Penn State Fayette, like many branch campuses in our commonwealth and other commuter campuses, has so many benefits that you don’t get at a larger university.

I know critics would say that students who choose a smaller college are missing out on the “college experience,” but I would disagree—and I’ll talk more about how you can still get that experience down below.

Here are the benefits to attending a smaller university like Penn State Fayette:

• Saving $$$

  For most of us, when choosing a college, money is a huge factor in determining where we will continue our education. You personally have to make a choice about how much debt you want to be in after college. Do some research and figure out what you think is the best for you. Looking back, I’m glad I chose to attend a smaller college that saved me thousands and thousands of dollars. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to be paying back student loans for thirty years. (I’m joking, but I’m actually serious.)

• Professors know you by name & you aren’t just a number

  When you attend a small campus like Fayette, your professors will quickly learn your name and who you are. They even attend sporting events to support their students. The quality of having one-on-one interactions with professors is excellent. Unlike larger universities, a smaller campus gives you the opportunity to engage in class discussions and ask questions. Also, your work will be evaluated more carefully by instructors, and they’ll be able to provide you with more insight on your work and your growth and progress. The professors here have helped me with more than just the things done in their classroom, and I’m blessed to be able to take many life lessons with me when I graduate.

• There are many opportunities to get involved

  A smaller campus gives students the opportunity to get involved and devote their time to more than one activity. For example, I was able to play three different sports in my time here, while still managing a job, all of my classes, and a social life. It was challenging at times, but so rewarding at the end. Plus, athletes at this level are playing because they’re competitive and simply love the sport they’re in. Take advantage of your younger days and the chances you have to be a member of an organized team and keeping your body in proper shape. If you’re not an athlete, there are many clubs and organizations to become a part of!

• You personally know a lot more people/family atmosphere

  Okay, this one is my favorite thing about my college experience because of my extroverted personality and desire to meet new people. I often sit back and think about the incredible friendships and different relationships that college brought me. What I’ve learned from this campus is that we all have each others’ backs. My teammates, roommates, professors, coaches, and other friends here are special to me. It truly feels like one big family when I’m at campus, my apartment, or in the gym competing in a sport. I truly believe people when they say the people you meet in college will be there for a lifetime.

• Easier to focus on education

  Not having the distractions of being in a small enclosed dorm room, or the peer pressure of partying more than you should be, makes it a lot easier to get your school work done. You also don’t have to wake up super early to walk thirty minutes to class or catch the bus.

• Still get a Penn State degree

  This is one that everyone should understand and consider. When you go to a Penn State branch campus, your degree will say “The Pennsylvania State University” and not “Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus” or “Penn State Hazelton,” for example. This is huge when applying for a job and gives you a boost over competitors. Saving thousands of dollars, as I mentioned above, and still getting a Penn State degree is a win-win situation.

• Still get parents’ home cooked meals

  Off-campus housing is offered to students at Penn State Fayette, but more than 80% of students commute to campus. Taking this route, again, saves you money, but also allows you to still be a “kid” to an extent. One problem most college students have is eating correctly, or even at all some days. When you live at home, you have some leeway with responsibilities and your parents will more than likely make sure you’re fed.

• Commons apartments much better than a dorm

  If you’re like me, you might feel that you’re simply not built to live in a small enclosed area with another person, use community bathrooms, and have no privacy. That isn’t a problem at the Commons because each resident gets their own bedroom as well as sharing a bathroom with one other person. Most dorms only offer a microwave to students, but at the apartments Fayette students reside in, there is a full-sized refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave with a full-sized, furnished kitchen. The living room and bedrooms are also furnished.

Now let’s talk about what you can do to get more of a “college experience” while attending a smaller campus.

1.) Attend sporting events at State College

My friends and I attended a football game at Beaver Stadium, and it was one of my favorite memories during college. The atmosphere and energy made this experience so thrilling. It felt amazing to be surrounded by thousands and thousands of other members of the Penn State community. My friends and I made a weekend trip out of this and did some shopping, stopped at the creamery, and met new people. I’ve also attended Penn State Women’s Volleyball games, and Men’s & Women’s Basketball is next on my list. 10/10 experience. Every Penn Stater should visit the main campus at least once!

2.) Visit friends at other colleges

I’ve had the chance to see several other universities because I kept in touch and made plans with friends that attend different schools. It’s interesting to see the differences in each college and to experience a different environment sometimes.

3.) Sign up for clubs & attend guest speaker events, etc.

Being involved on campus makes you feel like you’re a part of something much bigger. And, a lot of people at a larger university don’t have as much opportunity to get involved in as many things as those of us at a smaller university do.

4.) Find a balance for school work & fun

If you attend a smaller university, you may think that the only thing you’re there for is your classes. Don’t stress yourself out too much over your school work, and be sure to find time to hang out with your friends and the important people in your life. If you commute to campus, make friends with people who live at the Commons. You’ll meet some really cool people and get a feel for the off-campus living lifestyle.

The experience you get at a smaller university may be different from that of a larger university, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get the college experience. It is all about what you make it.

If you’re looking for a community based experience with tons of opportunities, Penn State Fayette may be the right spot for you.