For those of you debating whether to attend a large or small university, I can assure you that you won’t regret picking the larger. Though it may be different for everyone, going to a big school could quite possibly be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
1. You can be whoever you want.
If you go to a big school, chances are, you’ll know about 1 percent or less of the total population. You can be whoever you want to be, even someone completely different than the person you were in high school. It’s amazing being in an entirely new city with new people, places and things.
2. There are so many organizations to join.
At Michigan State, there are hundreds of clubs and groups to join. At my orientation, they told us that there was a squirrel watching club and a club that watches the squirrel watching club. It’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll find something that relates to at least one, if not all, of your hobbies and interests.
3. The sports are amazing.
If you’re at a larger school, it’s likely that your student sections are loud, fun and packed, no matter the weather (thanks, Michigan!) There’s a sense of pride that comes along with cheering for your teams that you just wouldn’t find at a smaller school. Even if you don’t like sports, you can’t help but love the atmosphere around campus when football and basketball season are in full swing.
4. There’s always something going on.
If you go to a big university, chances are, the town it’s in is filled with things to do. From great bars and restaurants to parks, concerts and shopping, attending a larger university allows for many quick boredom fixes.
5. You’re even more prepared for the “real world.”
My education at Michigan State has left me feeling confident and prepared for life after graduation. There’s an incredible amount of diversity on campus, accompanied by larger classes and professors that will certainly whip you into shape. The “real world” may be scary, but if you go to a larger university, you’ll be immersed in a culture just like it, years before you leave.
6. You don’t have to be as insecure.
Okay, so you slipped and fell on ice, spilled Starbucks down the front of your shirt and your phone went off in class. Guess what? It doesn’t matter. If you go to a larger university, chances are, you will never see the people who witnessed these travesties again.
7. You have plenty of programs and majors to choose from.
If you aren’t exactly sure what you want to do yet, no worries. Larger universities have an endless amount of programs to choose from. Communications, economics, kinesiology, women’s and gender studies, you’re sure to find something.
8. You’re constantly meeting new people.
With such big classes and hundreds of organizations, you’re bound to meet new people each semester. From the people in your dorm to the people you sit next to in class, you always have new opportunities to make friends.
9. Huge lecture halls
If you hated participating in high school, then this one’s for you. Big lecture halls mean sitting wherever you want, strolling in two minutes before class starts and not having to say a word the entire time. Sit back, relax and simply copy down your professors notes.
10. Alumni everywhere
If you attend a large university, chances are, you’ll run into alumni no matter where you go. Just outside of campus, all throughout the state and even in airports across the country, you’re bound to encounter alumni wherever your future takes you.