*Disclaimer, this is not bringing down smaller colleges and universities, as they are awesome as well.
When you’re in high school, you may dream about the college you want to go to, or you may be exploring your options whether its in-state or out-of-state. College is a big transition and holds the next chapter of your life. Some may already prefer smaller schools, but some dream about going to a big, well known university. Any school you feel connected with, then go for it. For me, a bigger university has always been the plan. Bigger schools have always had my heart. When I applied and was accepted to Oklahoma State University, I was overjoyed because I knew somehow the four (and a half, stuff happens) years I was going to be there would be the best and possibly worst of my life.
With a bigger university, it may be overwhelming at first. For one, there are So.Many.People! With about 20-ish thousand people on campus, one may feel lost in the sea of faces. For me, it was overwhelming for a girl who loves big schools. But the plus side of seeing many unknown faces, is getting to know them. When I lived in the dorms, I met life-long friends who I see on campus every day, even at my senior year.
Campus is huge. Like, really huge. People will get lost, and that’s okay. It happens. But with a bigger campus, there’s more ground to cover. There may be history about some buildings you haven’t known yet. Also, you can combat that freshman 15 by walking clear across campus.
Since the campuses are big, there many spots that people hang out. But not every spot is filled. You can find your special space where you can nap, relax, do homework, and everything in between. Whether its in a corner in the library or the basement of the union, your place is your own.
There is more going on. You have so many clubs here, organizations there, intermural going on five different fields, and all forms of Greek life everywhere. There can be a group of people who enjoy Harry Potter, or music, and probably even fantasy football. Some people are reluctant to join a club or an organization, maybe because they don’t know anyone or they don’t have any time. But joining something that catches your attention and appeals to you is worth joining. Being in a space where you share the same love for something (or even someone, who knows) is awesome, and being in a big university, there are more people to share that love.
Being in any university can lead to having very important connections. With a bigger university, there are more people, along with a bigger alumni, that leads to more connections. These connections can be anywhere, and can lead and reach more people. Also, a bigger alumni is awesome. Sharing your experiences and memories to a known or unknown classmate is an experience that is special.
You can also low-key people watch on a larger scale while eating Chick-Fil-A, or sipping on a Starbucks tea. Because who doesn’t love an occasional people watch and food?
When you go to a well-known, big university, sports and sports fans tend to take over. I know at my school, Oklahoma State University, football is HUGE here. There are about 60 thousand fans that come during home games and cheer on the Cowboys. The tailgaters set up camp, vendors are selling their treasures, and the band goes from place to place and plays the fight songs. Conference games and bowl trips are so much fun and memories are made. Sports, although are not the whole point of a big university, is a big part of it, and it makes going to a big university worth it.
Small Universities and Big Universities both share the same purpose. Both are great enjoinments and has great students to inhabit them. Some student who went to a big university may go to a smaller one because it was not a good fit for them, but someone who went to a smaller college may transfer to a big one. I love my big school, I love the town it’s in, I love all the aspects of a big school, and I don’t regret coming here. But always remember: go wherever makes you happy.
