When the time comes to pick the type of college or university to attend, there are many factors that play a big role in picking your dream school - dorms, sports, location, and of course, the food the dinning hall has to offer. But the size of the campus might make or break where you spend the next four years. When choosing where I wanted to go, I thought I wanted to attend a big school, be apart of the crazy student sections of sport games, have secret spots on campus where I could do my homework, and even go to the occasional house party. I told myself I would never go to a small school. But, when touring these campuses, I came to the realization that a big campus was just not for me. After another year of shacking up with my parents, and changing my major a few times, I found my self attending Cazenovia College, a small private school. Here are five of the many reasons why a small school isn't so bad:
1. Walking to Class doesn't take all your energy
At larger universities, the different types of buildings can be spread out all over the campus. Your math class at 8 AM could most likely be in the back left corner of campus, and the furthest building from your dorm. At a small school, everything is a lot closer together and more convenient. Caz is great in the way campus is set up; somewhat like a square, everything is under a 5 minute walking time. If you're lucky, you're fortunate enough to be housed in the residence hall right above the dinning hall.
2. Everyone knows Everyone
Yes, I know what you're thinking, it is very intimidating at first. But, it's not as bad as you think. At Caz, your friend group isn't your only group of friends. You could be in the dinning hall, or across the quad, and anyone will say "Hey!". Knowing everyone can have its downfalls, but being able to connect with different types of people goes a long way.
3. Class size makes it seem like you're back in high school, in a good way
Small class size was a big deal for me while I toured schools. With small classes, you aren't just "That person in the front row"; you are actually yourself. Having the teacher call you by your own name, makes you feel like a person, not just a number.
4. Sports teams aren't just teams, they are families
Depending on the school, meaning Division I or Division III for example, sports are a big deal. Larger schools are most likely Division I, which means big student sections, and a big fan base. Being apart of the well known basketball team or football team, you are representing the school, and in some cases, trying to better yourself to get to the next level of your sport career. At a small school, teams become more of a family. In my experience in college sports , being on the Equestrian Team, not only gave me more friends, but a second family. You feel more connected to your community when playing sports at a small school.
5. Bigger isn't always better
You may think bigger schools offer more than a small school. Yes, the smaller schools may not have the sorority or fraternity you want, or at all, or not have a lot to do on the weekends, but attending a smaller school allows you to gain independence and life skills that you may not get at a larger school. Coming to Caz allowed me to adjust to being on my own, and shifting into doing things myself in a non-stressful way.
To me, good things come in smaller packages. Granted, I'm small myself, but I don't regret attending a small school. While being at Caz, I've made my experience my own the way I would want it at any school. When looking into what each kind of school has to offer, big or small, the 4 years you spend there are what you make them.
