Houston Community College
Houston, TX, USA

Reviews

Houston Community College

Isabella from Houston, TX

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
If you take you education seriously I feel that it does not matter where you go to school, although a prestigious university doesn't hurt, it is what you make of it. Being that many of the professors teach at near by universities they know how to give a you challenge when needed. The classes are very informative and may of professors are dedicated to helping their students understand the material.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is a pretty friendly place, surprisingly the financial aid department is too. When it comes to finding the answers to specific questions it can be tiresome to find a clear and accurate answer with time, patients, and dedication you WILL find an answer. Recently I have discovered the gym, there is a basketball court, ellipticals, treadmills, weights. etc and a pool about 25 meters in length, no I have yet to measure it but it looks about 25 meters so don't hold me to it. The campus also has a a nice student lounge with a a nice view. The student cafeteria has a very nice selection of food. If your not in the mood for what the college has on their lunch menu you can always walk across the street to subway, a little burger place, or a very good pizza place down the block. (Highly Recommended!)
Bang for the buck
I would say the resources the college offers are worth the tuition, which is actually a saving from the cost of universities. Every department has a class room where you can find tutors on call for most of the day. Occasionally a professor will lead a review session which anyone is more than welcome to sit in on and ask questions. Most of the time the review is conducted based on the questions students have.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to take care of your financial aid, enrollment, and any other school related paper work well before the semester begins, no a week or two before. If you do decide to wail until the last minuet make sure you clear up you entire week! Oh, and bring an iPod or some form of entertainment while you wait on line for two hours. And no, trying to do things over the phone does not usually work, they like to give you the run around, take my word for it. When it comes to enrolling for classes talking to people before choosing a professor that would be right for you. Personally... I don't know many people pursuing my major so when looking at professors I check out rate my professor, it is not always accurate but it it much better than walking around in the dark.
Great for these types of students
Students who are not Texas residents may want to start here. Although I am still paying out of state tuition it is much cheaper than the University of Houston, and the University of Houston Down-Town. I intend to transfer but this is a great way to save money. I have realized that many of my classmates are students who are currently attending other universities and taking classes at the community college to save money. The great thing is, most of the professors also teach at other universities, for example, my biology teacher also teaches at the University of Houston and Sam Houston University.

Jeannie from Houston, TX

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Even though, HCC isn't the school I chose to go to, it isn't that bad. The professors will teach you one on one if you need help with something that they're teaching. They have tutoring centers to help students accomplish their work. The classes are about 1:25 student teacher ratio and the professors get personal because they know your name. The professors at HCC are caring and they will try to help you the best that they can.
Am enjoying being here
I do enjoy being here, but at the same time, I'm in my own bubble, because most of my colleagues and friends are at different colleges and mostly in universities. There are few that attend HCC with me. But I get to make new friends, and they're all of different ages with great personalities and unique stories. The professors are all nice here as well. It's a positive, friendly and clean environment to be around.
Bang for the buck
HCC is REALLY cheap compared to other universities. I plan to transfer to HBU the following academic year. It's quite expensive. But if you build a schedule and make good grades as well as apply to FAFSA and Scholarships, you're set to go! HCC is also a good place to take summer school classes, cheap and they transfer to your university if you were attending elsewhere in Houston. If you plan to transfer to another university after getting an associates degree, make yourself eligible for Phi Theta Kappa which is an honor society for students who have a 3.5 GPA and higher. Some universities have that organization offered there and they give scholarships because you were in good standing with HCC's Phi Theta Kappa! It's an excellent opportunity.
Tips for prospective students
I would suggest that you apply earlier, see your counselor ASAP to register for classes. I would also suggest that you apply to FAFSA and get the finances taken care of, so that you don't have to struggle when paying for classes first and getting it refunded. It's a hassle to be dealing with that. I also suggest that you should take time to STUDY STUDY STUDY because that's all you do in college. STUDY. There's midterms, pop quizzes and the dreadful final exams. And the professors expect you to have followed the syllabus and read the text and study on your own. Attending classes when required is necessary too because you wouldn't want to pay for a class that you get dropped for just because you didn't come to class.
Great for these types of students
Students who want the academics for a cheap price with the same curriculum, HCC is the best place for you. Students who work better in a small teacher student ratio then HCC is the best for you. HCC is also an indoor institute and the classes along with parking is within walking distance. If you're a student who fits this criteria, HCC is the best pick for you!

Walter from Houston, TX

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Yes, I am really learning a lot, basically we as students. All it requires to pay attention when instructors gives instructions and please take notes that will be so much easier for you to move on and pass . A tip when your instructor gives you a quiz make sure you keep it well save, so you can go back and review it. Why? it may show up some questions on your test and sometimes even on your finals.
Am enjoying being here
Do I enjoy? I certainly do, Theirs no way I will not enjoy. The instructors of HCC have patience of helping you out just let them know and set up an appointment with them and they sure will help you. Even though we have tutors that help you on your class subjects.
Counselors are really nice to students and welling to help you.
Tips for prospective students
If you are planning to assist to HCC please visit any HCC Campus. Check on the counselors to give you a tour, explain how schedule works, and what classes are transferable if you are planning to go university, and is really big save up.

Taneshia from Houston, TX

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
Education here was fun. Professors kept you engaged in the activities.
Did enjoy being here
I love being here and one day plan to go back.
Bang for the buck
Always had a great amount of money refunded back to me. Houston Community College is affordable.
Tips for prospective students
Take a community college serious as you would do a university. Just a tip, all of my credits transfer from HCC to a university.
Great for these types of students
Those who want to pay less, a small learning environment or just want to get there basics out the way.

Sarah from Houston, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
this is a great college, but i have to say it varies greatly by campus, i have been to two different ones, one i cant stand, and one i love. this is just like any other college, many students are mistaken to think it will be easier because it is a community college, they have high standards. Like in all schools it depends on the professors that you have, some are great and some, not so much. overall i love it, meet many great people, like my classes was helped with the financial aid process, and i am saving alot of money and getting my AP credits . over all it is great, i do suggest however you check out the campus and ask around about the on you want to go to. counted for with 3's while some universities require 4's
Tips for prospective students
make sure you check campuses and professor ratings, take carefully detail into planning your schedule, this is because when you apply for say southwest it lists classes in all southwest campuses, specify campus because you might apply for classes at two campuses by accident having to spend the day going to different campuses.
Great for these types of students
money savers

Son from Houston, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Houston Community College provides both U.S. and international students opportunities to experience college-level education through affordable and informative courses. The staff and professors in various educational fields in HCC are very helpful and knowledgeable based on their teaching and counseling experiences. The learning environment is very immaculate and appropriate for everyone to wholly participate in learning.
Tips for prospective students
Students that yearned to progress further into their learning experience at college-level should seek for counseling and advising from HCC's staff and advisors. When students are enrolled in HCC, the first thing they need to contemplate about is the courses that are required for both their transfering credits and degree's credits. HCC also provides work-study opportunities for students who were eligible for federal work-study financial aid. Students need to manage their time wisely between work and participating in class in order to be successful in their courses. Students, who are in financial-need, can seek for advises from the staff in the Financial Aid Office in order to obtain more information of how to apply for scholarships and financial aid.
Academic Rigor
HCC does not pressure students in their academic experiences, but it supports students to successfully acquire the basic needs in order to advance further into university-level. The structure of HCC is very easy to navigate, so that the students can acknowledge their ways to classes. Depends on the courses, students are required to adhere to the syllabus, laws, and rules that HCC descriptively imposed for every single classes. The level of strictness would be entirely based on the professors' decision of how to make students adhere to the predicaments, as well as learning experience, so that they can adapt to the college-level learning.
Dorm Life
HCC does not provide dorms for students, who desire to stay within the campus. HCC has many different campuses that are located in particular areas or districts, so students can easily attend without having problems of transportation.
Food and Dining
Within every single HCC campus, there is one cafeteria area, where students can sit and work on their classes' assignments or simply converse with their acquaintances. There are several vending machines, where students can spare a few quarters for various snacks and drinks. The environment is quite comfortable and complacent to stay with different architectural designs. HCC campuses know how to locate themselves within fast food restaurants, where students can simply go out and purchase food without having to travel miles away from the campuses.
What to do for fun
HCC has miscellaneous activities and clubs for students to participate in order to enhance their communication, interaction, and learning skills. The HCC's libraries are always packed with students working on various activities; students can oppoint a study room and interact with their acquaintances and friends. Several classes within HCC have opportunities for students to travel to different places such as Houston's Museum of Fine Arts, where they can acquire informative information for their learning experiences while allowing them to fully interact with the society's environment.

Oluwafikunoremi from Houston, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is an affordable and brilliant school that is accessible to everyone willing to further their education. Most (to be honest; not all)of the professors have a direct connection to their students, which means student could easy contact and interact with their professors. Also, the classes are small with an average of 21 students, that makes the learning environment conducive for everyone.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you share contact with at list one student if at all you decide not to communicate with the professor. This is important because you could easily miss an information since there are not many students in the classroom is not much
Academic Rigor
Learning is easier than a 4year university class with many students. Here you have no reason to fail, because if you have a difficult or problem, you can easily reach the professor.
Dorm Life
I am not aware Houston Community College has any dorm
Food and Dining
The school provides cafeterias but no food is served unless on special occasions like festivals.
What to do for fun
I would say the only notable fun times are festive periods
Bang for the buck
It is Totally worth it. It's cheap, especially for the In-district students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
none
Great for these types of students
Financially restricted students, Parents or maybe those who want to stay really close to home
Clubs and Activities
None that I am aware of.
Greek Life
None that I am aware of.
Campus Safety
It's okay. We have security and police.

Anna from Sugar Land, TX

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
HCC is a Community College designed to help students in many ways, such as financially or in planning their college career. The professors are a diverse group, but if you find one that has been rated well, their classes are usually worth taking. They truly get you involved in your education and in the school.
Tips for prospective students
Do not take just any professor, look them up! There are some really great English, Math, and Biology professors. As for homework, the load is large, but not undo-able.
Academic Rigor
When you take the correct class, it is challenging. However, if you get a lazy professor, then have no worries about the difficulty of the class. And don't expect to learn much either.
Dorm Life
No dorms, but the campus life depends on which campus you attend. The campus in Sienna is best.
Food and Dining
Well, they have a convenience store, not much else...
What to do for fun
Join a group on campus! Some of the classes are fun too. But outside of scholastic's, they do not offer much.
Bang for the buck
The price is not terrible, but it is really hit and miss with what you get out of a class. You really need to research your professor first.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
No traditions. But the libraries are wonderful, if you can search them out!
Great for these types of students
Anyone really. HCC has a very diverse student body, and what is more they encourage you within a classroom to get to know and understand your fellow students.
Clubs and Activities
Film clubs, voice clubs, theatre, women's groups. So many activities in this college!
Greek Life
They do not have a great presence here.
Campus Safety
Many security guards and other safety measures. You must have a college I.D in order to do anything on a campus!

Vanessa from Houston, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Houston Community College is a great college to attend to and it is a smart decision to make if you plan to attend a 4-year university because it saves you a lot of money. The staff is very helpful and shows that they want you to succeed. Every single campus is close to home and very convenient because of the numerous classes offered in different time, classes are flexible according to your schedule.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective should expect classes to be as rigorous as the first 2-years in any university. Just because it is a community college does not mean classes are easier.
Academic Rigor
Houston Community College offers tutoring online and in campus when student is struggling. There are many learning tools to help students.
Dorm Life
Houston Community College does not have dorms. Most campuses has apartment complexes nearby. For students that plan to stay home, college is convenient and saves you money by not having to move out.
Food and Dining
Houston Community College does not have restaurants, some locations have delis and vending machines. All locations have tables for dining and never dirty, also all campuses has food nearby.
What to do for fun
Most students focus in studying and busy with their own lives and responsibility.
Great for these types of students
Want to stay home / Save money / Save time / Focused in school
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs, activities and sports located in different campuses open to students in all campuses
Campus Safety
Every location I have been too ensures safety of all students, faculty and staff. Campus officers are not just friendly and helpful, but also puts students, faculty and staff lives in front of theirs and patrols the campus in a safely matter to ensure everything is fine.

David from Houston, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Houston Community College opens up a very broad student like myself. This college helped me a lot so far with continuing my basics to where I want to go. If it hasn't been for Houston Community College, I wouldn't know where I would be right now.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you plan out your agenda. Becoming college material is more then just the word itself. Organize your schedule and your time as that can really affect you. Make sure you adapt to how college is.
What to do for fun
Exploring around the campus so far and meeting new people
Bang for the buck
I'm glad to say HCC was the best route for me. I saved A LOT of money for my basic class courses compared to Universities.