After going to a school for a year with 40,000 students and then downsizing to a campus with about 4,000 students I can truly say I found my place and I’m truly in love with my school.

1. It’s so easy to get involved.

I came to Valparaiso University my sophomore year and was pleasantly surprised. I was welcomed into a long list of organizations. I'm involved in so many things on campus that it’s very rare to catch me at my own house anymore. There are so many opportunities to be a part of clubs, volunteer work, and small jobs. Yeah, I understand that there are opportunities everywhere, but there’s no intimidation with going to the first meeting like at other places or the fear of being rejected or not included.

2. We have a student section at all sporting events (yes, student section)

This is so special because it’s not a thing at big schools. There is such a great support system behind our sports teams and that’s what makes us great. We come together as a community at our best and at our worst. It’s also important that our athletes are treated as normal people, which makes it so much easier to come together when some of your closest friends are on the court or field or whatever it may be. It’s also cool to say that you know people on ESPN or see yourself (cheer problems).

3. The walk.

Or lack there of. This means pressing snooze 10 times and waking up 7 minutes before class. No explanation needed.

4. Everyone is friendlier.

I guess since you see the same people over and over they have to be nice. I feel safer in college than I did in high school when it comes to people. You don’t have to be afraid when walking into your first class of the semester. There’s either going to be someone you know or people that you're going to get to know very well.

5. The professors (and everyone else) care about you.

Failure is not really an option here. Professors will work with you and help you without even asking. They will for sure know your name and you wont be just be a number. This means they’ll call you out when you miss class, but hey, there’s some motivation. There are small classes and it's so easy to ask questions and to really understand what you’re doing (maybe not COMPLETELY understand like in Math, but you get it). There are advisors that help you follow your path so you’re not in college for 10 years. Valpo has been recognized by U.S. News for being a top university for many years, which includes the category of faculty resources. It also certainly pays off when you need a professional to write you a recommendation letter.

The point is when you’re at a small school, it feels like home. Everyone is with you and working towards the same thing with a little fun mixed in. You’ll never be lonely here. So if you’re in high school and debating on where you want to go, consider a small school (coming from someone who’s experienced both)