I knew I didn't want to go to a big university when I applied for colleges. I went to a small high school, and even the thought of going to a huge university terrified me. Sure, I applied to a few state schools, but it was really no surprise when I chose to attend the smallest school on my list, the college with a student population of about 1,500. It was my best decision yet.
Sure, there are downsides to going to a small college. It's awkward walking into class on Monday and immediately recognizing the creepy guy who kept trying to get with your friend two nights before. There's also the all-too-familiar feeling of running into the one person you didn't want to see on campus, whether it's the professor of the class you missed or a friend you had a fight with. And then there's the strict attendance policies for the small classes, which if you're like me, you have a difficult time following for your 8 a.m. class. But even though these are pretty much universal for students attending a small college, the perks of going to a small school completely outweigh the downsides.
First, there's the small campus size. It's not an uncommon thing for me to leave my dorm 10 minutes before my class across campus and still make it there before my punctual professor. Even though I'll probably hit my snooze button until all I have time to do is brush my teeth and put on a sweatshirt, it's also not entirely uncommon for me to stay in bed until 15 or 20 minutes before class starts.
Then, there's the music scene. Everyone has a mandatory student activity fee to pay each year, which in turn, gets some great musical acts on our tiny campus. My college has had Macklemore, Matt & Kim, Earl Sweatshirt, Cherub and more just in the past few years. And if your small college is also located near a larger university, you can gain access to their music scene, as well. For example, just last night I saw Panic! At The Disco at the university 10 minutes away from my college. It's the small things, man.
There's also the party scene. Even though earlier I mentioned how awkward it is when you recognize someone from a party the Monday afterward, I wouldn't trade the party scene for anything. Parties at small colleges are great because you at least recognize most of the people in the room, if not all. Everyone feels comfortable with each other, and we all look out for each other. It creates a safe environment to have fun after a long week, and I would take an awkward encounter the next Monday over an unsafe encounter on a Friday every time. (Plus, small colleges still know how to party!)
Finally, there are the extracurriculars and the opportunities. Even though my school doesn't have Greek life, there are so many ways to get involved on campus. There's the radio show and the endless number of clubs, organizations and committees. There are athletic teams. There are famous speakers who frequent the campus. There are actual fun, school-sanctioned events. There are the connections and job opportunities you create along the way because there's an instant bond between people who went to the same small school.
I know big universities have big perks, as well. Some of my best friends at different schools fill me in on these things. But I wouldn't trade my tiny campus for anything, because the college experience I'm getting here is the best experience I could hope for.
