Start building your post-grad social spaces now

Henry Jobe, Contributing Writer

When returning to Richmond after spending any extended period of time away, I am always reminded of how wonderful it is to live in a walkable environment. Few things feel as satisfying as needing to get something or go somewhere, and knowing the usual headaches that come with getting in a car, dealing with traffic and planning out a schedule can be avoided. 

One of my favorite things to do during my first few semesters at VCU was to sit at a table outside the Student Commons or near the Compass and do homework while greeting any friends who passed. However, as December graduation approaches, I have been visiting those spots less and less — and as I look towards my future post-grad, there are very few off-campus replacements.

I am not going to sit here and pretend that Richmond does not have social spaces — like most cities, it has them in abundance. Countless parks and coffee shops are within walking distance or accessible with a short bus ride, such as “Blanchard’s” or the newly opened “Purrfect Bean.” But they all seem to come with a price. 

That price might be buying a drink so you can sit at an outdoor table without being asked to leave. In other cases, the cost is your comfort. 

You can hang out at the park or shopping mall, but do not expect any accommodations beyond the bare minimum. Do not get me started on creating social spaces outside the city of Richmond proper. I cannot count the number of times I have tried to hang out with my friends in these places and been told to leave. 

This hostility can even affect people psychologically, making them feel less comfortable gathering in public spaces out of fear of being unwelcome or considered “in the way.”

The broadest solution is for the city to build more public areas, but that can take months or even years. VCU makes their feelings on this matter quite clear when they opt to remove the seating in Monroe Park to prohibit unhoused people from having places to sit or rest, and the broader city is not much better.

Regardless, there are many ways to create welcoming spaces within your community. You do not need to invite strangers into your home or dorm, of course. But if you are fortunate enough to have a front porch or access to any outside space, use it. Set up some cheap chairs and hang out. Going out by yourself can be intimidating, so consider bringing friends and encouraging others to join you.

Meet up with your dormmates, plan a picnic in the park or a party on your block. Become that annoying next-door neighbor who will not stop coming over with cookies as an excuse to hang out.

The point is, you have to talk to other people. Simply discussing the lack of social spaces can engage communities. Public officials and leaders cannot ignore us if we speak up. The more demand there is for a public necessity, the more likely change is to be enacted. 

So engage with other people. Find activist groups within Richmond — not just within VCU. Take advantage of the fact that you live in a city with many amazing community resources. 

Social spaces do still exist, you just might have to make them yourself.