Virginia Western Community College (Richmond, Roanoke: transfer, schools, universities)

[eebrbee]

Hey guys! I just made the decision to attend Virginia Western Community College here in Roanoke instead of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. This decision came after serious thought, but the ultimate decision was based on several factors. My family is moving to Roanoke next month, and though I currently live in Richmond, once they move there would be no real reason for me to stay and attend VCU.

Anyways, my main question is... Any good or bad experiences with Virginia Western? Any advice? I'm going to be starting fresh in about a month in a whole new town with a new school which leads to all new friends.

Thank you!

[Erin1264]

I have not heard anything bad. It is in a nice part of Roanoke and close to several places to eat/shop. The Towers Mall area is close which has a Kroger, Fresh Market, Awful Arthurs, Starbucks, CVS, Subway, Chinese restaurant, etc.

I applied there for a couple open positions to work there, but I haven't heard anything in terms of the campus life. The people I've interacted with there have been very nice and helpful.

Best of luck with your move!

[seanpecor]

I've heard good things about VWCC. I've got a friend in his late twenties who is starting at VWCC this fall and he is really looking forward to it. As Erin says it's in a pretty convenient location.

Sean

[Erin1264]

One tip is to mind the parking rules and signs. VWCC is within Roanoke City limits so the meter readers and parking enforcement people are out in full force! Yes they DO ticket!

(no, I'm not talking from experience, I've just heard that. I was planning a meeting there for another state agency).

[cheerbear]

I have heard mostly good things about VWCC. There's a good variety of classes for traditional students and for people who just want to take a class in a particular area of study. However, I do have caveats. One: be prepared to direct your own course of study, as your academic advisors will probably be very hands-off. I had a friend who went there for a year or so, and he basically had to be his own advisor. Two: you might want to leave early to get to class because I-81 can get crowded with the student rush.

Also, are you planning on going to a four year university after VWCC, or are you just getting your associate's? If it's the former, there are plenty of good local universities in the area within no more than an hour's drive away (ex: Roanoke College, Radford U, Hollins, etc.). If you do decide to go this route, check to see if your courses will transfer. Some of these colleges, such as Radford, even have reciprocal agreements with VWCC and offer some classes on their campus.

[Diamond Dave]

I have a friend that used to teach there. She was mostly positive; she did say that night students tended to be more serious than day students. The night students are usually working adults who want to complete their educations, and not 19-year-olds who are there because mom and dad are making them go to school.

Remember you can also attend one of the 4-year schools in the area: Hollins (if you're a woman!), Roanoke College, VT, Ferrum, etc. All within an hour of Roanoke.

[psummrs]

I agree with Diamond Dave. If you were originally planning on attending a 4-year university (VCU) you might as well consider one of the several options of colleges in the Roanoke area.

Roanoke College & Hollins are both in or around Roanoke. While a 30 mile drive south on I-81 will land you at Radford and Virginia Tech. You could also consider transferring into these schools if you already have your mind set on attending Va Western.

Honestly though, as someone who has recently graduated from VT, I have seen the advantages that receiving a 4 year degree over a 2-year has in career opportunities. But as I said before, if your heart is set on attending VWCC then you can always consider transferring at the end of the 2 years there. I knew at least 20 people who transferred into VT into Mechanical Engineering alone after they completed community college.