Some students like change and taking risks. For instance, I grew up in a quaint suburb and dreamed of living in a bustling city. So during my college search, I wanted big changes. I went to a tiny, all-girls Catholic high school, donning the same uniform for four years. I loved my high school, but I needed change. My ideal school was not a nearby private college, but a faraway, rambunctious public university.
Going from a small private school to a public university with 45,000 or so students is like taking a goldfish out of his bowl and seeing how he would fare in Lake Superior. I was navigating one of the largest campuses in the country at Pennsylvania State University. I was one of the few from my high school who made this big change. Most went to schools like , , and —all private, small, close-to-home, religiously affiliated colleges.
While these are all wonderful schools, I can’t help but wonder: Is the average private-school student scared to break out of her or his shell? That might not be the case for all, but if going from a private school to a public college intimidates you, here are some things to keep in mind if considering a larger university.
Getting a feel for the campus
Get a good feel for the campus. I’m not trying to get all spiritual here, but there needs to be a certain vibe to the campus where you may be spending the next four years. What did it for me was the organization of Penn State’s campus. Yes, it’s gargantuan—but it’s so darn organized. The campus is one big rectangle, making it easy to navigate. The residence halls are based on navigational directions: North Halls, East Halls, etc., and typically, classes within each academic program take place in the same building or set of buildings in one area.
So yes, the size of the campus was intimidating, but as an organized person, the layout of the university was impeccable to me. Your experience may be different: Perhaps the urban location of a particular school makes the large size less daunting. Or maybe it’s details like the comprehensive transportation system that makes the spread seem more compact. Either way, don’t eliminate a college simply due to its physical size, because the feel of the campus may very well speak to you.
Related: Colleges and Universities With the Best Campus Vibes
Understanding the availability of resources
Big schools are big for a reason: There’s a lot to squeeze in! And it’s not just people—it’s bigger with academic and support resources, classrooms, courses, venues, and other things you can (and should) use to their fullest. Larger schools offer a diverse selection of classes that enable you to explore a range of interests and fine-tune your academics to your goals.
There’s also a plethora of other resources that can be found at private schools too, but since big universities need to cater to a larger student body, there’s often more manpower and funding for things like career services, tutoring, work-study programs, philanthropic opportunities, and fun stuff like entertainment and athletic events. Possibly most importantly, these state-funded schools often have cheaper tuition than private schools for all these benefits. Cha-ching!
Finding your niche community on campus
You will hear this tip a lot when it comes to attending a large college, but take it to heart: Figure out if there is space to find your niche. You need to find smaller groups you can connect to within the larger community. This might mean a student organization, Greek life, athletic team, or music ensemble.
But take this beyond the obvious: Keep one (or a few) smaller group(s) of friends. Meet people in your major with whom you can study. Attend events or concerts that appeal to your tastes with people who share those interests. And doing all of this doesn’t need to exert a whole lot of energy. If you simply pursue what you enjoy on campus, you’ll naturally surround yourself with friends and peers to create that community niche.
Related: Understanding Campus Community: How to Find Yours at a Public College
So if you're ready to put away your plaid uniform, consider these points and open your college search to public universities. My choice of schools truly let me experience the best of both worlds and if I could go back and do it again, I’d do the same exact thing. My high school fostered a close sense of community, and Penn State took what I learned and evolved it. A public university will finely tune your abilities to launch your career and teach you flexibility for the unexpected things that could happen in your job, life, and the world around you.
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