The proverbial college experience is similar across the board. You've got sports bars, erratic class schedules, spring break and tailgating and so much more. However, this experience differs vastly between large state schools and small private schools. The location of your school and it's proximity to large metropolitan areas changes things. This doesn't mean it changes them for the worse, it merely gives your 'back when I was in school' stories more character. Here's how:
1. Everybody knows everybody.
For better or worse, the degree of separation between you and a total stranger is smaller than you think.
2. Campus is like a small, close-knit community.
Campus never feels daunting or unmanageable because you know nearly everyone within a five-minute radius of where you are. Many-a-crisis has been averted because your bestie in only a short drive away with coffee.
3. Night-time activities are limited.
Meaning that no matter where you go on a Friday night, you'll know someone. This can be a double-edged sword.
4. You've taken more than one "scenic drive."
You've been so bored that you assemble the troops, make a killer playlist and headed for the hills (This is the best cure for a bad day, in my book).
5. Hiking.
We should really call this one walking in the woods, but hiking sounds more outdoorsy.
6. The nearest town is at least a ten minute drive away.
And venturing to said town feels like a road-trip, even though you drive further to the grocery store at your parents house.
7. There's no Sephora.
Enough said.
8. You've gotten really good at boutique shopping and thrift-ing.
Even before Macklemore said it was cool. There's just not a decent mall, so you've learned to get creative.
9. The locals and the students are forced to share establishments.
You've probably seen your professor at a restaurant. Hell, you've probably seen them at the bar.
10. You can't find your school on PINK!'s website.
In fact, you can pretty much only buy your school's swag in your college town.
11. You often ask people from bigger cities, "How did you end up here?"
You just don't get leaving a metropolitan oasis of activities for this desolate town.
12. When a popular food chain moves into town, the whole town is at opening night.
"Do I want to wait two hours to have 65 cent wings? You bet I do, nothing better to do on a Tuesday."
13. The nearest Costco is too far of a drive, so your parents are your middleman between you and your bulk TP.
"You mean to say that you went to Costco today and didn't ask me if I needed anything?"
