Louisiana State University, University of Alabama, Mississippi State, Florida State University, and Texas A&M are all colleges that have a large population and that have popular names for themselves. Why would anyone choose any other university?
When I decided I was going to attend the small town college of Louisiana at Monroe, I was always asked why. It was not because I did not want to attend any of the larger universities, nor was it the fact that I was offered many scholarships to attend ULM. I fell in love with the town of Monroe, the students, the beautiful campus.... pretty much the university in its entirety. It has taught me so many different things that I feel a larger university would not have.
1. It is so easy to get involved and have a blast on campus.
Smaller universities, such as ULM, have so many clubs and organizations on campus that are always looking to accept new members! The Campus Activities Board, although it may be selective, accepts new members every semester. They plan almost all of the events on campus, and these events are always fun! I have met so many different people through the CAB events on campus such as Week of Welcome, and Spring Fever week! You could even become a tutor on campus or become Peer Leader for students who are making the same best decision in the world to attend ULM! In addition to that, there are so many different organizations on campus that you are bound to find one you fit into! So sign up, and enjoy your college experience!
2. Networking is essential, but easy!
The classes at ULM are never more than 100 students, and most of the time, you will have the same familiar faces in a few of your other classes! Almost all of the classes I take have about 20 students in them, and I am able to get to know the professors on a more personal level because of that. The same people I have in almost all of my classes have also been in the classes I have had the following semesters. So network, because it's likely the people you're sitting next to will be the friends you're pulling all nighters with in your classes next semester, too.
3. The community and surrounding areas are easy to adjust to.
I will never forget how big I thought the city of Monroe was when I first arrived at ULM. I felt myself getting lost, and I was never able to find anywhere I needed to go for the first week or two. The amount of one way roads that exist is unreal (I've learned that the hard way, a few times), and dead ends are quite common here. However, after a few "Help Siri, I'm lost and don't know how to get back home" freak outs, navigating this small town became second nature to me. I have found so many hole in the wall restaurants that are SO good, friends from different surrounding colleges, and even high-school friends that know some of my new friends! This town has definitely become a second home to me.
4. Students have an outstanding amount of school pride.
I have not met a single student at my university that isn't proud to be a Warhawk! I have so many different ULM shirts, posters, decals, and key chains (I have at least ten different key chains I've acquired over the past year). It is undeniable that I am a Warhawk, and I am so proud to show my university off wherever I go. There are so many different students at ULM that are just as proud! Whether we are winning a game out on the football field, or getting completely demolished, our fans are true and the Warhawk Nation still goes out and supports our athletes! In short, we are a proud family of Warhawks!
5. Going Greek Is Not As Nerve Wracking As It Seems.
Joining a Fraternity or Sorority may seem scary at first, but it is seriously not as bad as it seems. There are far less fraternities and sororities on campus, which I feel is a plus. Although there are less choices, you are bound to find your place in Greek Life. The diversity is endless, and you can totally be yourself when going through recruitment! Greek Life at a smaller school will not change who you are, it will build upon the man or woman you are now and help you grow into an enhanced version of yourself that you could never imagine. So go Greek, do not fear recruitment, and be yourself.
I absolutely cannot imagine going to another school because I have had the experience of a lifetime so far at ULM! The fact that it is a small college with all of these qualities makes it the best decision I have made, hands down, in my life. Without ULM, I would not be the man I am today, or the man I will be in the future.
