As a sophomore in high school, I took my first campus tour of Georgia Southern. I had no idea what I wanted in a university or where I would apply as a senior. I attended a few events the school hosted in Atlanta and I was impressed with the university. 

However, as someone still very stuck in high school, it was not something I gave much thought. As I started touring other universities my junior year, I realized I was comparing all the other schools to Georgia Southern. 

Auburn, UGA, and other schools had dorms that were the size of a closet at Georgia Southern. Their campuses weren’t the right “feel." Their facilities weren't that great. Nothing stood out. I didn’t feel welcomed. I didn’t feel at home. But I felt at home here. 

Now, as a student in my third year at Georgia Southern University, I realize there are so many things this university has done perfectly. I couldn’t ask for a better college experience; here are five reasons why.

1. Staff

During my junior year of high school I met a few of the faculty members at a scholarship information session. I introduced myself to one of the Religious Studies teachers and spoke with him briefly. 

As a sophomore at Southern, I took Introduction to Religious Studies with the same professor and he remembered my name from three years before. That is a dedication to the student body that I doubt you would ever see at a bigger state school. 

That is just one example of the many positive experiences I’ve had. The staff at Georgia Southern - administrators, professors, maintenance, etc. - are dedicated to this university and that makes them stand out.  Not to mention we all have a soft spot in our hearts for President Brooks Keel and his lovely wife.

2. Housing

Georgia Southern has dorms that many college students could only dream of living in their freshman year. As a freshman, I lived in Centennial and most of my friends lived in Eagle Village and Southern Pines. In fact, housing was a big factor in my decision to attend Southern. No other school I toured had anything remotely close to the comfort offered here.         

3. Traditions

Georgia Southern is rich in traditions. From walking three laps around Sweetheart Circle with your true love to screaming “One More Time” five hundred times every football game, there are so many traditions that make Georgia Southern a university you cannot help but adore. If you feel like you need to catch up on all of our traditions, good news:  The University has a page dedicated to letting everyone know about them!

4. Football

Our football program is legendary. We have a history of excellence and pride. There’s nothing more thrilling as an Eagle than watching your team dominate every team they come across. Beating Florida in 2013 was just a taste of what our team can do. We have more than shown ourselves worthy of our recent move to the Sun Belt Conference as we stand at 4-0 in our conference and 5-2 overall. Erk Russell is a name that no Georgia Southern student will ever forget, and Willie Fritz is one sure to be remembered as well.   

5. Campus

Georgia Southern’s campus is absolutely gorgeous. We were recently ranked in the Top 25 of Colleges with the best weather by Best College Reviews. 

Sweetheart Circle is the perfect place to pull out a hammock to relax or lay out a towel on the grass and eat lunch. Couples often go on dates in Sweetheart Circle and I see students doing homework out there almost every day on my walk to class. 

The new stadium is spectacular and nothing makes me happier than to see the stadium packed with students at a football game right at sunset.  The lights at Christmas time are absolutely beautiful. 

Lake Wells and Ruby add to the campus character; whether you’re terrified of ducks or think they are cute, they are part of the charm too. Anyone could write pages describing our campus.   

We are a blessed student body and I am so proud to be a Georgia Southern Eagle. Every university has its issues and Georgia Southern is no exception. However, I couldn’t ask for a better place to be and I will have the deepest love for Georgia Southern no matter where I go after I leave this place.