Ever hear somebody say that college was the best time in their life? Most likely, that has a lot to do with the friends they made along the way. Whether it’s in a classroom or a dorm room, part of the fun of college is meeting new people — and regardless of where you go, you are going to make friends. Keep in mind that not all colleges are the same, and neither are their students. Large schools and those in large cities are more likely to enroll students from a wide range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Others, especially small schools and those in rural locations, tend to have a more homogeneous student body.

Give some thought to the type of people you want around, where they may be from, or how many are male versus female. It’s also OK to think about what sort of values the students and the schools reflect. If you’re conservative, a more liberal college may make you uncomfortable (unless you’re looking for a chance to learn about others’ experiences and perspectives), or vice versa. The people you meet during your college years will influence you in ways you may not even imagine!

Campus vibe
While on campus visits, take a good look around. Get a sense of how students are dressed, how crowded the common areas seem, and whether the campus seems lively or a little on the slow side. What do you see? Do you notice a lot of sorority or fraternity jackets, Birkenstocks, pink hair and nose rings, or a l...

Author: Amy Ambler

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