What Does the Location of Colleges Mean
I. Urban College Campuses
As Different as the Cities in which They’’re Located
Cities are centers of culture, art, design, communication, and manufacturing. There’’s much to do with every aspect from museums to street musicians. Because of this, you can enjoy yourself and boost your education at the same time.
Different Types of College Campuses
Some colleges are self-contained islands within a city, such as Rice University whose 285-acre campus is bounded by a hedge and a double row of oak trees. Others spread over city blocks, such as Boston University. Don’’t assume all city colleges are huge — there are many small city schools, too.
Life Experience
You’’ll find opportunities for internships (实习) that can help you test career paths, build experience, and get your foot in the door.
Money
Cities put a bigger dent (凹痕) in your wallet than suburban or rural areas. Everything is more expensive, including rent, food, and entertainment. Of course, some cities have a higher cost of living than others. The good news is that your student I.D. can get you discounts.
Public Transportation
Most likely, you won’’t need a car. Buses, trains, and taxis are the best ways to get around. In fact, having a car in some cities can be a major headache.
I See City People
Cities are full of interesting people from all cultures and walks of life. Sure, meeting new people is part of the college experience anyway, but make sure you’’re comfortable around crowds — on the streets, on subways, and in line for the movies.
Where Are the Trees
Don’’t expect a pastoral (田园的) setting. Get ready for tall buildings, asphalt (沥青) highways. However, cities do usually have an oasis (绿洲) or two, such as parks and zoos, within walking distance, as well as athletic complexes. Plus, you can probably take day trips to natural settings.
Safety First
If you decide to attend a college in the city, make sure you know the risks. Learn how to protect yourself and avoid unsafe situations. Ask about the crime rate when you go on your college visit.
Cities can encompass the qualities promoted by colleges — free thinking, diversity, and fun. If you’’re looking for these qualities, but in another setting, perhaps a suburban or rural locale is right for you.
II. Suburban College Campuses The "Burbs"
Some people have a biased impression of the suburbs, based on what they’’ve seen on television and in the movies. What are they — and the colleges in them — really like
Here the term "suburb" is used loosely, to include small cities, large towns, or the residential areas near cities. For example, both Bates College in Lewiston, Maine and Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts are in suburbs, though the areas are very different.
The Best of Both Environments
Suburban schools usually offer a taste of the city and country nearby, since you’’re close to both. It’’s for this reason that many people are drawn to this setting.
Community Within a Community
Suburban colleges usually have their own communities, with various activities and even their own culture. Fortunately, the collegiate and residential communities tend to complement each other — creating places to live and learn for both the town residents and students. For example, the University of Oregon’’s School of Music and the city of Eugene collaborate to host the annual Oregon Bach Festival.
Mixed Bag of People
The suburbs are not as diverse as cities, but can be slightly more integrated than rural areas. This mix adds to the character of a suburban town, drawing in aspects of both urban and rural life. For example, at Carroll College a suburban school in Helena, Montana, you can be the sophisticated urbanite (都市人) by attending a play at Grandstreet Community Theater or fulfill your cowboy inclinations by going horseback riding.
A Sense of History
Most suburban neighborhoods have a story behind them. For example, Flagler College is located in St. Augustine, America’’s oldest city. The college reflects the town’’s old-world character. Before choosing a suburban college, take the time to learn about the area’’s history. Who settled the town What is its major industry It may reveal something about the community’’s personality and residents.
Car or no Car
If you don’’t have a car, you can still get around using public or your school’’s transportation, but your options may be limited. If you have a car, the surrounding attractions (the city or country) will be more accessible. Towns and college car policies can vary, so be sure to ask the students for advice.
III. Rural College Campuses
The Great Outdoors at Your Dorm’’s Doorstep
Rural colleges, usually near wilderness areas, have educational opportunities related to science and nature — not to mention fun outdoor activities. For example, Western State College’’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a great school to attend if you’’re studying geology.
Hands-On Environmental Studies
Going to a school with access to outdoor facilities gives you a chance for hands-on learning, such as at a working dairy farm of national park. For example, join a research team studying fruit and vegetable crops as part of your agricultural science class at Alcorn State University.
A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Sports or hobbies such as skiing, rock climbing, fishing, or Whitewater rafting may be short trips from the campus or even on-campus. Of course, activities are local to the area.
A Way Off-Campus
Although the campus is usually the focal point for rural colleges, you’’ll need transportation to make the most of the area. Don’’t worry if you don’’t have a car or a friend who has one. Most rural schools or towns provide free or cheap transportation for college students. Ask about it during a campus visit.
A Sense of Community
Many rural colleges are self-contained. For example, they hold most of their school activities on-campus, and organizations and clubs are usually a large part of student life. Plus, most rural schools are residential, with the majority of students living on-campus. This self-containment creates a sense of community among students, more so than at suburban or city schools.
A Connection with the Town
Even though rural colleges have their own things going on, they often have a rich relationship with the surrounding community, too. For example, the town is usually the home for many professors, and residents often show support for the college at sport events, lectures, or plays.
A Secure Environment
Smaller towns or less populated areas are known as places where people may leave their cars unlocked or their front doors open. Although crime can happen anywhere, you may feel safer at a rural college compared to a city school. Be sure to inquire about crime and safety on your campus visit.
Going to a school with access to__________ gives you a chance for hands-on learning,