For some, college is the greatest thing to happen to them; for others, it's just another chapter of life. No matter how you spin it, you have to choose a school. One of the deciding factors between schools may be the student-body size. If you asked for my opinion, I would say to go for the smaller school. However great small schools may be, they have their drawbacks. I didn't have anyone to warn me so I'm doing you a favor if you don't, either.
1. Try not to gossip too much.
It's a small school so everything gets back to everybody. You think that guy won't find out what you said about him? Think again. He'll probably know by the time you're done reading this article. If you do have to gossip, do it with an outsider (i.e. a friend from back home, a family member, etc.). It's not fool-proof, but the odds of everyone finding out are much slimmer.
2. Don't expect top-of-the-line dorms.
Small colleges tend to spend your tuition on things you don't need so nice dorms are out of the question. Get used to the musty and dusty dorms that have been there since the dinosaurs.
3. Skipping class isn't an option.
At small colleges, you're more than just a number. You're a human-being with a name, a face, and a history. Your professors will know if that face is missing from class one day so you better have a doctor's note.
4. "Small college" means "small campus" which means "limited parking."
Good luck walking back to your dorm during those cold winter nights. Buying that milkshake at Cookout doesn't seem like such a good idea now that you have to carry it all the way across campus.
5. Don't kiss and tell.
The last thing you need is a nasty reputation following you around. If you went to a big school, it wouldn't really matter. But, here, you won't get away with it without jealousy and pettiness putting a target on your back.
6. "Nope, never heard of it."
This one is self-explanatory. This is the response you will get most of the time when you tell people where you go to school.
7. Your high school graduating class will probably be bigger than this one.
You'll have the same people in your classes, over and over again. Also, you're stuck with the people in your major, so I hope you get along with them.
