I did not always have a desire to attend a big state university with around 7,000 incoming freshmen. Originally, I thought that I wanted a smaller liberal arts school, where my classes would be the same size as those in high school and I would know the majority of my class.

However, after almost completing my freshman year of college, I have realized that the pros of a big school significantly outweigh the cons for these reasons:

1. The opportunities

The opportunities at large universities are unlike those available anywhere else. From research to clubs/organizations, the choices are endless. On U of M’s “Maize Pages” website, which lists all of the organizations on campus and information regarding them, there are currently 1,454 clubs on campus! This means that there has to be at least one that interests you!

2. Spirit, spirit, spirit

Never in my entire life have I seen as much spirit and pride than on my college campus. Walking around, I would estimate that at least half of the student body is wearing Michigan apparel, from sweatshirts all the way down to fuzzy socks. And this isn’t only at Michigan; whenever I go home, I am bound to see people repping their large state school’s colors and logo. The pride people have for their large universities is undeniably unique, and something that most smaller schools don’t have.

3. A variety of classes offered and knowledgeable professors

The courses offered at large schools are abundant and on topics that surely were not offered at your high school. From classes on aliens to trash to dance, big schools cover it all. And not to mention, the professors who teach these classes are experts on the subject, as many of them have been teaching for many years and are involved in research.

4. Alumni network

I didn’t understand the importance of having a large alumni network until I got to a school that had one. In my mind, this only meant having “connections” for my senior year of college when I looked for a job. However, I realized it meant a lot more than this. Alumni come to our universities and give speeches, have dinners where students listen about their job, and yes, often help students find jobs.

The coolest thing about the alumni network, in my opinion, is that their children often attend the university as well. The amount of my classmates whose parents went to Michigan is too many to count, which is an indicator of how the school’s pride is “in their blood!”

5. Sports

Growing up, I always watched the famous Michigan vs. Ohio State game on Thanksgiving weekend, but that was the extent to my college football watching. However, once I got to school, I realized that sports, particularly football and basketball, are an integral part of going to a large state school. There is nothing like football Saturday’s on your college campus and I am counting down the days until the first 2018 home game next fall!

It may not have been my original idea to go a large state school, but I cannot imagine myself anywhere else. Between the academic and social opportunities present, everyone finds their people and interests. Just remember, it is easier to make a big school small than a small school big!