University of Central Florida, Ohio State University-Columbus, Penn State, UCLA, Michigan State— all of these names have one thing in common. They are all massive, higher education institutions with an undergraduate enrollment of at least 25,000 students! Such populous institutions come with a vibrant student life, a multitude of majors and minors to pursue and fraternities and sororities. There are also large class sizes, multiple dorms and dining halls and an insane party culture. And of course, the endless marketing. Let's be real here: how many times have you walked into a Dick's Sporting Goods store and see an entire section of the store dedicated to local colleges/universities? I don't know about you, but for me it's every single time!
However, if you've read my past articles or have gotten to know me, then it's evident that I do not attend a big college. I'm about to enter my senior year at Rosemont College: a small, private liberal arts institution located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an undergraduate enrollment of a less than 1,000 students. The overall experience contrasts from the likes of Penn State, Temple, West Chester, Rutgers and other big schools around the area. However, it's been nothing short of an enjoyable experience. Here are ten signs you attend a small college:
1. The majority of people you run into outside of your student environment have never heard of your school.
One person I spoke to said, "What's a Rosemont?"
2. 20 students in a classroom constitutes a "large" class size.
3. People you have never even spoken to already know of your reputation, let alone your name.
Yup, news spreads faster through college than the Internet.
4. Class attendance actually matters. I would know.
5. It's perfectly okay to wear apparel from other colleges and universities.
6. It takes only five minutes to walk from one end of campus to the other, yet you are too lazy to do so.
Good thing I have my car.
7. If you want to party, you have only two options: the dorms or another school.
Beware of public safety, public intoxication, etc.
8. You are always encouraged to date people outside of your school.
That's where Tinder comes in.
9. It's not uncommon to recruit students off of campus to participate in an intercollegiate sport.
I would know. I'm a soccer player, but then one day I was given a racket and *boom* I'm on the tennis team.
10. You can casually approach and speak to various members of faculty without them forgetting your name or not knowing who you are.
After all, it's always a joy to converse with the Dean of Students, my history professor and athletic director. Or in the scenario below: a class wide selfie with the prof!
Yes, that's me, eating breakfast.
