Why You Should Pick a University in a Small Town
When you're studying abroad, more often than not the glitz and glamour of a big, internationally known city is a very inviting incentive to pick a university that is located in such places.
However, should you?
Of course, picking which university you're going to go to is a more complicated matter than just picking a city. First and foremost, you should make sure the university you're applying for has the suitable programme for your interests. But if the difference between the universities is only their location, here are a few reasons why picking the one located in a smaller city may be a good idea.
1. Easy and fast commuting
Living in a small town means that you can cut your commuting time and costs by a lot. Instead of getting stuck in a metropole's traffic(when you're travelling by bus), or having to get up early to catch the train, you can take a bike or walk. Not only is it healthy, it's also free!
2. Smaller student body
It is easy to feel lost and alone on your first day of university, especially if your class is 200 strong. Smaller universities offer a more intimate atmosphere to its student body, enabling you to make a vast network of acquaintances and friends without the awkwardness.
3. Cheaper cost of living
A lot of students are broke. Many depends on financial aid, or they may even need to work. Either way, a low living cost is always desirable. It's much easier to keep your spending down when your rent doesn't cost as much as a small secondhand car, or when there aren't many shops to distract you.
4. You can really concentrate on your studies
Small town life may sound so boring at first, but with not a lot of places that you can go to to procrastinate or distract yourself, you can devote your spare time to your studies instead. Less distractions may mean a higher GPA :)
5. Building a stronger friendship
In big cities, most of the time, everybody's doing their own thing. In small cities, however, you're more likely to spend time with your friends and therefore build a stronger relationship with them. Organising group activities, trying out new bars, or just relaxing outdoor in the summer heat are some of my favorite things to do with my friends.
I don't mean to say that these things are impossible to do in bigger cities, because it all depends on you personally. But living conditions can be a big factor on how your university experience is going to be. I would suggest reaching out to student forums and ask about their experiences before committing to a university, so you can get an idea of what your life is going to be like for the next 3 to 4 years. However, don't ignore your instinct; it probably got it right the first time around.
xo,
Maria
However, should you?
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| Universitäts- und Hansestadt Greifswald, Germany. My university town with a mere 50.000 inhabitants (12000 of them are students)! |
Of course, picking which university you're going to go to is a more complicated matter than just picking a city. First and foremost, you should make sure the university you're applying for has the suitable programme for your interests. But if the difference between the universities is only their location, here are a few reasons why picking the one located in a smaller city may be a good idea.
1. Easy and fast commuting
Living in a small town means that you can cut your commuting time and costs by a lot. Instead of getting stuck in a metropole's traffic(when you're travelling by bus), or having to get up early to catch the train, you can take a bike or walk. Not only is it healthy, it's also free!
2. Smaller student body
It is easy to feel lost and alone on your first day of university, especially if your class is 200 strong. Smaller universities offer a more intimate atmosphere to its student body, enabling you to make a vast network of acquaintances and friends without the awkwardness.
3. Cheaper cost of living
A lot of students are broke. Many depends on financial aid, or they may even need to work. Either way, a low living cost is always desirable. It's much easier to keep your spending down when your rent doesn't cost as much as a small secondhand car, or when there aren't many shops to distract you.
4. You can really concentrate on your studies
Small town life may sound so boring at first, but with not a lot of places that you can go to to procrastinate or distract yourself, you can devote your spare time to your studies instead. Less distractions may mean a higher GPA :)
5. Building a stronger friendship
In big cities, most of the time, everybody's doing their own thing. In small cities, however, you're more likely to spend time with your friends and therefore build a stronger relationship with them. Organising group activities, trying out new bars, or just relaxing outdoor in the summer heat are some of my favorite things to do with my friends.
I don't mean to say that these things are impossible to do in bigger cities, because it all depends on you personally. But living conditions can be a big factor on how your university experience is going to be. I would suggest reaching out to student forums and ask about their experiences before committing to a university, so you can get an idea of what your life is going to be like for the next 3 to 4 years. However, don't ignore your instinct; it probably got it right the first time around.
xo,
Maria
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