For many, the process of choosing the right college to attend begins at the beginning of their senior year of high school. Some kids know exactly where they want to go and others have no idea. Friends were going separate ways, some to big schools hours away and others to teeny tiny local ones. I was somewhere in between. The stereotype of a huge school equaling success pulled me one way while the comfort of a smaller, homey school tugged the other way. I knew I could always transfer, but I feared making the wrong decision. As the fall semester of my sophomore year comes to a close, I can say I do not regret starting at a smaller school. This is why going to a small college is a good idea.
Being on your own is scary.
With a new town, new people, and no parents to hold your hand, going to college gets scary. Being at a small school is not as overwhelming.
It is easy to make friends.
You will make friends fast. With fewer people, you see the same people everywhere. You're guaranteed to know someone when you go to the library, dining hall or anywhere you go by the end of the first month of school.
You are going to have some people in multiple classes.
There is always an automatic friend and study partner.
You get more from your professors.
Smaller class sizes allow students to ask more questions and get one-on-one help from professors. For upper-level courses, this is extremely helpful. This also goes for your advisors and other staff members. It is easier to schedule meetings and get things done.
Your work is evaluated more carefully.
With fewer students, you will typically get more feedback on how to improve your work. Your schedule and progress are also given the proper attention by a counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate.
You don't get lost so easily.
Obviously, the campus is smaller and less confusing. Going into a new place freshman year and finding your classes isn't so bad at a smaller school.
It is hard to be late.
Considering you walk everywhere and the same paths every day, it is easy to be on time. You know how long it takes to get anywhere by car or walking.
It allows you to get involved in a lot more.
Not only can you get heavily involved in one organization, you can also become a part of multiple organizations. It adds to your experience and resume.
You feel like you matter.
Instead of being just another number, you are a name. Most professors will know you and help you later on outside of their course if you ever need it. You are also less alienated and feel like the school cares.
Most of all, there is a sense of community.
Having great community is comforting, and you feel that sincere sense of belonging. You know what is going on socially and have people to walk and talk with between classes. Anytime you need help, you know there is someone to call.
I know I made the right decision by starting at a smaller school. Coming from a smaller town, this was similar and comforting. I have made some of my best friends since I got to college. Maintaining my grades while staying actively involved was much easier to get the hang of. I was able to comfortably learn to be on my own and independent. Most of all, a small school gave me a feeling of meaning.
