Rural Campus Life vs. Big City Living – Student Experience on the Pros and Cons of Each

Location, location, location! Nothing can determine your college experience more than where you choose to experience it. As a recent graduate, I was fortunate enough to spend two years at both the rural and urban campuses of my college and uncovered the pros and cons of each type of college experience!

Big city pros:
-Endless entertainment options – you will always find something new to explore.
-Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles; independence and exploration.
- Easy transportation and ability to travel to other destinations on short holidays.

Big city cons:
- Feeling like a number.
- High cost of living –expensive on a student budget.
- Many distractions to your studies.

Rural town pros:
- Close-knit community and a strong campus spirit.
- Closeness with other students and instructors - small class sizes.
- Fewer distractions and a cheaper cost of living.

Rural town cons:
- Poor transportation options – frustrations getting around.
- Boredom – limited hang-out options can get old.
- Living in a ‘campus bubble’ - feeling disconnected from the rest of the world.

When choosing a school and campus location, make sure you take all these factors into consideration. It will make all the difference in your college experience, so pick what suits you best or find a school that is a perfect blend of both worlds just like Brighton College: situated in the heart of Vancouver, but with small classroom sizes and that close-knit community!