When you first hear the word college, most people think of a huge school, with parties every weekend: fraternities, sororities, Division I sports and a giant campus. This is the ideal college for some people, but for others, this is the opposite of what they want in a school. When I was looking at schools, I wanted a smaller campus, one that felt like home. Here are the perks of going to a small school:

1. Free stuff.

Every college student's favorite words. Going to a small school means that they don't have as many students to buy things for. So, at basketball games and different events on campus, there's almost always a free t-shirt or sunglasses being given out. And, at bingo, there are even better prizes.

2. You know your professors, and they know you.

This is extremely beneficial when you need to put references on an application when applying for a job or scholarship. Your professors know you really well, and they know your work ethic. They're more than happy to be listed as a reference and are even excited about it!

3. Knowing where everything is on campus.

There's never a question about who lives in what dorm, where the closest dining hall is (because there's only one), or what the quickest way to get to class is.

4. Waking up 10 minutes before class starts and still getting there on time.

You can wake up at 7:50, get changed, and get to the furthest building on campus in a matter of 10 minutes, still being on time for your 8 a.m.

5. Knowing more people.

Not everyone in your grade, or the school, is a stranger. In fact, you're surprised by how many different people you meet at school.

6. Course selection and housing are much easier.

Even though both are extremely stressful, it's not nearly as bad if there were thousands of students in your grade. No matter what, you won't be put into "overflow housing" because your school accepted too many students that year, and even though you may not get your top housing pick, you'll still end up in a decent dorm. And, if there are no more seats open for one of the classes you need to take, professors are willing to open up an extra spot for you.

7. Strong sense of community.

Whether it's at athletic event or Relay for Life, your school comes together as one. What's even better is that you know people from all different grades at the event.

Even though some students love going to big schools, I wouldn't change my decision of going to a small school for anything.