Tidewater Community College - Portsmouth Campus

"I will definitely not be coming back to this campus. I waited for an advising appointment, just to be turned down. After being asked if I was a new student and being told it would be difficult to get an advising appointment online; I'm questioning if I made the right decision applying here."

"The study rooms in the student center are not open to the students. I got kicked out within an hour for no reason at all, so that explains why they're always empty. This campus clearly exists for the administration to line their pockets and not for the students who attend this school. Thank god the other campuses will actually let me use their study rooms so I can get some work done for once."

"UPDATED!!!!! Our experience so far has been great. Today was my child's 1st day as a First College Participant (Duel Enrollment), and of course, some things were lost in communication between my child's school and TCC. However, the staff at TCC was super helpful to us and showed a willingness to assist. My child is a little shy in new environments, so after every class, I received a call/text from my child, and I was so happy to hear how well it went. So far, I believe we have made the right decision for my child to participate in First College at TCC. I will update my review as my new college student gets more acclimated to TCC. UPDATE 05/02/23: I am so thankful that my child is coming to close with Duel Enrollment this week, and I must say this experience has been very challenging. The first thing I want to point out is that communicating with anyone at TCC Portsmouth is extremely difficult. I was told that transportation would be provided to and from school - my child was left stranded after classes at TCC several times & there wasn't anyone available at the "after hours" number. Transportation to TCC in the morning was extremely difficult for the students because they often arrived thirty minutes after class started. So, this made me responsible for getting my child back and forth to school. The professors, for the most part, that my child had were somewhat understanding and willing to work with all students to assist them with learning. My child did have an issue with one professor who absolutely refused to "slow down" or pause during their lecture so students could take notes or ask questions. There were a lot of complaints from many students during the semester, and they were completely unheard by the admin staff. Every student, YES, EVERY student in this professors class, failed. I don't think that's a coincidence. My child was considering signing up for more classes instead of going directly to a university to save money and planned to transfer those credits over to a university at a later date, but I'm not so sure that's going to happen. Finding a counselor to assist with signing up for classes necessary for your degree of interest is absolutely impossible. Thankfully, my child has received several offers from universities offering funding if chosen. At this point, I think this will be the best option- the stress and headaches that come with TCC are not worth the hassle."

"I have enjoyed my experience at TCC. Most instructors are willing to assist where they can if you ask or reach out in a respectful manner. I think it’s not hard too pass these classes if you are actually applying yourself and listening. I find if I openly communicate respectfully, instructors want to see you succeed and help, but there’s only so much they can do and the rest is up to us as the student. I feel safe and comfortable at this campus. I felt very confident in my advisors that helped setting up my classes and considering any concerns or questions I had. I plan on attending a university once I’m finished at TCC, but i overall recommend. Affordable and decent education and great college to start with if you plan on transferring to a university."

"Decent place to get some education but the frizzy haired medical terminology instructor is a complete piece of work. She treats certain people in her class funny and talks about a Muslim girl and calls her all sorts of LOSERS, not smart, etc when she's the biggest loser with that attitude. The girl was only a few minutes late every morning due to prayer and the instructor didn't give any type of understanding toward her beliefs. She skips when your hands raised be cause she passes out study material and project material then act like she doesn't see u sitting there trying to get her attention. Like I said, the school itself is fine but some of the staff and INSTRUCTORS are bottom-tier."