Picking a college to apply to and eventually attend can be a very daunting experience. Every college you apply to or even think about applying to, will undoubtedly throw a lot of information to you about their opportunities for internships, job placement, class sizes, and on-campus housing. However, as students, you’re going to be doing a lot more than just attending classes and living in a dorm room. I want to tell you a little more about choosing a college that your average college search won’t tell you, and what else you should consider other than your academics, job opportunities, and resident halls.
1. WEATHER
When you pick a college, you need to take into account that you will be there for the majority of the year, with the exception of June, July, and most of August and January. I know that for me, picking a college with decent weather was really important to me. If you seriously hate snow and cold weather and having to go to school while it's really cold outside, avoid applying to colleges in the Northeast. You will be there for at least four years, and honestly, probably end up living there. Add the college town's weather app to your phone so that you can see how their weather is year round during the application process!
2. TRAVEL
Since you’ll be on the same campus in the same city so often, you should also look and see how accessible your campus is to the surrounding community. Do they offer free shuttle services around the city if you don’t have a car? How far is the closest grocery store? How often do you think you’ll be going home, and are you going to be taking a plane, train, or will your parents pick you up – if not, can you get to an airport or train station easily?
3. SCHOOL SPIRIT
School Spirit is a huge part of what creates the community at a college. You will not go to a college campus where your tour guide or your admissions office is not jam packed with school spirit – but how does the rest of the campus feel? For me, spirit was a huge thing in picking out where I went to school. I wanted to be a part of a school that gives me a sense of pride and I find comfort in meeting other students who I know at their very core, have the same gratitude towards this university as I do. they’re a great a way to showcase your spirit among hundreds of other students who feel the same way you do.
4. MAJORS AND PROGRAMS
Something you should really consider when picking which university you want to call your own for four years is how many majors and programs they offer to students! The average student will change their major up to five times before they determine it’s time to just settle down in one and get a degree. I have changed my major five times and my concentration twice in the five semesters I’ve completed at my school, so I've already passed that average. Now, if you attend a college with only a couple programs and then you decide the major you chose actually isn’t for you, you might still be stuck in that major unless you transfer! And if you’re anything like me, that means you’ll go from being a neuroscience major to a history major, and then just keep changing it until one of them finally feels right.
5. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Getting involved in Greek Life and Pi Beta Phi was one of the best decisions I have ever made while in college. I have a huge support group of friends and sorority sisters and ultimately, the people I meet I know have the same values as me on a very fundamental level. It was really important to me that I went to a college with a lot of groups and organizations that I could get involved in! Fortunately enough, I’ve been involved in quite a few organizations since my school has over 300 of them. The best thing about some colleges, though, is that if there isn't a club you want at your school, you can usually begin the process to start one on your own!
6. JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
At my school, I work for the Office of Admissions. The biggest part of my job is answering phone calls and emails for potential students. Now to me, being able to get an on-campus job was probably the most important thing about picking a college. Not that I would have minded going off campus for a job, but I didn’t have a car and I didn’t want to rely on public transportation every day. The best part is that when classes are canceled, I know I have an impromptu day off too! I also know that when I graduate, my university's career services will always have a place for me to continue to look for jobs and help me find my career.
7. COSTS OF ATTENDANCE
Now, to end this segment we should probably talk about the cost of attending a university. We all know that it can be really expensive and even more so if you’re from out of state; however, you never want to forget about what the university can offer you in return. Think about the cost of attending a university as an investment, and that the university you choose will be with you for the rest of your life. It will impact the internships you take, your groups of friends, the colors of your t-shirts (There is more green in my closet than I’d care to say, but I’m ready for Spirit Fridays!) and so much more. Ultimately, make sure that when you choose a university, that it’s the one that makes you feel most at home. It’s the place that will be supporting you long after you’ve graduated, and you want to know that when you come back to visit that you’ll reminisce on good times with good friends, and wearing the colors that most suit your closet.
