Richland Community College

Richland Community College

Decatur, IL, USA
Public
2 Year

Victoria's Review

Review of Richland Community College

from Decatur, IL

Describe your college in three sentences.

A building-block school for anyone. Staff members that care about the development of their students. There is diversity in the student body.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Utilize the resources Richland provides. They want you to succeed so they make it easy for you to get tutoring assistance, find resources in the library, and talk to a faculty member if you need help (whether it be with finances, academics, or starting an activity). Take advantage of the student activities and try and stay involved, the more you do the more interesting the school will be. And when it comes to class work, go to class and listen to the teacher, 95% of what they say defines how the exams are laid out.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

I sometimes think that the work load could have been more challenging and that some teachers are inclined to give you a break, but you do learn some good skills with the homework. Richland academics are good for transitioning students who have either been away from college life for awhile or didn't excel in high school. The work load they provide is beneficial in teaching students to plan, organize, multitask and develop introductory critical thinking skills. Since they primarily provide 100 level and some 200 level courses, I think they give a good job overall of providing an educational foundation that fosters curiosity and further exploration.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

This is a community college so there was no on-campus housing, but I preferred it that way.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

Their cafeteria lacked a lot of fresh foods and healthy options, but they did have the best cookies and their cafe served good coffee at an affordable rate.

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

The school was always having game shows, musical performances, and contests in the student center. Bake sales and craft tables provided students with a shopping outlet. Although there aren't many fun student organizations or clubs, lots of non-credit courses are offered to try different things.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

Much more affordable to go here than to start your college experience off at a University. With a few small scholarships I have graduated Richland with no debt.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

In the new east wing a great place to study, which doesn't get a lot of student traffic, is the entrance hall with all the glass windows and the huge banana trees. The natural lighting is energizing and the banana tress make you feel like you're anywhere else but this industrialized college.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Excellent for students who have been out of school for awhile, working students, or students who didn't do well in their earlier education.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

There aren't an over abundance of clubs, but the one's that do exist do good things. Hope club is the charity club that helps raise money for the less fortunate and Ecoland is the environmental club that works to raise awareness on campus about alternative energy. Check out the shows and constantly changing activities in the student center, you may find a Kenyan jazz band, a movie trivia game, belly dancers, or free pancakes on any given day!

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

Nonexistent.

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

They have good cops.