When I first started thinking about going to college, I wanted to go to college in a big city; I wanted to get out of the small town I grew up in and live in a city with millions of people. However, I ended up deciding to go to a college in a town that is just like the town I grew up in. As it turns out, I made the right choice.

1. Everyone is really friendly.

Small towns bring out the kindest people. Everyone is always willing to help out; from helping you change your tire or shovel your sidewalk, you know you can always find a helping hand and a friendly face.

2. The larger community gets involved in campus events.

At Potsdam, we have the wonderful Crane School of Music and therefore we also have many concerts during the academic year. At every concert, without fail, there will be Potsdam locals at the concert. It is always so nice to see the town supporting your college.

3. You can easily become a regular at any restaurant in town.

Usually by the second time you visit a restaurant at least one of the employees there will recognize you. By the fourth time? You're pretty much a regular. There is nothing better than going into your favorite diner on a Saturday morning and being able to order "the usual."

4. Nature is never far away.

In the town of Potsdam, you can drive 5 minutes in any direction and you'll be surrounded by beautiful fields and woods. Small towns can be surrounded by the most stunning scenery. I love being able to spend an afternoon going on a walk by the river.

5. You feel incredibly safe.

Living in a town where everyone looks out for one another makes you feel much more safe and secure. I feel completely comfortable walking home alone from a late class or walking into town when it's dark.

6. Small town gossip is the best.

In Potsdam, there are three toilet gardens around town. There is a long, convoluted history when it comes to the toilet gardens and everyone knows all about it. I love telling the story to my friends who visit from out of town. No matter where you go, you are bound to hear the skinny on all that is going on in Potsdam.

7. It is impossible to get lost.

You're either on the main road in Potsdam or you're on a side street, and all side streets lead back to the main road. No need for a map or GPS. You always know where you are.

8. You can pretty much walk anywhere in town.

Yes, we don't have a public transportation system in Potsdam. No, it is not a problem. It takes me ten minutes to walk to the closest supermarket and five to walk to the closest park. You can get away with not having a car during your entire time at Potsdam.

9. It is not expensive to live off campus.

Renting an apartment in a small town is not like renting an apartment in New York City. You can get a large place for less than half the cost of a much smaller place in a city. You don't have to deplete your bank account when you decide you don't want to live in the dorms anymore.

10. There is so much peace and quiet.

You don't have to deal with sirens, yelling and the roar of cars and buses at all hours of the day. Minus the occasional train horn, Potsdam is a really quiet town. I love ending the day sitting on my porch and listening to birds (rather than hundreds of people.)

I am so glad I made the choice to go college in a small town. Though it is nice to visit a big city from time to time, I always look forward to getting back to the relaxed atmosphere of my small college town.