When I decided to go to Pace University, I knew I wasn’t going to get the same type of college experience as a majority of college students. Going to school in a city like New York creates an entirely new lifestyle for students. In addition to that, Pace is also an extremely small college, so I also have the different experience of a majority of my classes being in the same building and only having one dining hall. Although these things never bothered me, I always wondered what life at a traditional college campus would be like.
For spring break this year, I went home with my friend to his hometown of Durham, North Carolina. While there, we were able to visit many of his friends at their college, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. UNC is a very large school with the college being prominently the only thing in Chapel Hill. The school was almost the exact opposite of Pace. So during the little time that I spent there, here are a few things I learned about the difference between a big state school and a small private school in a large city.
1. Campus pride is everywhere.
I couldn't turn my head without there being something with a UNC logo on it. Cars, restaurants, street signs, clothing, anything you could possibly think of. The only hint of my school is the random Pace flags to indicate where the dormitories are.
2. I can never ever complain about the walk from my dorm to One Place Plaza ever again.
Students on traditional campuses walk everywhere. Instead of having all their classes in one building, they have to walk across the campus all day. Their library and cafeteria are not conveniently located across the hall from each other, they're spread across multiple locations on the campus.
3. Greek life is going to affect you in some way.
Whether your in a sorority or fraternity, know people in them, are considering joining, or just go to their parties, their presence is very evident and you will be affected by it in some way.
4. Student involvement is much more common.
At Pace, the level you are involved in on-campus activities is completely up to you but, if you don't want to be involved, it's totally possible. When I walk out of my dorm I see New York City. However, students at traditional state colleges walk out and they are still on campus. This leads to more campus involvement whether it be clubs, jobs, the gym, parties, etc. A majority of the things they do or places they go are campus-involved.
5. I’m happy with my college experience.
Now that I've had a taste of the traditional college experience, I can say that I am happy with my college decision. Although I think it would be fun to be able to go to tailgates for my school's football games or be a part of a big Greek community, I like the close-knit environment that is created by Pace. I also enjoy the fact that even though I'm in college, I can have some separation from school and just enjoy living in New York.
