Riverside City College
Riverside, CA, USA

Reviews

Riverside City College

Farryn from Moreno Valley, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
RCCD is a very good community college. this school is a good way to save money while earning your associates degree or before transferring to university. i am in my second semester of college and so far i feel like i have learned so much. this school has the same teachers that you would get at an expensive university. one of my math teachers was also a teacher at UCR. i have gotten better grades here at RCC then all through out high school. the teachers really care here and want you to succeed. my professors are easy to understand and will meet with you any time during their office hours if you need extra help. also at big universities there can be up to 500 students in a class, which i would find difficult to learn in, here at RCC the classes are small. i would say the largest class ofered would probably have 50 students. i really feel like i can learn more when the teacher gets to know me and can relate to me. i am learning a lot!
Am enjoying being here
RCC has a really good environment to it. the campus is nice, parking isn't bad and the students here are really willing to learn. the campus is only ten minuets away from Riverside Plaza and fifteen minuets away from Tyler mall. this school has a lot to offer, there are many clubs you can join and a lot of activities to enjoy. its not the normal college experience with dorms and sororities but it has its perks too. i have made some good friends here too.
Bang for the buck
as i mentioned earlier, for only 26 bucks a unit right now its worth the money to stay home for a year, save your money until you can go to the school of your dreams. that is what i am doing right now. i plan on going to the Culinary Institute of America after i get my associates degree. also as i mentioned earlier one of my math teachers was also a teacher at UCR. meaning that i am getting the same education as the university twenty minuets down the free way, but for much cheaper. i would really recommend RCC for your first two years, at least one year of college. also there are many free services on campus. there is a free nurse, psychologist and counseling on campus. the only thing expensive about this school are the books! if you buy all of your books brand new from the book store you would spend more money on the books than the actually class! you can find out what books you need for your classes after you register at the online sight for the bookstore, then you can go to chegg.com and rent your books for almost a fourth of the cost! plus chegg lets you plant a tree somewhere in the world for your good doings!
Tips for prospective students
registration is somewhat difficult, especially since the economy is so bad right now, so when you find out your registration date, mark your calender, set an alarm be online at midnight! also don't be distraught if you don't get the exact classes that you want, there are many classes that fill GE and transfer requirements. plus the more units you have under your belt the closer your registration date gets each semester! my tip for you: take as many classes as you can! also as i mentioned earlier about the books, do not let the bookstore fool you! go to amazon.com, half.com, chegg.com...ect. you can find your books some place else for a lot cheaper!! also buy a parking permit! it will make your life so much easier! in the RCCD there are 3 campuses, you can take online classes from any of them, keep that in mind when you cant find any classes at the city campus! be in your registered classes on the first day of class!! you will get dropped if you are not there, and the waiting list is your best friend. if you are in the top 5 of the waiting list you are basically in the class, there is always someone who doesn't show on the first day of class!
Great for these types of students
students who didn't like high school! students who had teachers that didn't care and just passed them along. students who want to save money. students who are serious about transferring. students who want to stay close to home. students who like small classroom environments.

Emilio from Riverside, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am definitely learning a lot at Riverside Community College (now called Riverside City College). The education you get obviously various among the different professors, but overall it is of good quality. I have a couple friends who attend different 4-year universities and from what I hear the caliber of teaching quality is of the same level.
Am enjoying being here
Though you can't really gain the college experience that you normally would if you were at a 4-year university, there is a lot RCC still has to offer that has a strong, college ambiance to it. Something that RCC does for you is that it really develops your independence as a student; you quickly learn that you are responsible for your academic career and that sometimes you have to learn to take action for yourself.
Bang for the buck
I'm not sure if the cost per unit has changed from $26, but if the price has not changed then a loaded 18 units comes out to only $468 a semester. I'm about to transfer to a 4-year university where the semester costs about 4 times that. So the price for RCC is definitely not ridiculous when looked at in context. You can also apply for the Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOGW) which actually waives the cost of units every semester (something that I used and saved tons of money with).
Tips for prospective students
My main tips for the prospective student are these
- Try to detach yourself from depending on others and make decisions for yourself.
- Don't expect that the information will just come to you at RCC. 4-year universities tend to be a lot more direct about information, but at RCC one must research on one's own.
- Try to take as many classes as you can during a term so as to finish your goals quicker.
Great for these types of students
- Independent
- Financially hindered
- With forms of transportation

Albert from Riverside, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Riverside City College is an excellent place to study! The campus is not only a beautiful place just minutes away from downtown, it is representative of a environment comprised of ambitious people. The staff and faculty are supportive and seek to help every student as much as possible!
Tips for prospective students
Be positive! There is nothing more hurtful to a students college career than a negative attitude. Ask questions, be polite, and listen to what each instructor has to offer in order to better yourself for the future.
Academic Rigor
The academic rigor of this college solely depends on the student themselves. Seek help when needed because the responsibility lies within the individual taking those classes. Nothing is difficult, it is only when a person believes it is.
Dorm Life
I have not had the chance to immerse myself within the dorm life here at RCC, but knowing the students who attend, it must be a positive, fun, and unforgettable experience.
Food and Dining
The food here at RCC is relatively pleasing. The pizza is what I prefer to order when I am on the go. They have many choices of restaurant quality pizzas and submarine sandwiches that are suitable for just about any type of palette. Much more exists at the RCC cafeteria and it takes hunger to discover what they have to offer!
What to do for fun
The Riverside City College has activities going on just about every day of the week. You can see various vendors out on the quad selling their merchandise or booths providing services or club advertising. During the holidays students get together to bring the experience to the campus. They have had Halloween mazes, Christmas themed celebrations, talent shows and even a circus!
Bang for the buck
The life that surrounds Riverside City College is unforgettable. It leaves a feeling of pride to be apart of a community that supports the success of its alumni. Pictures throughout the hall embrace the graduates who transferred pr graduated from this college. It is certainly a place to hold high as an institution.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus of Riverside City College gives a sense of life to the students. It is surrounded by nature. Literally set among trees streaming with wildlife, the school is sort of like national park where visitors can go to get a glimpse of a squirrel or skunk. Birds, lizards, racoons, squirrels, skunks exist in and around the campus separately and never disturb campus life. A natural and preservative feel is definitely a hallmark for this city college.
Great for these types of students
If you like to breathe fresh air, then this is the type of school for you. It gives a sense of existing along side nature while studying to be what you want. It is relaxing and peaceful. It is also clean and respective toward nature.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs exist on campus and whatever your interests may be, there is a club for you. I was apart of the Video Game Club and I have met various unique people who I have had the chance to become friends with. There is also a club where you can take care of a garden and learn about cultivation and growing organic crops! How cool is that?
Campus Safety
The schools top priority is to ensure student safety. All around the school there are various emergency red buttons that students can press. Campus PD also patrol regularly even on the weekends and vacation students are away. The steps Riverside City College takes to ensure the safety of its students demonstrates the professionalism every institution should have.

Delfino from San Bernardino, CA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Riverside Community College may just be one of the greatest community colleges;
it excels in diversity, campus life, plethora of events and clubs, help is always available, nice campus with beautiful library window views, and friendly students!
Tips for prospective students
New college students should take advantage of community colleges in general. Fresh out of High School students may not always know what careers they want to pursue so community colleges are perfect for finding their paths. With Financial Aid and Bog Waivers it is virtually free tuition for those who qualify. Many financial aid options are available such as BOG, FAFSA, Dream Act and Cal grants. RCC or any of its sister schools would be a great place to start. Not only for tuition costs, but it will generally save students a lot of money when they decide to transfer.
The best tip I can give is speak to a counselor asap and begin a study program, take general education classes and find out what career is best for you while having a great experience, just don't blow all of your financial aid at a community college. Important thing to remember is that Financial is limited to about 6 school years, so although it is a great place to find your path, prospective students should not linger more than they have to.
Academic Rigor
I have to give this school 5 stars in academic rigor. It is a challenging school with great academics and teachers push their students and don't let anyone breeze on through without any effort. It is just as any other top notch college, the curriculum isn't watered down nor should it be. It is a stepping stone for when students transfer, the school does an excellent job for preparation. Classes should be taken seriously and studying 1 hr for every class unit will ensure a passing grade. It may not be Harvard, but the professors are very skilled and experts in their field.
Dorm Life
There actually aren't any dorms because it is a community college.
Sleeping under a nice tree is always nice in between classes!
Food and Dining
The campus food isn't the greatest and it isn't the worst, but luckily for the college a food and dining area is just around the corner. Market Street features a good amount of restaurants, a small plaza, bars, coffee shops and other recreational areas for students to enjoy. A popular spot for college students in Riverside is called Back To The Grind, a very nice coffee shop that screams college life. It is rather hipster in a sense, decorations are fun and has bookshelves for people to read, board games and other fun decorations. Two other attractions come to mind, back to the grind features a small terrace and outdoor area and well as a basement. The basement looks like many poetry slams are staged there, having a small stage and seats around it. There is also a pool table for people to use.
All in all the food and dining areas around the school are great and easy to reach.
Tyler Mall is also really close by and a great place to hang with friends and eat!
What to do for fun
There are many things to do for fun on and off campus.
The school features many clubs and activities for students to engage in. The student body helps host many on campus events and there is always something going on from dog adoptions, club rush, performing bands/students, plays by acting students, school elections, Chalk Walk, banquets to even drag shows, the list goes on!
Outside of campus there are also fun things to do. There are quite a few art exhibits int he area and Riverside hosts a monthly Art Walk; every first Thursday of the month. At art walk students and other people can enjoy a taste of the artistic life from paintings to sculptures, photography, hand made items (tails, beanies, backpacks etc) and art walk usually has a live band sing in the main gallery upper terrace. Another cool thing about Art Walk is that it is held where all the dining and bar areas are at so they are always in reach if you get hungry. If art isn't your thing, there are always the bars located in the same area.
Bang for the buck
Riverside City College is just an affordable community college that new students should take advantage of. Who can say no to a nice campus, student life, great classes and teachers all while saving thousands of dollars.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Like I mentioned before, Art Walk is held every first thursday of the month and many college students go and hang out with there friends.
Great for these types of students
It is great for students in low income families who can't afford spending a ridiculous amount of money for general education. So its cheaper to take their 2 years of general education here than at a 4 year college.
It is also great for students who still haven't decided on their career goals.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and activities.
Think of a club and it is here.
During club rush i met with many of the clubs presidents, all were friendly and inviting. There is not a week where there isn't something exciting happening on Campus. If you like being social and getting to know people, join a club, this school has plenty of them!
Greek Life
I am not exactly sure what this is, but there are a lot of plays and performances by students.
Campus Safety
During the time spent in Riverside City College, not once have I seen a fight or anything dangerous occur. It is in a nice area and streets are clean and no loitering around campus. Safety shouldn't be a concern because it is such a nice environment!

Erin from Moreno Valley, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Riverside City College provides its students the best college education possible. The rigorous workload is challenging and beneficial. Students graduate from Riverside City College with a strong and proficient academic foundation.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to learn.
Prioritize your schedule.
Strive for A's.
Take your education seriously.
What to do for fun
Join a club on campus! Or start your own club!
Bang for the buck
RCC offers lower tuition fees than 4 year colleges.
Campus Safety
Campus security drive around continually. They ride on scooters and bicycles as well.

Stephen from Riverside, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Riverside Community College is one of the best city college you can attend in Southern California. They have a great staff and faculty to help you reach your goals. Riverside Community College has become my portal to a better future.
Tips for prospective students
Plan ahead, pay attention, take good notes and don't forget to study. Your hard work will pay off, just keep it up and do not give up.
Academic Rigor
Very good academic programs that offer a lot of challenges. If you got through the class sequences you will be successful.
Dorm Life
There are no dorms at Riverside Community College.
Food and Dining
There is food you can buy on campus or a ton of eating options just off campus, downtown.
What to do for fun
You can join a club and meet new people, or join in one of the many on campus activities that take place all the time. There is also free concerts for students to attend, the on campus concert series. There is even a community garden now!
Bang for the buck
Great price for education. Most of the professors at RCC have their PHD's and you receive the same level of education you probably would in the first two years of most four year colleges.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
When I have to time and I am done studying I like to attend football games in the fall and baseball games in the spring. I like the older parts of campus where there is a lot of trees and shade and not a lot of students walking around, makes it a nice outdoor place to get some reading and studying done.
Great for these types of students
RCC is great for sports minded students, great for students that want to enter the medical field and RCC also has one of the best music programs in Southern California. A great school for many different types of students.
Clubs and Activities
If you have the time, there are ton of clubs and activities you can get involved. Clubs are a great way to meet new people that are into the same interests you are.
Greek Life
I don't know much about Greek life on campus.
Campus Safety
The campus is pretty safe, there are emergency stations all over to make a call to get help or what not and there is usually police presence on campus near the parking lots. There is also an app you can download to receive alerts about anything emergency related on campus.

Khallid from Riverside, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
I have learned a WHOLE LOT!! I started right out of high school and it has been a whole new world for me. Of course I have learned many quantitative things like math, physics and chemistry, but I have also learned so many life lessons here in the 2.5 years Ive been attending. You never know what you will learn, but I guarantee you anything in the world that you will learn something.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here, I am currently taking 15 units and it is not bad. Campus is awesome, many variety of people to talk to. I have made my experience awesome because I have to spend a lot of time here. I did not know what to think of college when I first got here. The only images I knew where the ones on tv and those were not always the case. However it is what you make it. I really love it, the campus is awesome and is always expanding to meet more student needs. There are some people who walk around hating the campus and what not, but we see the same things and I like it. Obviously you should walk in with a positive attitude and a goal in mind if you really want to make this experience memorable. I am not saying it won't be hard, it will. Some of the hardest and trying moments of my life have happened on campus but I have learned from them and applied my new knowledge to challenges I face today. I once met a guy on the first week of this new semester and he was totally scared of it. he did not know what to do with his life, college was so complicated and he probably felt like giving up. There will be giants but if you look at it all at once, you might faint. There are things that need to be learned but the process can take up to two years. So don't freak out if everything is not clear right away, calm down and take it day by day, a little at a time, really.
Bang for the buck
The cost per unit is very awesome. Though I believe it is being changed to $36 a unit, that is a great savings when compared to universities down the way. An average class will cost you 108 with this new change in mind. Student fees are $36 a semester, but this includes free health services, snacks on Tuesday and being able to use your id card as a bus pass. The food is alright in prices, more than in the stores but kind of reasonable if you need something now. Textbooks get up there, I had a math book that was around $194.50. But look on Craigslist or order them early from Amazon.com as you can find them much cheaper. You can also rent them for half price. When it comes time to sell them, sell them to student for around 75% of what you paid. There are areas to post flyers and don't sell to the bookstore, they will by them for less than 40% of what you paid originally.
Tips for prospective students
GETTING CLASSES IS FREAKING CRAZY. Do not be mad if you do not get what you want right away, but do not give up. The more units that you have taken, the sooner you can pick classes, pretty soon you will be able to pick classes for the next semester before the current one is over. FIND a blue sheet called IGETC in the admissions office, it tells you what classes to take to clear your general education. ALSO find an experienced student who can talk you through the times ahead. DO not always rely on a counselor when you can learn the materials yourself as they are only available from 8am-6pm. ONLY take online classes if you are extremely self sufficient, you may think you can handle it but most student fail them because of enhanced procrastination thinking that it will be so easy. THE library computers are free and super fast, printing is 10 cents a page.
Great for these types of students
Work is still work and if you are lazy, school will still be the boring thing it has always been. I used to be so lazy, but I turned myself around. If you don't keep up, school will become a fear for you and you will probably drop out. It is not easy here, but this opportunity can change your life.

But if you are seeking a very nice chance to catch up on classes, save money or meet friends in your field of study, this place is for you. AND if you're just a person at all, this place is also for you too.

Adriana from Perris, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The professors are easy to approach, with any question you might have. They guide you in the right direction.
Am enjoying being here
Its easy to get around and all the services are just were you need them.
Bang for the buck
Financial aid is very helpful and they will assist you with your classes even though you don't qualify for a pell grant.
Tips for prospective students
I love this school, the professor's are there to help you become a professional. Everything is at arms reach when needing help. Never forget to ask, even if you think that your question is stupid.
Great for these types of students
This college is great for students who want to get a career and have to work a full-time job. They have flexible classes and online classes to make it easier to the student.

Avonlea from Corona, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
When I first went to RCC I did not know what to expect. I love learning. They have great campus with tons of resources. Also the professors here are very helping. I have learned so much in the last year.
Am enjoying being here
Being able to chose your major and classes is way different from high school. It gives you more flexablity to work and study. I love the environment of the Norco campus compared the other two. You are able to find a place outside to read or work on homework. They do a great job creating it to be more student involved. They have clubs that are very flexible with your schedule.
Bang for the buck
As a college student you will spend a lot of money on books, school supplies, and of course classes. At RCC they make it really easy to apply for scholarships and financial aid if you need to. They have a low cost to books and class credits.
Tips for prospective students
I love RCC because of the way it is set up. First the counselors offer a load of advice.I advise you to go set up a time at counselor for you will receive a student goal list as well as a student class planner. They schedule you to be on track with your classes. Second try to chose your classes around any times you know will be a distraction. Third studying in the library or anywhere on campus can keep you focus. Finally the last tip is to stay motivated with a positive attitude. Professors and other students can only motivate you so much, the rest is up to you. This motivation will increase your chances of staying on track.
Great for these types of students
Any student who plans on transferring, students who don't have enough money, and any major that they offer is the type of students that usually go here.

Elizabeth from Moreno Valley, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a music major I have had the privilege to have my training come from the very best. Although RCC is a community college it has one of the best music programs in the State if not the country. These professors really know what they are doing. I have learned so much this semester that I will definitely be using in the future.
Am enjoying being here
Overall I've enjoyed attending RCC because of the cheaper prices and quality teachers and professors. My fellow students on the other hand are not always so motivated and sometimes are a hindrance to the class, yet that is not all the time. The information is almost always exciting and taught with enthusiasm.
Bang for the buck
For a community college it had the traditional low prices, although they have raised them in the past years because of budget cuts the prices are still significantly lower than your traditional university.
Tips for prospective students
Admissions is a big headache. Definitely enroll on time, be there on the first day of class, and if the teacher doesn't add you the first day continue to go. He or she will see you are serious about the class and add you in when others have dropped.
Great for these types of students
This is great for students coming right out of high school. The work is harder than high school, but that's what college is, the next level up. Online classes are good if you are self-motivated. Usually most classes have study groups, for those who work best with others. Other than that, anyone can make it through this community college with hard work and determination.