Understanding College Size and Distance from Home
College Size
The size of the college can make a difference in whether a school is a good fit for you. The size of the school is just one of the many filters you will find in the College Fit Finder within the app. School can range in size from small, medium, and large, with each size having its advantages.
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Small:
Do you enjoy personal attention from teachers and advisers, then a smaller college setting may be a better fit. Although there may be fewer facilities at smaller schools, there are also fewer students to compete with. Typically at a smaller school, you'll find a strong sense of community and connection. However, you can also find less in terms of big-time sporting events and variety.
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Medium:
Some students find that medium colleges have a good mix of qualities of both small and large colleges. These schools are small enough to easily make friends and participate in social activities, yet big enough to offer the academic options they want. However, these schools range in what they offer, so be sure to do your homework on these schools before making up your mind.
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Large:
Are you looking to break free of your high school? Does being one of the thousands of students on a big campus sound appealing to you? Some students find this atmosphere exciting, while others find it overwhelming. Students who do best at large colleges tend to be go-getters that take advantage of the many opportunities provided by being at a large school.
Distance from home
Distance from home is one of the biggest considerations for many students. Some students know that they will have difficulty relocating a significant distance, while others know that staying close to home is not a top priority. To learn more about how to make this choice, read the sections below.
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There is really no right answer when it comes to picking how far away from home you choose to go for college. It is really a personal choice that makes the most sense for you and your situation. In fact, according to a recent study, over 55% of students go to college less than 50 miles from home, about 15% of students go to college between 50-100 miles away, and a little over 30% of students go to school over 100 miles away.
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Close to Home:
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Potential homesickness is one of the most obvious reasons to stay close to home. College is an adjustment for any student, and going through those changes far from home can make you feel homesick. If you stick close to home, you’ll likely have lots of support from friends and family while going through this adjustment period.
By staying close to home, you will be in a familiar setting. You may already know the area well, so you will have an easier time getting groceries, a pharmacy, restaurants, and other off-campus amenities. Many of life's logistics will be easier; you can continue to see the same doctor and dentist, use the same bank, etc
Going to school close gives you the option of going home anytime you need a break from campus. It might be for a home-cooked meal or a free laundry room. Additionally, some students continue to live at home while going to college to save costs on room and board.
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Far from Home:
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If you are looking to have more independence from your family, living nearby means that your parents can visit you more frequently. Additionally, they will likely want you to do the same.
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For many, college can be a fresh start, a chance to meet new people and discover more about the person you want to be. If you stay close to home, you could run into acquaintances, family friends, high school teachers, or classmates while at college. You may even end up spending most of your time with your family or high school friends. While comforting to some, for others, it might seem a bit suffocating.
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If you know you’ve always wanted to try living in the city, the mountains, or just someplace else, college could be a great time to try it. By staying close to home, you might be sacrificing the opportunity to experience something different in your life.