Growing up, I never had exposure to Catholicism personally. I learned about it, I knew the difference between my faith and Catholicism, but I never fully experienced it...until I chose to go to a Catholic university. After talking to some of my friends that go to big state schools, I realized I wasn't just experiencing college life, I was experiencing a Catholic college life.

Here are some things I found unique to a Catholic campus:

1. The church is in the same building as most of your classes.

And it's a constant reminder that you should probably go confess some of those sins you've acquired over the semester

2. Mass hours are actually built into class schedule times.

A 50 minute mass? That's practically unheard of!

3. You LIVE on community service, and it started at orientation.

Whether it was going to the local animal shelter, cleaning the cemetery, or cleaning up the fairgrounds, every freshman started their year with a few hours of community service under their belt. It doesn't stop there though, you can take "service learning" courses that actually builds a community service project into the course. And there are still hundreds of opportunities!

4. The bell rings every hour.

But it's not on the hour, it's 3 minutes before the hour.

5. Campus Ministry is one of the biggest organizations on campus.

Service trips? A little bit of guidance? Mercy charisms? Adopt a grandparent? They can help you out with just about anything you could need help with.

6. There is a cross on the entranceway.

And it's not just a cross, but the whole archway has a religious meaning.

7. There is a cross on top of the main building.

The same main building with the church inside.

8. There is a cross in every room on campus, guaranteed.

A clock, however, is scarce to come by.

This is a rare classroom with both a clock and a cross.

9. Priests and nuns teach classes.

Because that happens at all other colleges...right?

10. Religion and philosophy classes are part of the core requirements.

Two of each, actually.

11. There is a statue of Jesus inside the main entrance of the main building.

Right in the middle, you can't miss it, even if you tried.