City College Vs. State College

As the youngest sibling in my family, college was something I thought about at a young age. Even at 14, I had my heart set on New York City, much to the chagrin of my parents. It was definitely a bold choice to pick a city that is so different than my small hometown. I know the decision also made my older sisters wonder how I came to choosing a city school that was far from where we grew up when they both went to big state schools that were close to home. While it is true that the state college experience is unlike any other, the city college experience is an entirely different beast— especially in a city as big and bustling as Manhattan. Here are some of the differences between the city college experience, and the state college experience. Hopefully you get a kick out of some of the differences I noticed.

STATE COLLEGE: you do homework and hang with friends on the quad.

CITY COLLEGE: you might have a caged in courtyard in the center of the building.

STATE COLLEGE: all the girls get together before going out to pose in front of each others’ tapestries wearing some version of the same outfit

CITY COLLEGE: every girl tries so hard to outdo each others outfits, they all look ridiculous.

STATE COLLEGE: frat parties and sports house parties are the most epic events on campus

CITY COLLEGE: you go to weird clubs and hang out with loser promoters so you can drink for free

STATE COLLEGE: you live on cafeteria food, and its probably really good!

CITY COLLEGE: you probably spend way too much money on sweetgreen.

STATE COLLEGE: you take silly courses like basketweaving to fill electives.

CITY COLLEGE: literally ALL of your general education classes are Women’s and Gender Studies classes.

STATE COLLEGE: Tailgating at sporting events is the main event of the weekend

CITY COLLEGE: Your sports teams suck and nobody supports them

STATE COLLEGE: your school is so large, you don’t have to show up to lectures

CITY COLLEGE: your professors are personally offended if you miss class

STATE COLLEGE: you have science buildings, business buildings, separate dining halls

CITY COLLEGE: everything is in one dark, windowless building

STATE COLLEGE: your boyfriend cheats on you with a girl from his gen-ed class.

CITY COLLEGE: your boyfriend cheats on you with a boy from his improv class.

STATE COLLEGE: you graduate $25,000 in debt

CITY COLLEGE: you graduate $50,000 in debt (and try to convince yourself it was worth it)

STATE COLLEGE : after graduation you plan to move to the big city and get a job

CITY COLLEGE : you sit in your tiny apartment, eat instant ramen as your only meal, and fall asleep every night crying while clutching your degree

I know I just ragged on city colleges, but I hope you can tell that I’m only joking. I truly wouldn’t trade my city college experience for anything. One of the best things about college is how many new people and cultures you get to be exposed to and learn about, especially in a city. College is truly a wonderful little bubble where you can experience life away from your parents and learn how to adult. The truth is that any college will teach you the important life lessons you need to know, and nothing will fully prepare you for life after college. So to any prospective freshman reading, try to find the positives in taking online courses this fall. And to any high school seniors reading, I hope this clears some things up for you. Your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!