost every day during the semester, it answers a basic, yet important, question: Is Shafer cooking? If the answer is no, it might be a good idea to use those swipes somewhere else that day. 

VCU Libraries: @VCULibraries    

Follow this account and never miss out on the information associated with one of the most import resources VCU offers: the library. The account posts everything from updates concerning the school’s two libraries, important events and even tidbits from their archives. Stay sharp and educated with help from this account. 

VCU Parking: @VCUParking 

Don’t let the name fool you: the VCU Parking account is very much useful and important. The account provides updates on RamRide, RamSafe and RamAway — all services that get you where you need to be, potentially save you money and keep you safe.

VCU Police: @VCUPD

Speaking of safety … be aware of local crime and news on the wellbeing of VCU faculty and students by following this account. Also, this account has a phone number in its bio for any potentially — and hopefully this won’t be the case — dangerous situations in which you need to contact VCU police.

The Commonwealth Times — @theCT

The award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU keeps students informed with news, sports, culture and opinions content on almost every social media, including Twitter. With regular posting during the school year and intermittent content over breaks, give The Commonwealth Times a follow to stay up to date on everything from basketball to breaking news on campus and in Richmond. 

VCU Commons: @VCUCommons 

The purpose of University Student Commons and Activities is exactly what it sounds like. It helps students develop events catered toward their peers. Follow the Twitter account for an easier way to see upcoming services and programs geared directly for you. It offers student employment opportunities for those much-needed, broke-college-student funds. 

The Black Sheep VCU — @blacksheep_vcu

For VCU-specific memes and jokes, check out The Black Sheep VCU. It’s not affiliated with the university, but rather by a group of students “fueled by Canes sweet tea and Bleeker.”

VCU Student Government Association: @VCUSGA

The Student Government Association is one of the best ways to get into the heart of what it means to be a part of the university community. The association’s Twitter account will keep you up to date with all activities and help the student body offers. 

VCU Welcome Week: @VCUWelcomeWeek

This Twitter account is going to be an incoming freshman’s best friend in the exciting first moments of their college experience. Though VCU isn’t hosting a typical “welcome week” this fall, instead opting for more drawn-out Weeks of Welcome, this account will still be your guide for activities from Aug. 17 to Sept. 28. 

Sports accounts @VCUsports @wayneeppsjr @fleischman_noah @WVCWSports @VCU_Hoops @vcuwbb @VCUbaseball 

Everyone at VCU knows just how big basketball is, so what better way to get into the social experience than with a bit of sports excitement? Follow local sports outlets and journalists covering VCU athletics for a more generalized sports feed, because you never know what you might end up liking. Or, follow the accounts of the more prevalent teams at VCU, such as Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Baseball. Any other team that interests you can be found with a quick Twitter search.