Arrive and Thrive
A helpful resource for first-time Valencia College students.
![Purrcy the puma tipping their hat](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/purrcy-looking.98209c8ce4ae.png?ext=webp)
Discover Your Campus
Valencia College has 10 locations, so be sure to read your schedule carefully to determine on which campus each of your courses will meet.
Navigating Your Campus
Step 1: Know where you need to go. Here’s how to read your schedule: (room numbers, campus)
Step 2: Print/screenshot/write out your schedule as internet speeds can be slow on campus the first few weeks.
Step 3: Consult the map of your campus
Step 4: Use on-campus directories and signage
Step 5: Are you lost? Every campus has an info station and answer center.
Tip: Explore different parking locations and covered pathways to class for the first few weeks to familiarize yourself with your campus.
The ABCs of Valencia College
- Student Services is your go-to source for information and assistance.
- All campuses are drug- and smoke-free (no pipes, cigarettes or vapes allowed).
- Safe and responsible use of skateboards, bikes and scooters is allowed on our campuses.
- VCentials, a free source for food staples and other necessities, is available on all campuses.
- International students, find helpful information and more ways to connect.
![](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/international.6c4cd63ba5fe.jpg?ext=webp)
![Student on bed using laptop and phone](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/student-on-computer-3-2.4aa79dcea0bc.jpg?ext=webp)
Be Prepared
- Print/Screenshot/write out your schedule.
- Get your parking pass and student ID at your campus security office.
- Download a student handbook.
- Log on to Canvas for important information about your classes.
- Order school books and school supplies from the Campus Store.
![Student demoing new headphones in the campus store](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/campus-store-3-2.10c7c7965e4c.jpg?ext=webp)
Campus Store
- Order instructional materials and supplies online or visit your Campus Store. Pick up your orders at the VC Vault location on your campus.
- Valencia College students get discounts on Apple products purchased at the Campus Store.
- Don’t forget your Puma merch. Show your Puma Pride with shirts, air fresheners and everything in between.
Stay Informed
Check your VC email regularly for important updates and announcements, including but not limited to:
- Registration
- Fee payment
- Graduation information
![Student looking at laptop on downtown campus](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/male-student-on-computer-3-2.ea2fc05c1743.jpg?ext=webp)
Ask questions.
If you don't understand something or aren't sure the class is right for you, don't hesitate to contact your professor. (Note: if you think you might want to drop a class, it's important to visit the Advising Center for student success coaching services as soon as possible — and definitely before the drop/refund deadline.)
![Two students being helped at a front desk by a college staff member.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/front-desk-3-2.8434a7f0b6d6.jpg?ext=webp)
Did You Know?
- Valencia College students can ride LYNX transit for free.
- Free tutoring and computer labs are available to all students.
- Purrcy the VC Puma is our official mascot. If you see Purrcy on campus, throw up a hand for a “high four.”
- In fall of 1967, we began as Valencia Junior College in a few portable buildings on West Oakridge Road in Orlando. Learn more about Valencia College history.
- You'll be in good company—there are more than 200,000 VC grads.
![Student with security officer looking at safety app](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/safety.14b6310d00d1.jpg?ext=webp)
Safety First
- Download the Valencia College safety app.
- Sign up for alerts to stay informed during weather events or safety-related issues on campuses.
- Contact campus security if needed.
Get Involved
- Getting involved with Student Development is a great way to start your Valencia College journey. You’ll find more than 80 clubs and organizations, work-study opportunities, on-campus events and more. Learn more.
- Consult your campus map for Student Development office locations.
- Contact us with questions.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
Downtown Campus
The Valencia College Downtown Campus in partnership with the University of Central Florida is the only VC campus to offer housing. It’s also home to the Walt Disney World® Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality and a Center for Accelerated Training.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
East Campus
The Valencia College East Campus is set near the banks of the Econlockhatchee River, with several outdoor spaces so you can take enjoy its beautiful surroundings. This campus is home to Valencia College School of Arts, Entertainment, and Design and features performance spaces and the Anita S. Wooten Gallery.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
Lake Nona Campus
As a partner in Lake Nona Medical City, Valencia College Lake Nona Campus offers programs such as Biotechnology Laboratory Sciences as well as general education courses. Here are a few links to help you explore this campus.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
Osceola Campus
Valencia College Osceola Campus is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming place with a full selection of academic program offerings as well as a Center for Accelerated Training. Here you’ll also find art galleries, and outdoor classroom and courtyard, and the signature Osceola Campus clocktower.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
Poinciana Campus
Valencia College Poinciana Campus offers academic programs, language programs, a Center for Accelerated Skills Training and more. Here are a few links to help you explore this campus.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
West Campus
Valencia College West Campus offers STEM and Health Science programs, the Intensive English Program, interdisciplinary studies honors programs and even UCF degree programs. The campus also features a beautiful nature trail and a spacious student lounge. Here are a few links to help you explore this campus.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
Winter Park Campus
Valencia College Winter Park Campus is steps from the popular Park Avenue shopping and dining district and a SunRail station. Here are a few links to help you explore this campus.
Maps:
Campus Map (PDF)
Here are a few other links to help you explore this campus.
![Instagram Icon](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/instagram-icon.bedbaeac79fa.jpg?ext=webp)
![Purrcy the Puma standing in front of a large Orlando sign.](https://assets.foleon.com/eu-central-1/de-uploads-7e3kk3/48361/purrcy-orlando-3-2.c818d7fd941e.jpg?ext=webp)
Valencia College provides equal opportunity for educational opportunities and employment to all. Contact the Office of Organizational Development and Human Resources for information.