>I joined this subreddit a while ago and all of the talks about shootings, speeding, and chaos around the city is scaring the 💩 out of me before I even arrive.

A lot of the folks here grew up here, and Richmond has had a pretty rocky history with crime. Times change, and so do cities with growth. People unfortunately don't change their viewpoints at the same rate, and have archaic opinions about this city.

Richmond is a city (with small town minded locals), cities have poverty driven crime, and that certainly exists here. However, present day RVA is fine. Crime exists in all other cities. Having lived in other metro areas much larger than this one, Richmond is plenty safe for anyone who isn't trying to partake in the degenerate lifestyle. Most of the violent crime here is heavily concentrated.

If you live here and have good city situational awareness, you'll be totally fine. Campus has the same crime issues as any other urban campus, mostly crime of opportunity like theft etc.