RAM CAMP

RAM CAMP is an on-campus leadership experience designed to connect incoming first year students to VCU traditions, campus resources and fellow Rams. Campers are divided into small groups and participate in various activities led by a VCU upperclassman student leader. These leaders, along with university staff and faculty, create opportunities for campers to develop leadership skills, engage in community service and build their Ram community. If you are selected, you will need to arrive on campus a week before first-year student move-in. All campers are expected to fully participate in all RAM Camp activities for the duration of the camp.

From the second you step foot onto campus, RAM CAMP Leaders will be by your side to get you ready for the RAM CAMP experience. You will be given the opportunity to build strong bonds through small group facilitation and numerous competitive activities. It is guaranteed that you will be personally challenged along the way. To sum up RAM CAMP you can expect:

A welcoming environment as soon as you set foot on campus
Enhance or develop your leadership strengths
Participate in VCU traditions that will acclimate you to the Ram family
An interactive experience with VCU faculty and staff
Great peer connections with student leaders
To be able to identify resource providers related to academic success
To become aware of the numerous resources and opportunities to get involved on campus
Make friends along the way

There is no cost associated with attending RAM Camp. However, only 500 students will be allowed to participate. Selection is on a first come, first served basis. Once students receive their RAM Camp invite, they will have a limited time to accept the invitation. Students who receive and accept the RAM Camp invitation will be required to fully participate in all RAM Camp 2026 activities.

Please note: RAM Camp is a fun and free transition experience for incoming first-year students, proudly offered by VCU Residential Life and Housing! Participants get the exciting perk of moving into their permanent on-campus housing earlier than their peers, plus access to a packed schedule of activities, community-building events, and exclusive RAM Camp swag—all included. On days three and four of RAM Camp, attendees will use their meal plans for breakfast and lunch at Market 810, with a total of four meal swipes applied from each participant’s Fall 2026 meal plan.

More information about the RAM Camp application will be released in Summer 2026!

How many Campers will be selected to participate in RAM Camp 2026?
500 incoming first year students will be selected to participate in RAM Camp 2026

Can I move in early?
Yes. RAM Camp move-in will occur on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. RAM Campers may not move in earlier than this date. Be sure to bring everything with you as this is your official move in for the 2026-27 academic year.

Do you have to live on campus to be a part of RAM Camp 2026?
Yes, you must have a housing assignment to participate in RAM Camp 2026. Students living off campus are not eligible to participate in RAM Camp.

What kind of activities can I look forward to during RAM Camp?
Activities include connections and team based activities, as well as fun sessions with campus partners. RAM Camp will also have a service based component where students will have the opportunity to learn about and work with local organizations in the Richmond community.

How do I apply to be a part of RAM Camp 2026?
Campers who are interested in attending RAM Camp 2026 can complete the camper interest form by clicking here. All campers who complete the form and receive a 2026-2027 housing assignment will receive a first round offer.

What meals are included during the week of RAM Camp?
On days three and four of RAM Camp, attendees will use their meal plans for breakfast and lunch at Market 810, with a total of four meal swipes applied from each participant’s Fall 2026 meal plan. VCU Residential Life and Housing will provide all other meals for campers for the duration of RAM Camp.

When will I be notified if I am accepted to participate in the RAM Camp program?
All students who are selected to participate in RAM Camp 2026 will be notified on an ongoing basis throughout the summer.

Announcement for Accommodations
Please let the RAM Camp staff know if you are a VCU student with documented disabilities and registered with the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office. For questions regarding housing accommodations as it relates to documented disabilities, please contact Dr. Kevin Wade (krwade@vcu.edu).