Waking up to the sounds of cars and ambulances is not for everyone. The fast-paced lifestyle of a city is definitely eye opening for some and terrifying for others, and those who choose to attend school within a city’s busy streets are more adventurous than the latter.

Although colleges in the middle of the countryside or situated hours from civilization provide similar education and extra-curricular activities, going to school in the city has an out-of-classroom advantage that cannot be found anywhere else.

Personally, I cannot imagine my college life anywhere but a city, and I am sure many others feel the same. The immeasurable real world experience coupled with the impossibility to ever be completely bored are just part of why city schools cannot be beat.

Nightlife

Every student believes that his or her college is the most fun. While the social life of middle-of-nowhere schools consists of four years of frat parties, city schools are surrounded by hundreds of clubs, bars, and a variety of other spots that keep nightlife interesting for the entirety of college. Though many city schools lack the ability to have large tailgates, students in a city are never bored, because there is always a new place to check out. Also, ordering take-out in the middle of the night is only possible in a city, where restaurants don't close until 4 a.m..

Food Trucks

Food trucks have taken over America. The mobile food stations are spread throughout most cities and allow for a more unique and interesting twist on many foods. Instead of dining halls and dorm room Easy Mac and Ramen Noodles, city school students have a vast food network at their fingertips, all in walking distance. Snack after class in D.C.? Head over to the Captain Cookie & the Milkman truck. Dinner with friends in NYC? The Korilla BBQ truck is waiting for you! Every city has its favorites, and finding personal go-to trucks is always an ongoing mission.

Internships

Although summertime and breaks from school allow for internship opportunities for non-city dwellers, the ability to gain experience in the work field during the regular semester is something that city schools heavily campaign while recruiting incoming freshman. However much repeated, the line is true: cities offer never-ending opportunities to create connections and boost your resume. Though internships are competitive and highly coveted, city school resources are generally expansive.

Public Transportation

For city visitors, the confusing routes of public transportation cause unnecessary worry and stress. Meanwhile, students can navigate the systems walking backwards with their eyes closed. Not only does understanding public transportation allow for easier travel in any city, but people who live their days on the Metro, Subway, or another system are ready to journey through the real world after school ends. Sometimes, being the only 20-year-old among a sea of working adults crammed into a train car is overwhelming, but the ability to navigate through a city is impressive.

There is a reason why students flock to the city: the wealth of opportunities, fashionable residents, and fun alternatives to traditional weekends give students a new perspective on both college and life afterwards. I have now deemed myself as part of the category of, “You can take the girl out of the city, but you can never take the city out of the girl,” and I could not be more proud.