Going to college is a very big deal. So is coming to the decision on what school to attend. Once the programs are reviewed and the funding is put in place, some students find themselves making a final choice based on the reputations of cities where schools are located. While this shouldn’t be the top criteria, understanding what makes a good college town great can be a deal maker.
So, what is it that makes one college town stand out above another? It all comes down to what a particular community has to offer for its college students. Some towns are completely built up around and thrive upon the college community. Other towns and cities have their own pace of life with a college thrown in.
The markings of a “great” college town in the eyes of many students include:
Well supported athletic programs
Small college towns tend to be incredible in their support of their college athletic programs. When game days mean the entire town turns out in the school’s colors, it’s a good sign that a real college town has been located.
Traditions
When the school’s traditions are part of the town’s traditions, a good college town has been found. This shows the entire community supports the school and its students and vice versa.
Lots of Mom and Pop establishments
At the heart of most college towns are tons of small businesses and hang outs where students are welcomed and appreciated. These tend to lend to the feeling of tradition and camaraderie.
Youthful demographics
When a preponderance of a town’s population is college age or youthful, chances are a good college town has been found. It is not uncommon at all for true college towns to flood in population during regular school sessions and almost empty out during the summer.
Atmosphere
What really makes a genuine college town stand out from a city that happens to have a university is the atmosphere. When most people embrace the college and its students, the four-year experience can be made phenomenal. From college-related events to student discounts found in most shops and restaurants, it’s simply nice for college students to spend their time away from home in a place where they feel welcomed and appreciated.
While selecting a school based on its location alone is not a good idea, there are some great things to be said about real college towns. Many college students find they are more at home in small towns that revolve in a big way around the schools they play host to.
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