Get Started at VWCC

Choosing your college is a big step. There’s a lot to consider. For example, will you fit in? Will you connect with your professors? Will you be able to continue your education? Will you be prepared for a great job? Will you be able to afford it?

Virginia Western Community College is a wonderful place to get your degree, earn credits that transfer to a four-year university, enhance your career, or just learn something new.

As a student at Virginia Western, you’re given the individual attention you need to achieve your goals.

1. Submit an application

Complete our free, online application.
If you are a current high school student (age 14-18) seeking Dual Enrollment, please visit our Dual Enrollment website for complete instructions.
If you have a disability, contact the Office of Disability Services to request accommodation.

If you are applying to earn a full degree at Western, you will be asked to choose a program of study. You can explore our many offerings here. If you are undecided, no problem! Select a program that looks most interesting to you for now, and your New Student Advisor will help you determine the best program for you (changing your program is easy).

APPLY NOW

2. Set up MyVWCC and Navigate Student

With just one login, myVWCC gives you access to your online coursework, student account, and more.

Log in to MyVWCC. If you need help, contact the Help Desk. After you activate your account, it can take up to 24 hours for Navigate Student to become available.

Once it is available, set up Navigate Student, a free online tool and mobile app that acts as your personal guide to VWCC. You can use Navigate Student to connect to your faculty advisor, stay up to date on your next steps, plan your schedule each semester, and visualize your academic progress.

3. Sign up for Discover Orientation

Orientation is a great way to get familiar with campus, learn about resources that can help you succeed, and meet future classmates.

Due to COVID-19, there are currently no in-person Discover Orientation sessions scheduled.

For more information on Discover and to complete our Online Orientation, visit the Discover Orientation website.

4. Let us help determine your placement

Your English and math skills will be assessed so you can be placed in the right classes! An Enrollment Specialist will touch base with you soon after you submit your application to help in the process of determining your placement. Several options that may be explored are

If you graduated from high school with a 2.7 or higher, you may submit your high school transcript to be reviewed for placement.
If you have taken college courses at another school, we may be able to use those for placement.
If you attended high school longer than 5 years ago, you may asked to take an English and/or math placement test to help assess your academic skills.

5. Plan your schedule and register

We will support you in this process! You will be meeting with a New Student Advisor to talk about your path to academic success. Meeting options include face-to-face, Zoom, and phone. An Enrollment Specialist will touch base with you soon after you submit your application to get your preferred meeting format and to schedule an appointment.

6. Plan for how to pay your tuition

A college education is an important investment in your future. VWCC offers several payment options:

A tuition payment plan
Financial aid
Work-study positions
Scholarships
Military and veterans benefits
Employer or third-party payment

If you are applying for financial aid and scholarships, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa using VWCC’s FAFSA code: 003760. You can apply as early as October for the next academic year and applying early can help you qualify for the maximum amount of aid.

Keep in mind that your tuition must be paid by the listed deadlines or you will be dropped from your classes.

Learn more about payment options.

7. Buy or rent textbooks

Students who have their textbooks on the first day of class are more likely to get better grades and complete their courses. So be prepared! Take a copy of your class schedule to the Bookstore, or order online at www.bkstr.com/virginiawesternccstore.

Using financial aid? You’ll need a photo ID and student ID number for your financial aid purchase. See when you can charge books and supplies to financial aid.

Concerned about costs? Options like used books, rented books, digital textbooks and open educational resources (OER) courses, if available, can save you money.

8. Get Connected

Stay informed.
Check your email regularly, and keep your mobile number up to date in the Student Information Center in MyVWCC. We’ll share important information and resources through texts and emails.

Get involved on campus.
Connect with other students through the Student Activities Office. Virginia Western’s Student Activities Office offers recreation, sports, performing arts, student clubs, field trips and more!