Emmanuel College is a small liberal arts school located in Boston, Massachusetts. I have been fortunate enough to call this place home for the past three years and will be returning back in the fall. Emmanuel College has been more than just a school for me; it’s been an extraordinary experience that I’ve fallen in love with over and over again. This piece compiles a list of five positive, specific qualities that Emmanuel College has to offer. I hope this article helps all you upcoming high school seniors with your college search and provides insight into a small school within a big city!

1. Boston

Boston is the ultimate college town. Although Emmanuel is a small school, it doesn’t always feel like it due to the number of colleges surrounding it. The enclosed campus is smack in the middle of the Fenway area of Boston. As soon as you step outside Emmanuel’s gates, you’re within walking distance of Fenway Park, the Prudential Center, the Charles River, Newbury Street, and much, much more. Living in the city provides college students with limitless possibilities and opportunities. Free afternoons can be spent window exploring Boston's historic monuments while Saturday nights can be spent bar hopping along Lansdowne Street. Job opportunities, internships, and careers can all be started in Boston and continued after college. This lively city isn’t only a great place to live during college, it can also be made into your permanent address.

2. Small Class Size

One of the many advantages of attending a small school is the small class size. At Emmanuel College, in general education classes, the class size is no more than 30 students. However, once you decide on your major, your classes are slimmed down even more, holding only the people within your major. Small classes promote participation, create connections, and stimulate discussion. As an elementary education major, I consider everyone within my major as a trusting friend, academic peer, and resource in the education world. Due to our small, intimate classes, I have grown to love and trust everyone within my major, which makes pursuing a career within education even more exciting.

3. Faculty & Staff

Emmanuel College is home to some of the most incredible professors, faculty, and religious leaders. Everyone who works there is just as passionate for their work as they are about helping the students of our community. Students who seek services in Residence Life, Dining Services, Financial Aid, and the Counseling Center are greeted with warm smiles and great advice. All professors are available outside of class as well as being extremely helpful during class time. Professional connections can be made between students and professors due to small classes and common, academic drive. No matter where you are on campus, you’ll be welcomed by a smiling faculty member.

4. Our Community

The Emmanuel College community is the most welcoming, understanding, and respectful group of people I have ever met. Our community comes together in times of tragedy, success, and faith constantly throughout the school year. Students come together to promote racial, sexual, and religious equality. Emmanuel students are supported by staff members, religious leaders, and members of the Boston community. Within our large community, there are smaller communities connecting people with similar interests, volunteer work, and athletics. You name it, Emmanuel College has a club for it. Incoming freshman and transfers have multiple opportunities to join clubs and organizations that fuel their passions and ambitions.

5. Fenway

If you attend Emmanuel College, Fenway Park is your backyard. If you’re not a Red Sox fan now, be prepared to be! It is necessary to attend as least one game during your four years here (and you’ll probably go again and again after your first experience!). Emmanuel College raffles off cheap and sometimes even free tickets to students during the school year, giving everyone an opportunity to attend a Red Sox game. However, tickets as low as $15 can be found on websites such as StubHub.com or SeatGeek.com. During baseball season in Boston, the atmosphere is indescribable. As often as I can, I walk down Yankee Way to soak in all the excitement. Even if you don’t have tickets to a game, it’s worth wandering around the park, purchasing a sausage and pepper sandwich, and standing on your tippy toes to try and catch some of the game on the Jumbo Screen!