At a smaller college or university you get to have an experience like no other. I attended a university with less than 5,000 students, and all my friends who went to larger institutions are always so amazed when I describe my college experiences. Their classes usually had between 25 and 250 students and they had about 5,000 students or more in their graduating class. Although my college experience did not include debating which major dining hall was the best, cheering on our big time football team, or sitting through hours and hours of graduation, it was my perfect fit and I would not have wanted to go anywhere else. Here are a few reasons that I love the small school vibe:
1. Odds are if someone asks you if you know someone who goes there, you probably do.
Since campus isn't too big and humans are creatures of habit, you most likely see the same people every day on your way to class. You can stop and chat, or bench sit for a bit to see your friends.
2. Nothing is ever too far away.
When you can make it to the furthest building from where you live in less than 10 minutes, you know you go to a small school. Making it across campus in the 10 minutes you have to get to your next class becomes a bit of a competition: What's the best route I can take?
3. You usually know everything that is going on.
From school sponsored events to other activities, you probably have heard word of what is going on that week from the Facebook event one of your friends invited you to, students talking about it in class, or the handy bulletin board in the center of campus- and if you haven't, you might just run into it happening.
4. You professors REALLY do know your name.
Most universities and colleges like to add in the statement that “Professors know your name, even in lecture style classes." In all honesty, this is not always true at larger schools. Some classes are not even taught by professors, they are taught by Graduate Assistants! At a small school all of you professors know the students in their classes, whether they are in their major or not.
5. Nothing is ever too crowded.
At a school with about 4,500 students with a chunk of those students being commuters, you will always be able to find a seat at the library or dining hall. Sure, during finals week or at noon in the dining hall is a whole different story, but for the most part there will always be a place for you.
6. You will always see people you know around campus.
Whether it is an ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, friend, or that professor whose class you skipped today, you will see them. On a small campus it is hard to avoid anyone.You will probably also see a few dogs that you know the names of, but their owners not so much.
7. There are close connections.
Whether you are looking for a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity there is always someone who knows someone that can help you out. Professors are your key at small schools, they know graduates, people in their fields and organizations, and so many unique opportunities for their students. AND since they know your name they can help you out.
8. There are cool secret spots.
Every campus has their special spots. Whether it's a nearby park, river, or a cool forgotten room on campus- it is fun too find a new place to study and keep it all to yourself. The small, older schools have spaces that used to be libraries, little nooks that overlook downtown, and spaces that you're probably not supposed to be in.
9. You don't just feel at home, you are at home.
Small schools are definitely a hit or a miss, but if you are in love with your small college or university you will never want to leave. You will feel at home in your college town, because it is home.
