I chose to attend a small university rather than a bigger campus for a number of reasons. The overall atmosphere fit my needs much better and definitely made me feel at home, which played a big role in choosing my school. I have never once regretted my decision of attending a small university, and I couldn't picture myself anywhere else. A small university is not for everyone, but for me it was a match made in heaven. Here are just a few of the many benefits of attending a small university:
1. Your classrooms are your neighbors (AKA more time to sleep in).
When you are up all night studying for an exam and have an 8 a.m. the following morning, you most definitely do not want to wake up earlier than necessary. Thankfully, you don't attend a big campus which would require you to leave at least 30 minutes before the start of class. Instead, your class is located a few steps and skip away from your dorm room. You would be surprised in how much more sleep you can get in those 30 minutes or even a last minute study session (we have all done it).
2. Your professors become your BFF's.
At a small school, you get to know your professors on a personal level. Sometimes they even hand out their phone numbers to students. This definitely doesn't happen at bigger campuses due to their excessive number of students and classes. Having this relationship will benefit you in the long run, especially when it comes to recommendation letters. Plus, whenever you have a question about class, you can just send them a text. Who needs email anyway?
3. Your university is like a big (yet small) family.
The size is much smaller than other universities, which allows you to get to know just about everyone on campus. You may not know them personally, but you have at least either held the door open for them or made eye contact. Everyone seems to know each other when walking to class and that's close enough to a family. This can have it's perks when it comes to connections and making friends.
4. It's easy to find quiet space.
A small university doesn't have all of the hustle and bustle like other colleges. This makes it easy to find a space outside to study in peace. You can almost always find quiet space just about anywhere on campus during the weekends since everyone goes home.
5. Every location on campus is less than a few minutes away.
Hungry? Just walk outside and take a few steps to your left and your destination will be right there. Want to go to the library but don't want to walk in the rain? Take a few shortcuts through the buildings and you will be there in three minutes max. Forget something on the way to class? No rush. You will get to class in no time. Literally.
Attending a small university has it's downsides, but these benefits definitely outweigh them. I mean, who doesn't like to sleep in or make a quick trip to get some pizza? College is a whole lot more fun when you add in these benefits. I honestly wouldn't want it any other way.
