My entire life growing up, I always imagined I would spend my college years “in the city” – considering my field of study is very media/communications based and NYC is the ultimate media hub. Well, we all know how that dream ended up – in Pleasantville, NY. However, I’m going to talk about why I actually stayed up here for almost 3.5 years and counting. No, not because they don’t have my major on the city campus. (I’m lying – because that’s literally how I ended up here. I never thought the Media, Communications and Visual Arts department would be nestled in Pleasantville, NY, but here we are.)

During my first few weeks at Pace, I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t experiencing my undergraduate days in the city like I always planned. I did contemplate transferring – but there was something about the Pleasantville community of Pace that just felt good. It wasn’t hard to settle in and find my place after that first semester. And now as I look back as a senior, I’m glad I stuck around.

Here are the absolute perks of going to a small college:

1. You Are Not a Number:

You are a valued member of the community, and everyone makes you feel that way. Not only do professors know who you are, but so do the higher-ups, admin, staff, etc. It’s very easy to build rapport with the individuals around you because a smaller campus means more time to meet, build, and maintain crucial relationships. The university invests a lot of its time in you.

2. Professors are More Accessible and Class Sizes are Great:

According to U.S. News and World Report, the student to faculty ratio at Pace is 14:1. And 48.9% of Pace classes have fewer than 20 students. Some of my favorite classes so far are the ones that have had 10 students or less, because they were the ones I gained the most from. Sure, it might not be as easy to skip class – but if that’s your priority when registering for classes, then maybe reevaluate.

Overall, small classes generally cue a more “laid-back” yet effective learning environment. Class discussions are productive, the professor knows your name, and it’s easier to work with other students. Not to mention, your professor’s office hours are actually useful because they’re not rushing you along. They have the time to meet with you.

3. You Have Decent Advisement Sessions

The same goes for advisors. I think we really overlook the accessibility of our advisors at Pace. Take for instance, students at public or larger private universities. They don’t always have the time and resources to address all student concerns. Advisement meetings are usually rushed if they have time to meet you at all. For example, at Pace, we have the ability to call some of our professors our advisors, and we can also have general school advisors.

That’s not the usual for a lot of students. My sister goes to a much bigger school, and she has only been able to visit one advisor – and the meeting was crap. Meanwhile, I’m meeting with two to three advisors a semester with complete ease. Thanks, Pace.

4. Campus Feels Like Your Second Home

You might not know every single person on campus, but there’s a good chance you know a lot of the individuals that make up our little community. It’s hard to go somewhere on campus and not run into someone you know. Yes, this probably isn’t the best situation if you’re trying to avoid someone or something, but overall, it’s not that bad. This also makes getting involved way easier. There are opportunities for everyone and they’re all over the place.

5. Small Campus = Everything Feels Nearby

Except if you’re going to Willcox Hall. Which feels like it’s on the other side of everything.

No. I was not forced to write this article nor was it paid for. You all know you’re Setters for life, too.