Ever dream of life in a big city? Looking to expand your horizons in college? Are you searching for an exciting and unique experience? If yes, an urban school may be the best choice for you.

1. Location/access

How many people can say that they go to school two metro stops away from the White House, in the middle of Greenwich Village or just a few blocks away from the Staples Center? Students at urban colleges have the best access to unbelievable attractions, neighborhoods and sites.

2. Campus

Urban campuses, often based on grid-based city blocks, are easy to navigate and explore. A common misconception is that urban schools do not have any character or greenery, basically making them seem grey, drab, and visually unappealing. This is very far from the truth; just take a look at Columbia, American and Harvard:

3. Opportunities

There’s no denying that students at urban schools simply have a greater access to internship opportunities and career advancement. At GWU in DC, students have access to the most highly ranked internship-placement program in the country, sending them to work at locations like Capitol Hill and the State Department. At schools like NYU, Columbia and Barnard, students have access to the country’s best art, fashion and music scenes. The list goes on and on.

4. Night life

While urban schools have no shortage of fraternity parties, students also have access to a wide variety of clubs and bars downtown.

5. Food

Forget about being limited to disgusting dining hall “food”. While urban schools may require the use of a dining hall, most also provide a part of the meal plan that gives students access to a number of different off-campus dining options. Whether its clam chowder in Boston or bagels in New York, students will have no trouble expanding their palate at a city school.

6. Diversity

Small towns tend to yield small mindsets. Living in a city exposes people to a number of different cultures, lifestyles, cuisines and preferences.

7. Independence

Living in a city forces students to become independent. While transitioning to the hustle and bustle, city life can be a challenge at first. Adapting to the fast pace of an urban environment allows students to become more adventurous, confident, and knowledgeable about their surroundings.

8. Free stuff

Life in a city is expensive. Fortunately, there are a number of free museums, exhibits, shows and performances available to students. Whether it’s a trip to the National Gallery of Art or Grand Central Terminal, there’s no shortage of exciting options.

Long story short, if you're looking for an atypical, unique and exciting college experience, give city schools a look. It's hard not to fall in love with them.