It's OK To Go To A Smaller University
Start writing a post
Student Life

There's Nothing Wrong With Choosing A Smaller College, And Don't Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise

I chose a place that makes me feel at home.

99
Troy University

From the moment I decided I wanted to attend college as a little girl, I had this idea that I would go to a large university. I had my sights set high, and I believed the only way I could achieve those goals was if I attended a large university. Don't ask me why I thought that. I guess my premature brain only believed what it saw in movies, and the only way I could be as successful as Elle Woods was if I attended Harvard. But, I can assure you my mind has completely changed because that is definitely not the truth.

Senior year came around and I took it upon myself to only apply to two in-state colleges because I knew I'd eventually transfer to a college in a city where I wanted to settle down and find a job. I was immediately offered a scholarship to the larger college but was a bit disheartened because I knew the scholarship wouldn't compare to the one I'd receive from the smaller university. I had no doubt in my mind that my parents wouldn't mind paying a bit (a lot) extra, but I also knew that I'd rather not burden them or place myself in debt when I had the option not to.

So, I accepted the offer to the smaller university, but it wasn't an easy process. Friends began to criticize me, making small remarks such as I "deserve somewhere better" or that "people with big dreams and aspirations in life didn't have their sights set on places like that."

I tried to push it to the back of my mind, attempting to convince myself that they didn't understand need-based decisions and that their comments only came from a lack of understanding, but it still weighed a lot on me. I began questioning my own decisions and believing I wasn't good enough because I wasn't attending a large school like they were.

But when I got here, I realized choosing Troy University, a smaller university, was probably one of the best decisions I could've made for myself.

Of course, it was bumpy in the beginning, but most college experiences are like that. Once the rough part was over, I was the happiest I'd been in a while. I still am the happiest I've been in a while. Going to a smaller university, I'm able to see familiar faces everywhere I go, my teachers know me by name, and I know I'm never alone in any situation. Everything feels so personal, and a personal connection is something I continuously crave no matter my surroundings. It also fits me so much better. I know I'm not the most outgoing person, so at a smaller university, it's easier to feel that personal relationship with everyone and everything. I feel as though I'm in a tight-knit community. It's my step between where I was, and where I want to be in life, and it's a step I'm forever grateful I took.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41394
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25945
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951283
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

134666
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments