You know the feeling: that perfect mix of excitement and nerves as you start counting down the days until college. Will you like your roommate? What classes will you take? And, most importantly, what college town will you be spending the next four years of your life in?
Choosing a college can feel like a daunting task, but one of the most important factors in your decision should be finding a place that feels like home. The best way to do this is by finding a college town that has everything you're looking for. But how do you even begin to narrow down your options?
Adventure Student Travel has put together a list of things to consider when choosing the perfect college town for you!
Consider your priorities - are you looking for a party school or a more academic environment?
When college shopping, it's important to consider your priorities in terms of what kind of college environment best fits your needs. Do you want a college that is known for its vibrant college town activities like sports, lively student organizations and entertainment, or do you prefer a college that is purely academic focused? Depending on the college town you select, you may find yourself in the heart of a bustling college atmosphere full of epic sporting events and student-run parties - the perfect setting to kick off your college experience! Alternately, if you are more serious about academics, look for colleges that emphasize high standards and commitment to scholastic success. Whichever option suits your personality best, be sure to research the college town before committing - it could make all the difference in making college an unforgettable experience!
Do your research - read up on the different college towns that interest you
Exploring the college towns you are considering is key to making an informed decision about where to go to school. There are many factors that can shape a student’s education, like the size of the campus, city feel, cultural activities and food choice. Doing your research on different college towns will help you narrow down the list of places you could see yourself living for four years and provide insight into what type of experience life there would yield. It doesn’t have to feel like a chore – make a day out of it and check out some top rated restaurants in each town, take a tour of any schools you’re interested in or even just walk around getting to know the area. The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to researching potential new homes for your college days ahead. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
Make a list of pros and cons - this will help you narrow down your options
Making a list of pros and cons can be the difference between staying stuck in decision limbo and making a clear-cut choice. It gives you the opportunity to analyze exactly what each option has to offer, so you can make an informed decision, like weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of different colleges or job offers. This method will help break things down into measurable items that you can evaluate with level-headed objectivity, removing any potential biases so you can pick the solution that truly works best for you. Pros and cons lists are an invaluable tool - they'll help you narrow down your options quickly and effectively!
Contact current and former students of the college for an informed opinion
One of the most helpful ways to make an informed decision on where to go to college is by reaching out and speaking with current and former students. They can offer a unique insight into what it’s like living in a particular town or attending a certain school that you wouldn’t be able to get from simply reading reviews online. Plus, you’ll be able to gain information about the real-life benefits of being part of a student body that is truly passionate about learning and growing together. So if you have your eye on one particular college, don’t hesitate to reach out and start making connections - it could end up being the best move you ever make!
Visit Each Town Before Making a Decision
Finally, the best way to ensure that you end up in a college town that you’ll love is to actually visit each one before making a final decision. Nothing compares to experiencing the atmosphere of potential new home towns firsthand and seeing what they have to offer outside of what is written on paper or online. Whether it’s taking part in campus activities, engaging with locals or simply walking around to get a feel for the place - visiting each place will go a long way towards helping you make an informed decision about where you want to live during your college years. You can check out our YouTube video on why you should visit colleges during the spring!
No matter which college town you decide on, being able to find one that meets both your academic needs and personal preferences is essential for having the best collegiate experience possible. So don’t be afraid to take the time to do your research and weigh up the pros and cons of each option. Most importantly, remember to visit each college town before making a final decision - it will make all the difference between regretting your choice or finding the perfect home away from home. We can schedule college campus tours for you to help make the decisions easier. You tell us what schools you want to see and we will make it happen!
