Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington… Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College reviews, or contribute your own City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Lewis from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep an open mind and utilize all of the resources available to you. All of this will pay off in the end.
    Great for these types of students

    People who desire excellent teachers that push you to the limits of your achievement. It is a fun place to be and there is very good learnng environment here.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Paulina from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Harold maybe a city college but the professors are passionate about their teaching and interaction with thier students.

    Am enjoying being here

    The urban area of the school's location brings people from many backgrounds and nationalities into one classroom for the purpose of continuing an education.

    It is something that I enjoyed the most during my second semester at Harold. The experience of many of my classmates during a lecture in philosophy class made the class come life.
    Bang for the buck

    Financially it is very affortable during this time of crisis in our country. The best part is that most of the classes offer at Harold are trasferable to a four year university.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be discourage by the title of City College.
    The college has many great professors that teach at four universities, therefore the work load is the same. Your saving a lot of money for the same credit that many students are getting into debt.
    Great for these types of students

    Any student that is willing to make the best of the two year college.

    Especially those in financial crisis.

  • John from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great school, I wise I had applied to HWC before going to Minnesota in 1993. I didn't know that I would've saved $30,000 in student loan debt. My time and the students have been might nice to me!
    Tips for prospective students

    In this current macro-economy, I suggest that you look at the community colleges first then plan to transfer to the expensive colleges. In takes some planning, but in the long-run 10-years later its' worth the time of during your research.
    Academic Rigor

    The harder, more difficult classes are after the basic 100-level classes. You will find them in math, sciences, philosophy, and computer sciences.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms at HWC, it's a community college.
    Food and Dining

    This is downtown Chicago, the Loop, there are lots of places to buy food and dine out. Harold Washington College's student government is currently attempting to give students discounts on restaurants.
    What to do for fun

    Navy Prier, Gold Coast, any downtown Chicago!
    Bang for the buck

    see Harold Washington College or the City Colleges of Chicago website for tuition rates. Textbooks are a little expensive.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    See food courts.
    Great for these types of students

    No additional comments.
    Clubs and Activities

    You can start any organization on campus. Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Beta Lambda, and Student Government.
    Greek Life

    Small to none see clubs and activities.
    Campus Safety

    HWC can have some issues, but again downtown Chicago, a lot safe than other areas South and West.

  • Robert from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a very small and intimate school. Harold Washington is a good school for anyone who is trying to attend classes after sometime away, those who are just trying to earn credits in order to transfer, or those who just want a good education. Harold Washington offers all those.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take your time and never be afraid to ask a question. Asking a question can go a long way.
    Academic Rigor

    It is a school which is committed toward helping students who may not be ready for a completely academically rigorous education.
    Dorm Life

    Harold Washington does have dorms.
    Food and Dining

    The Plum Cafe is an excellent place to hang out at for students.
    What to do for fun

    The school is located in downtown Chicago, so there are plenty of movie theaters, restaurants, and parks to go too.
    Bang for the buck

    Harold Washington is a very affordable school and will give you a bang for your buck.
    Greek Life

    The library is a great place to hang out if you wish to get your reading or work finished.
    Campus Safety

    Security at the campus is great and there are rarely any violent incidents.

  • Lynda

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is okay.
    Tips for prospective students

    You should be focused and have an idea of the Professors you would like to teach you.
    Academic Rigor

    It is just fair enough.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm within the school
    Food and Dining

    Vending machine is mostly filled with junk foods. Would advice you bring your food from home.
    What to do for fun

    Nothing.
    Great for these types of students

    If you are willing and open to learn.
    Clubs and Activities

    African Student Association (ASA)
    Science Club
    Campus Safety

    The campus is pretty safe because it is small and you could be rendered help to as soon as possible.

  • Melissa from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Harold Washington is great for students who are willing to show up and do the work. Speak up to be sure you get what you're looking for, and you will make the experience what it is meant to be.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring any problems to the administration as soon as possible. Teachers should be held accountable for slacking off just as much as students should be.
    Academic Rigor

    You can easily succeed at HWC. Many students put in the minimum amount of effort and do just fine. If you wish to be challenged, you will probably have to let your instructors know so.

  • Amourinfinity from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I would rate Harold Washington College a 9 out of 10. Harold Washington College is a 9 out of 10 because this is a college that provides me with access to all the thing i need while pursuing my education. I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because although the school provides a lot of help information to getting that assistance is poorly presented.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would encourage students to plan and prepare before entering any college. I think that perspective students would enjoy attending this college and i strongly encourage doing so.
    What to do for fun

    For fun i visit the library!
    Great for these types of students

    This is a great college for:
    Highschool Students
    Transferring Students
    Career Advancement Students
    Campus Safety

    Overall Great

  • Nicole from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a great school for students who work full-time elsewhere and need night classes, weekend classes, and online classes. the school is inconsistent with the quality of teachers; some are rigorous and challenging, others are more lazy and their courses are easy. tuition is inexpensive, and courses transfer easily to other illinois universities and colleges.
    Tips for prospective students

    register online (if you can), and as soon as possible, the classes do fill up, and usually the ones that fill up are the courses you need / want to take! also, if you are planning to transfer to a 4-year university (as i am), make sure to find a transfer guide to help with deciding which courses you should take. the advisors are helpful, but hard to reach, having your own plan going into the advising center is wise.
    Academic Rigor

    this depended on the course. i've found that the 100 level science courses are very easy, and the teachers aren't as high quality; for example, my first chemistry teacher repeatedly made mistakes in his questions on all of our exams that i found and had to correct. however, the majority of the 200 level science courses are challenging, and the teachers really push their students into learning a lot. the 100 level humanities type classes were not challenging to me either, but the 200 level are more rewarding.
    Dorm Life

    there are no dorms for the city of chicago schools.
    Food and Dining

    there are food carts in the main lobby of harold washington that have a few nice breakfast items (muffins, fruit, bagels, etc.). there is also a nice food court in the basement of the building that has lunch and snack items, that are reasonably priced. the only downfall is that all of these places only accept cash and there is no atm in the school.
    What to do for fun

    there aren't a lot of activities outside of student organizations and the classes themselves. there are no sports teams or groups, as there would be no where on campus to play.
    Bang for the buck

    i think the classes are so inexpensive (generally about $87/credit hour) that the education received is just fine. the school could work more at developing their teachers, and leveling the rigor of courses across the board, but in general it does well.
    Great for these types of students

    freshman college students either just out of high school who either did poorly in high school or are taking their general education courses at a cheaper institution than a 4-year university. also good for working professionals who are trying to go back to school and need night classes, weekend classes, and online courses.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are a few cultural clubs that host events in the main rooms on the first floor, i haven't been involved in any of them, but i do know they exist.
    Greek Life

    there is no greek life at harold washington college.
    Campus Safety

    the safety at the school is really great, they have security guards walk around constantly, have video surveillance that is constantly monitored, and there are security desks if you have any questions. the only thing i think is difficult in the schools security system is that they close all the parts of the building (including the bathrooms!) at 9:00pm, although i've had classes that are not scheduled to end until 9:15pm.

  • Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    harold washington college is convenient in that it is located right in downtown chicago, about a block from millennium park. it's cost effective if you live inside the city limits but even if you are outside the city, it is really inexpensive. there's not much more to say other than it serves it's purpose.
    Tips for prospective students

    be patient getting enrolled in classes especially the first semester because you will likely feel as though your on a wild goose chase. it's really hard not to get frustrated with the enrollment process here but ultimately my classes thus far have been good.
    Academic Rigor

    it's a junior college so i'm sure that other places are much harder.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    i've never eaten at the cafe because i take night classes when it is not open.
    What to do for fun

    it's in downtown chicago so anything you want to do is probably nearby!
    Bang for the buck

    my classes so far haven't been all that difficult but i feel i'm learning none the less. there really isn't much more to ask of chicago city college.
    Great for these types of students

    anyone who wants to raise their gpa before transferring to a 4yr school. they also offer some associate's degrees as well.
    Clubs and Activities

    i work full time so i don't personally have extra time and therefore can't speak about any clubs or other organizations.
    Campus Safety

    i think anyone who is potentially going to go here knows how to get by in chicago. there are worse neighborhoods to go in this city.

  • Montserrat from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers really do have different things to bring at the table. From my Russian literature teacher, who loves that school. To my Puerto Rican Spanish teacher who always wants us to dance. They all have different ways to teach but they all want you to learn as much as you can! It's always fun!
    Am enjoying being here

    Because of how the college is set up, I personally don't enjoy going there. I mean, I don't like that you go there, and get out. It's almost like you're in a room of strangers that you see twice a week.
    Bang for the buck

    After all it is a community college so its pretty cheap!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't fall behind!! it's like digging a hole, the more you dig, the harder it will be for you to cover it. Always think positive, and don't miss class.... EVER! because you miss SOOO much. trust me, i learned my lesson.
    Great for these types of students

    If you want to get your gen eds done and then transfer. Because I think you'll get the same or even better education than another university but cheaper. Also, I recommend having someone there to be a friend. Someone you can go to, if you are having problems. College life is hard; you shouldn't have to do it all alone.

  • Michelle from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I like coming to school because i really am learning a lot of things that i didn't get from high school. I like how the teachers are and how serious everyone is about getting their education and succeeding.
    Am enjoying being here

    The social environment is great. There are mature students as well as adults and there is no problem concentrating on work during the school day.
    Bang for the buck

    This college is pretty affordable. There is no problem with paying for school and a good thing about the classes is that you are able to transfer them to a lot of schools.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to pay attention in class. its not good to get distracted or start missing class. Keep in mind that you paid for the classes and it will be a waste if you don't attend. Its good to study and do well in tests because in the end you will be happy with the results.
    Great for these types of students

    For any student who does not have the financial status to attend a four year university and anyone who wants to continue their education.