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Eric
Student
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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How was the college experience different for each person for each type of college? #Fall25
I'm an upcoming freshman to college, and I just wanted to see what everyone's opinions are about college, and how to make it the best possible experience I can have! #Fall25
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2 answers
Nadya Hall
Technology Consulting
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Nadya’s Answer
Hi Eric! I wanted to share my experience at Penn State, a Big 10 school in a lively college town with over 40,000 students. They often say, "You can make a big school feel small, but not the other way around," and I found this to be true. I really enjoyed my time there.
Even though there were a lot of people, I was part of a smaller college with manageable class sizes—usually about 50 students for entry-level classes and around 30 for major-specific ones. This made it easier to form personal connections through various clubs and committees. Professors were accessible during office hours for one-on-one help, and larger classes had smaller study groups.
One perk of a big school is the frequent career fairs and recruitment events, thanks to established connections with companies. Attending a large school also taught me valuable skills for navigating my current job at a big global company. I learned to find and use resources effectively, which I still do today.
The sense of community at a big school is amazing, especially during sporting events or Penn State's THON, a fundraising event for pediatric cancer. The alumni network is strong and supportive, too.
While I loved my big school experience, I agree with Wong about also considering smaller liberal arts colleges and community colleges. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on what you're looking for. Visiting different campuses can give you a better idea of what suits you best, both academically and lifestyle-wise. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find!
Even though there were a lot of people, I was part of a smaller college with manageable class sizes—usually about 50 students for entry-level classes and around 30 for major-specific ones. This made it easier to form personal connections through various clubs and committees. Professors were accessible during office hours for one-on-one help, and larger classes had smaller study groups.
One perk of a big school is the frequent career fairs and recruitment events, thanks to established connections with companies. Attending a large school also taught me valuable skills for navigating my current job at a big global company. I learned to find and use resources effectively, which I still do today.
The sense of community at a big school is amazing, especially during sporting events or Penn State's THON, a fundraising event for pediatric cancer. The alumni network is strong and supportive, too.
While I loved my big school experience, I agree with Wong about also considering smaller liberal arts colleges and community colleges. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on what you're looking for. Visiting different campuses can give you a better idea of what suits you best, both academically and lifestyle-wise. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Eric. The college experience can vary dramatically depending on the type of college you attend. At large public universities, there are usually a lot of students and many classes to choose from. This means you can find almost any course or club you're interested in. Some students love this because there are so many opportunities to meet new people and explore different interests. But it can also feel overwhelming, and it might be harder to get close to professors or make friends. To make the most of it, try joining clubs, study groups, or smaller programs where you can connect with others.
Small liberal arts colleges feel very different. Classes are smaller, so it's easier to talk with professors and participate in discussions. This is great if you like having close relationships and working closely with teachers. However, there may be fewer course options, so if you want very specialized classes, you might feel limited.
Community colleges offer another type of experience. They are often cheaper and more flexible, which is helpful if you are working or commuting. Students at community colleges come from many different backgrounds and ages, which can make learning interesting. Community college can be a great way to explore what you like before transferring to a four-year college or starting a career.
Small liberal arts colleges feel very different. Classes are smaller, so it's easier to talk with professors and participate in discussions. This is great if you like having close relationships and working closely with teachers. However, there may be fewer course options, so if you want very specialized classes, you might feel limited.
Community colleges offer another type of experience. They are often cheaper and more flexible, which is helpful if you are working or commuting. Students at community colleges come from many different backgrounds and ages, which can make learning interesting. Community college can be a great way to explore what you like before transferring to a four-year college or starting a career.