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Holyoke Community College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Alannah from Ware, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    What you learn here depends on what professor you have. There are some extravagant and amazing educators in this facility. For example a sociology class I had taken last semester was the best the teacher was so laid back but learned so much the things i learned in that class stuck with me. While others are more towards lectures and other such structured classes but in general you learn quite a bit for a community college.
    Am enjoying being here

    There isnt much to do other than go straight to class. There is the lunch area which is a bit small and usually crowded. There is also the student lounge which you will find students playing hackey sack skateboarding or just hanging out listening to the music.
    Bang for the buck

    The best is to take general courses at a community college then transfer to a university. That is the cheapest way to get the most for your money out of a community college but in general it isnt that expensive.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for just about anything with a diverse population and learning styles variations deferring amongst professors.
    Great for these types of students

    This college is great for part time students. Also for students to get the general courses completed to transfer to a 4 year school to jump directly into the area of study that they desire.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Lost at Holyoke

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Holyoke Community College (HCC), I assume like a lot of colleges has great teachers and some teachers with not so great teaching methods. The classrooms are small and the workload for a Psychology Major is not too much. Class room rules are similar to High-School. No food or drinks. No talking and being late for class. I know ridiculous but all classes are 50 minutes or 1 hr and 15 minutes. Not to bad.
    Tips for prospective students

    For prospective students I suggest talking in-depth about your career choices to all teachers you encounter at HCC. Each advisor or professor will tell you how they started their route to their career, making a career choice, what route they think is the best to take, and what jobs are the best. It is important to talk to numerous people about career options because all will give you different answers. In these different answers who will find the best choice for you. It maybe confusing, frustrating, and difficult at the time so research yourself will be helpful. If you do not ask, the professors will not just talk about jobs in the field your studying or career options. You will have an education at graduation but lack knowledge of furthering your education.
    It is important that you YOURSELF stay on top of the classes your taking, required classes, fulfillment of degree and graduation,course credits, overall credits needed to graduate and financial aid. The advising center is NOT helpful unless you know all the above listed. They do there job which is to put you in classes. They will not be further help to you. You may get put into classes you do not want or need or extra classes adding to your workload. It is important that you have knowledge and are not afraid to speak up and say NO to taking a class. This is your education and its your choice as to what classes you would like to take. At the end of your education at HCC you might have had around 6 different advisers. It gets frustrating. This is why you need to stay on top of your class requirements. Personally I learned the hard way.
    It is a plus to be bilingual at HCC. Most of the professors are not, however the financial aid, advising center, and transfer departments at HCC only hire bilingual employees. If you are bilingual you will be treated nicer and be provided with more help than non-bilingual individuals. This is not meant to be a derogatory statement but knowledge that you will gain and experience first hand. If you do not possess this skill you will be making several trips back and forth to departments to get done what you need to.
    Academic Rigor

    The rigorous life of an academic at HCC! I suggest staying on top of required or recommended reading, and taking notes in class. Several mini papers are due in each class or a research paper is due at the end of the semester in some classes. You will have three or four test in each class a semester. As long as you are keeping up with your reading and note taking the test will not be hard. The classes are much like high-school classes.
    Make friends with your professor and students in your classroom. Students can help you with missed notes and professors that like you are more lenient with you.
    You can get all A's at HCC but you need to study the classes are not overly difficult or hard. Simply just showing up to class can help and being involved in class.
    I suggest not taking philosophy and mythology courses at HCC. Only a couple of professors teach these classes. All are rigorous and a lot of work. Also if your point of view differs from these professors you will have a hard time passing the class.
    Professors not to take classes by include: Rod Dube and George Ryan. These are nice but difficult professors. They are not lenient and the workload is difficult and rigorous. And they themselves are difficult people.
    Professors that are great: Terri Kinstle, Patricia Bonneau, Larry Levitt, and Jane Vecchio.
    I suggest all students take the Human Sexuality course at HCC it is amazing, informative, and fun. I have never enjoyed going to class so much.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm life at HCC. However they do offer a daycare program. I do not have personal experience at the day care center however I have heard that it is expensive.
    Food and Dining

    Recently a Subway has open up at the cafeteria. The prices are low. There is one other food lobby that sells various kinds of food. Such as sandwiches, salads, and fruit. Also a new coffee shop has opened up in the C-building. They always offer free samples. The food is good to decent quality.
    What to do for fun

    Every Wednesday there is an activity period. In which there are dance classes, guest speakers, ceremonies, open houses, and give-aways. They are entertaining and fun if you take part in.
    There are several sports teams. These are a great way to make new friends.
    Bang for the buck

    Food is cheap. Expenses such as tuition is reasonable compared to other schools. Always park in a parking space and get to school earlier than your class time. Parking is sparse and tickets start at a 15 dollar fine. Prior to gradation you must pay these or your account will be on hold and you will not be allowed to graduate.
    Make sure to check out scholarships at HCC. HCC gives numerous scholarships to students who attend there college. They do not advertise this. They do not give out scholarships for individuals moving on to new schools or going out of state.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Every winter the tennis courts are opened up to provide additional parking lots to students.
    There is a gay pride group at HCC. Every year they have a coming out of the closet ceremony in the courtyard. They walk through a door and make a speech.
    Free STD testing comes to HCC provided by Tapestry Health. They also give away free condoms and lube.
    A guest speaker named Megan comes to HCC once a year. She is a sexologist and comes to talk to HCC about safe sex. She is very funny and give lots of freebies.
    Great for these types of students

    HCC is great for bilingual students, and continuing high-school education.
    Clubs and Activities

    As I previously mentioned there is a gay rights group, psychology group, and numerous groups for all majors. Including sports groups and academic groups.
    Greek Life

    There are no sororities or fraternities at HCC. However the academically gifted individuals belong to Psi Beta Thai. They receive special scholarships even a chance for a full ride at new sister colleges in New England.
    Campus Safety

    Campus police patrol regularly and they walk the campus along with the parking lots.
    Accidents often happen in the parking lots and the exits of the college. Drive carefully.
    Car break-ins are known to happen the later it gets.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Lucia from Holyoke, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i think Holyoke community college is a very affordable institute.
    it also offers numerous areas to study, and there is supportive staff to guide you in the right direction
    Tips for prospective students

    NEVER GIVE UP AND ALSO PUT FORTH YOUR BEST EFFORT.
    Academic Rigor

    AWESOME!
    Dorm Life

    NO DORM
    Food and Dining

    YUM!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Heather

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Has the best online learning program in the area. I loved the flexibility of taking classes on line and selection available for online learning is amazing! I also really liked the summer sessions classes I have taken.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always follow up on paperwork that has been submitted, I have had several things lost from my file and reappear later.
    Academic Rigor

    The program I am entering in for September is very competitive, only 22 out of 250 applicants made it. The building classes and gen eds are wonderful and move at a manageable pace
    Food and Dining

    Good selection for all, tasty things to choose from.
    Bang for the buck

    I am attending for my second degree and its only going to cost me about 15,000 grand total in tuition and fees for two years of full time study. My degree is going to put me in well paying position so i would say greal value here!
    Great for these types of students

    Non-traditional, cant say enough about online learning, they make it easy for anyone to be able to find time to further their education.
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots to choose from!
    Campus Safety

    Would like to see more of the officers then just patroling in their cars

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 1 person found it offensive.

    Kelly from Sandwich, MA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the school could use updating/cleaning, security response time and noise control with regards to their radio station blasting in quiet study areas.

    most staff/personnel are nice and easy to work with: the math center is the best for helping you understand the work.

    biggest downfall: the micro slides and anatomy lab structures used (and tested on) are extremely outdated (made it very difficult to learn)
    Tips for prospective students

    overall, it's mediocre.
    Great for these types of students

    great for minorities.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Sheila from West Springfield, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    HCC gives you so many opportunities to succeed and learn. The diversity of students and teachers is overwhelming. I found that all the faculty were so helpful in all the questions and needs of the students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always keep in contact with your professors. If you skip classes, you are missing out on a lot of information during class time that can not be made up. Be involved in your school and what it has to offer. Use all the opportunities available to you.
    Academic Rigor

    If you show up to class and do your work, most things will just fall into place. Most professors give you an opportunity to get extra credit. They really care about how well you do, as long as you show effort.
    Dorm Life

    HCC does not offer dorm life.
    Food and Dining

    HCC has a great cafeteria and a vast selection of foods. They have a grill, a salad bar, Subway, and snacks. Coffee is a big seller also.
    What to do for fun

    Every Wednesday is student activity time at noon. There are plenty of things to get involved in. Clubs are popular and every week something different is going on to involve the students. Music is always playing in the activities area, and it is a very comfortable place to be.
    Bang for the buck

    HCC is a comfort zone for me. There are so many different classes available. There are just so many ways to succeed.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There is a childcare center on campus for those that want to be close by their children. The library is pretty central to everything.
    Great for these types of students

    HCC is a great community college for those who want to get a foot into college but not sure if a 4 year degree is what they want. The Associates degree is a good start to any degree program for bigger colleges, and HCC tranfers credits to state colleges.
    Clubs and Activities

    HCC has clubs for everything you can think of. If they don't, you can start one. The facebook page is very helpful in any questions you may have. I found that most students were involved in more than just their classes. HCC is a way of living and learning.
    Greek Life

    No fraternities
    Campus Safety

    There is a campus police force. They keep everything on an even calm. They are not overbearing in presence, but you know they are there. I feel completely safe on campus day or night.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Sumiah from Chicopee, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are great, every one I had were very helpful and taught well. I am a photography major and the photo professors are such special people, I am so happy I went to HCC first to learn from them. Every photography major there come out pros in the Dark Room when they leave.
    Am enjoying being here

    HCC have great clubs to join and awesome events. Just recently the music majors had a Jazz concert for all to go. The environment is warm and friendly. I have made so many new friends from my classes.
    Bang for the buck

    HCC is pretty affordable, financial aid helps though.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to tour the campus before your classes start. Also, parking can get pretty ridiculous so leave your house early to get a good spot.
    Great for these types of students

    HCC is great for students who do not know what to major in. The liberal arts program at HCC is a great start for any indecisive college student.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Kara from Brookfield, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the teachers all try to push the students to make sure they graduate no matter what: they offer extra help, they explain everything clearly, and they try to overlap subjects into everyday life so you can clearly see why it is important to learn the skills they teach, not just for getting enough credits to find a job
    Tips for prospective students

    relax. people are going to help you. just ask for it. and try out the writing center for help on essays. the tutors are really nice and everything is free too
    Academic Rigor

    most of my teachers had worked in top notch ivy league schools at siome point. they all knew what they were talking about.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    they have a subway on campus which is nice but it doesn't accept subway points cards or gift cards. most of the food is healthy (including sushi!), but it was kinda expensive so i mostly just brought my lunch from home. the teachers let you eat in the classes too.
    What to do for fun

    a ton of clubs, but all happen on wednesday so you can only pick one), they have a campus radio station with actually good non-overplayed-music
    Bang for the buck

    i saved at least 20,000 dollars be going to this school for the first two years of college than if i went to another state university
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    holyoke mall is literally right down the road. i would pick my friend up from elms college (i'm the designated college acquaintance with a car) and we'd go to the mall. we wouldn't really buy anything but gumballs but it was fun to just walk around
    Great for these types of students

    i would see a lot of mothers in all my classes. they said they liked telling their children about their day at school. my teachers were really cool with having little kids come to class every now and then and everyone was really nice and polite to these little kids. there was also a nursery on campus. i also appreciated how much cheaper my college was compared to other 4 year universities. the transfer office also made sure to try and get people to those 4 year universities to continue people's education. they had a lot of really good tips about where to go after graduating from holyoke
    Clubs and Activities

    anime club, radio club, soccer, softball, basketball, black/white, writing, and about 50 others you can find on their website. yet all the clubs happened at 12:00 on wednesday so you had to choose only one to stick with. there were always a bunch of raffles or sales the clubs would do in the hallways where you could get stuff.
    Greek Life

    no dorms
    Campus Safety

    the campus police were always really polite and nice. the campus is close together so if anything ever happened (which none did while i was there), then help would be there in the minute. the whole campus was filled with mature parents or young people who had wizened up. no drinking problems whatsoever. there are no dorms so there wasn't any hazing incidents either. the side of town the college was in was pretty nice--urban, but well kept urban. it was near two or three elementary schools too.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    TT

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Holyoke Community College has a friendly and supportive environment. I graduated from HCC in 2005 and now am returning for the R.N. program. I wouldn't have chosen any where else!
    Tips for prospective students

    Schedule an appointment with an advisor as soon as you can. They will help guide you to plan your future. Choose your classes carefully and don't be afraid to take an art class!
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are challenging and I've had many great teachers.
    Dorm Life

    No dorming.
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria actually has great healthy choices.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for any student who wants their teacher to know their name, not just think of them as a number.
    Campus Safety

    I've never personally had a problem, but I have occasionally heard of cars being broken into. Which can happen anywhere.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    LRM

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    holyoke community college is a good place to start of your college education. the staff are dedicated to ensuring that the students get the best out hcc. the vibe in hcc is friendly.
    Tips for prospective students

    1. register for classes early to get the best times.

    Academic Rigor

    the staff here at hcc demad alot of their students. it's not impossible to do though. you will get what you need to know for your career plans in the future.
    Dorm Life

    this is a 2 year community college so we dont have any dorms but the campus over all is a welcoming place.
    Food and Dining

    the food here is good. we have a subway on campus also.
    What to do for fun

    they have alot of activities going on. wednesday from 11 to 1 is acivity period and a lot of cool things can be done.

  • Felicia from Ludlow, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great school for transfer students who are looking for a cheaper way to get a great education. Students and faculty are very friendly and the campus is easy to get around. But, parking is a hassle.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to arrive on time for all your classes. Try to attend all classes, attendance is important. Always ask for help if you need or or use the CAPS center for help. Don't procrastinate because HCC is there to help you not hurt you.
    Academic Rigor

    Many classes are a challenge but others are a piece of cake.
    Dorm Life

    There is no dorm life at HCC
    Food and Dining

    The food is okay they have a variety of food. Subway, Mexican food, and also grilled food such as breakfast in the morning like pancakes, french toast, omelets and for lunch you got burgers and fries.
    What to do for fun

    Every week there is an activity going on around campus. Always try to attend and become involved. They are actually kind of fun!
    Bang for the buck

    The money is worth the education. I feel like I've learning a lot for not that much.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Zumba class outside in the court yard.
    Great for these types of students

    Nursing, business, and criminal justice students.
    Clubs and Activities

    Many clubs to be apart of and you can also make your own.
    Greek Life

    No Greek Life
    Campus Safety

    Never have seen anything bad happen. No complaints.