To a large extent, college is what you make of it. You can be a hermit and seal yourself off in your dorm, emerging only to eat and attend class, or you can go out and find something to do. That means more than just partying. It means going to lectures, joining clubs, engaging in protest (if your politics match the issues at hand), and just hanging out. Parties can be fun, but they can also be lame as hell. I think the fewer expectations you have, the better.

But, if social life is a major concern for you, make that a criteria by which to choose schools. If possible, stay overnight on a Friday or Saturday at the schools you're looking at. That is the best indication you'll get of what life there is like. Of course, you can only tell so much from one night, so make sure to talk to other students, consult college guides, and so forth.

As for the city, I suppose that depends on the quality of the city. For example, my school is in the heart of Cleveland. I like the idea of an urban campus, and have yet to face any serious safety issues. Many of my friends however, feel otherwise. We're in the heart of the ghetto, and the train stop near the freshman dorms is among the most violent places in the entire city. Personally, I've been out and about in such areas at 4am without feeling as though the gang across the street, or the junkie shooting up on the bench would pose a real issue. But, in any major city, you will be exposed to it, and there is no promise of safety.

I think that "city" alone is not good criteria. Instead, you should target cities you like. New York is nice but prohibitively expensive. Boston, I find, is much better overall. True there are fewer options, but it is also cheaper, safer, and less chaotic. Chicago is decent, and so is LA. You may want to avoid cities like St Louis, Philly, Detroit, or Cleveland though for obvious reasons.

-------
When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.
-- Tacitus

So yeah they both make a very happy medium called it's OK.

-------
Just a nobody trying to tell anybody about somebody who can do everything!

---

Well, I plan on transferring, so I suppose that speaks to my feelings for the experience thus far. That being said, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some great memories here, a few extremely fun nights, and a couple of really good friends.  

To a large extent, college is what you make of it. You can be a hermit and seal yourself off in your dorm, emerging only to eat and attend class, or you can go out and find something to do. That means more than just partying. It means going to lectures, joining clubs, engaging in protest (if your politics match the issues at hand), and just hanging out. Parties can be fun, but they can also be lame as hell. I think the fewer expectations you have, the better.

But, if social life is a major concern for you, make that a criteria by which to choose schools. If possible, stay overnight on a Friday or Saturday at the schools you're looking at. That is the best indication you'll get of what life there is like. Of course, you can only tell so much from one night, so make sure to talk to other students, consult college guides, and so forth.  

As for the city, I suppose that depends on the quality of the city. For example, my school is in the heart of Cleveland. I like the idea of an urban campus, and have yet to face any serious safety issues. Many of my friends however, feel otherwise. We're in the heart of the ghetto, and the train stop near the freshman dorms is among the most violent places in the entire city. Personally, I've been out and about in such areas at 4am without feeling as though the gang across the street, or the junkie shooting up on the bench would pose a real issue. But, in any major city, you will be exposed to it, and there is no promise of safety.

I think that "city" alone is not good criteria. Instead, you should target cities you like. New York is nice but prohibitively expensive. Boston, I find, is much better overall. True there are fewer options, but it is also cheaper, safer, and less chaotic. Chicago is decent, and so is LA. You may want to avoid cities like St Louis, Philly, Detroit, or Cleveland though for obvious reasons.

---

that really helped. thanks a lot! and yes i am planning to go to Boston University:) good luck

-------
im not gay

Commuters are more mature, that is the only differences from ones on campus to commuters.

I hate commuting, but I am halfway finished college...

-------
Capt Jack Sparrow Group!
Members Rides!!

however, don't fear this notion of independence and freedom, its actually quite thrilling! besides, the people you meet are bound to be in the same situation, so you're not alone.

i won't be attending a college in the city, for i've been living in the city my entire life and, therefore, want to leave it behind.

therefore, is college fun? it's what you make of it!

-------
Ohhh, my, my. Oh, hell, yes.
XxHeroHeroinexX's Blog