1. Discover what matters to you. When you start classes, you’ll sign up for a first-year seminar in fascinating topics like The Idea of Cool, Leadership and Social Justice, or History that Didn’t Happen.
2. Chat with faculty and current students about how to choose from 90+ majors, minors, and areas of study offered at UMW.
3. Engage in the community through volunteer opportunities and service projects.
4. Find internship opportunities right here in the state capital of Richmond or in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. — both an ~1 hour drive away.
5. Step up your game with 19 NCAA Division III sports, a newly fielded team in esports, 150+ student clubs, and opportunities to perform in music, theatre, and dance.
6. Ask about study abroad trips led by faculty. UMW is also among the top small schools for alums serving as Peace Corps volunteers.
7. Don’t miss the chance to explore historic Fredericksburg and UMW’s Historic Preservation program (which makes history itself as one of the few in the nation).

Photo provided by University of Mary Washington

Important deadlines:

• Apply during College Application Week Oct. 24-28 and you may qualify to apply for free.
• Apply by Tues., Nov. 1 for early decision.
• Apply by Tues., Nov. 15 for early action.

• “The Cabin in the Woods” | Mon., Oct. 24 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8.00 | Bring your four closest friends for this screening of the contemporary horror classic.
• Capital Comedy Showcase | Mon., Oct. 24 | 7-11 p.m. | Capital Ale House, 619 E. Main St., Richmond | $10.00 | Charlie Waring hosts a night of laughs with Cale More, Amber Hendrix, Steve Jones, Will Minor, and Randolph Washington Jr.

• Bad Suns, Bad Dinosaurs, Quarters of Change | Tue., Oct. 25 | 7 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $22.00 | Check out this LA rock band along with two other alt-rock crews.
• Yoga at The Branch | Tue., Oct. 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond | $15.00 | Get stretchy with Erin Lingo in the museum’s main gallery.

• Chris Rock | Wed., Oct. 26 | 8 p.m. | Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond | $49.50 - $339.50 | Meet the award-winning comedian on the second Richmond showing of his Ego Death Tour.
• Halloween Community Connection Ride | Wed., Oct. 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Cameo Cakery and Cafe, 306 Libbie Ave., Richmond | $15.00 - $35.00 | Join in on a ride around the Museum District + Fan to find the area’s best Halloween decorations.

• 73º | Partly cloudy | 13% chance of rain

• The Fulton area will see a number of temporary lane closures due to street maintenance that starts today and runs through Fri., Nov. 11. Work will take place between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ⚠️

• A Tampa-based restaurant and entertainment chain is coming to Libbie Mill. Brass Tap is projected to open in December. The location will have two patios + 80 beers on tap. 🍺 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

• $1 million. That’s how much VCU Athletics has received as a gift from West Charitable Trust. The funds will go towards the tennis facilities at the upcoming Athletic Village, located in the Diamond District. 🎾

• Hit the streets on Thurs., Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. for Heavy Pedal, a biking history tour of Richmond’s music scene. The free ride starts at Smith Peters Park (904 Catherine St.) and ends at Cobra Cabana. Pro tip: Bring a bike light, water, and a lock. 🚲

• It’s Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” in Hindu tradition. Celebrated on the darkest day of the lunar month, observers light candles, lanterns + fireworks to reflect the triumph of light over darkness. Richmond and Henrico County Public Schools are closed.

• Here at RICtoday, we aim to bring the most relevant + engaging daily content about Richmond right to your inbox. If you enjoy our newsletter and supporting all things local, consider joining our RICtoday Membership Program. Membership helps keep our newsletter free and has some cool perks. Learn more + sign up.

• Calling all high school students + parents: It’s College Application Week. The University of Mary Washington’s next open house is happening Sat., Oct. 29. Consider this a friendly reminder to reserve your spot, pursue your passions — and make the most of what matters to you.*

• In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Virginia Physicians for Women is offering patients 15% off your first ThermiVa Treatment. Learn more about this non-surgical, non-hormonal treatment for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse + call (804) 897-2100 through the end of October to receive special pricing.*
• The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here, which means it’s time to ask yourself a big question: keep your coverage, or change it? Fidelity Medicare Services can help. Fidelity’s licensed Medicare advisors provide customized advice based on your situation — and if you choose a new plan, they’ll help you enroll.*