Since May 1 of my senior year of high school, many people have asked me the same one question when it came to college: “Why in the world did you decide to go to Towson?” And while I could continue to forever answer this question for every person that I tell where I go to school, I decided to write out the top seven reasons I chose to attend Towson University for my undergraduate years.

1. The Honors College:

When I found out that I was accepted to TU’s Honors College, it pretty much sealed the deal for me. Towson’s Honors College has so many educational, extracurricular, and social perks. For one, Honors classes are much smaller, with classes being capped at around 20 students. Also, the Honors seminars are more engaging and inter-disciplinary. Along with that, Honors students are one of the first groups of students to register for classes out of the thousands of undergraduate students who attend the university. Not only does the Honors College enhance my education, but also it benefits my overall collegiate experience. Towson's student-run newspaper, the Towerlight, voted Douglass House, the Honors community, the best housing option on campus. And I completely agree with that. I love living in a place with other academically driven students who I can still have a great time with. Plus, the air conditioning and private bathrooms in the newer building are nice too.

2. The Location:

I grew up in a more suburban/rural area of the eastern shore of Maryland, so I knew that I wanted to move to a more metropolitan area for college. Towson is a little city in itself, but is still close to the larger city of Baltimore and also Washington, DC. The internship opportunities are endless and the benefits of city life are amazing. From museums to theaters, there is always something to do.

3. The Academics:

Towson was one of the few colleges that would give me more AP credits for the classes I took in high school, especially the history ones, that would allow me to double major in Political Science and History, possibly even get a minor too, and still be able to graduate in four years or even a semester early if I really wanted to. I liked the idea of having room and time in my schedule to study more areas of learning that intrigued me that I could not in high school. And since getting here, I have discovered that my areas of study have very fascinating courses and brilliant professors too.

4: The Diversity:

Like I stated earlier, I am from the eastern shore of Maryland, where diversity is little. So, I wanted to find a college with more diversity than where I come from, and Towson gave me just that. Since coming here last fall, I have met so many people that come from different areas of the state, country, and even the world. I love being able to sit in a class with people with differing perspectives. Also, Towson gives me the opportunity to engage and explore these different cultures and heritages through the many clubs, speakers, and events on campus.

5. The Proximity to Home:

Towson is the perfect distance from my hometown. It is far enough away to not expect any surprise visits, but close enough for me to be able to go home for a weekend if I want to. I have a very large family and like to be able to be with them as much as I can. If I had gone out of state, this would be less possible simply because of the distance. The short trip allows me enough independence to feel as if I am on my own, but is still close enough for when I do want to go home, visit my family, friends, and dog, and have a home-cooked meal (or a meal from my favorite restaurant back home).

6. Cost:

Towson University is the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. With in-state tuition and a low out of state tuition cost, scholarships, and financial aid, Towson is affordable than most other public or private university in Maryland. And while it does cost less to attend Towson, you do not lose anything for that low price tag. Academics are still strong, there are many resources for students, and the campus itself is great. I believe that the collegiate experience is what you make of it, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at Towson.

7. The Feel:

My last reason is probably something that all Towson students can recite by heart: “Big university, small campus feel.” And that is exactly right. While there are about 22,000 students total enrolled at Towson, I still can’t walk across campus without running into at least one person I know. Towson is a place where I have gotten to know many people within in my major, the Honors College, residence hall, and clubs very well, which has made this large university feel like a small and connected. And that was my fulfilled my overall goal in my college search to find somewhere that I felt that I fit in and at home.