Sometimes a place just feels right. Finding a college where you can see yourself thriving as you pursue your passions is a huge part of the selection process. But there’s so much more than just attending classes. See how everything from campus clubs to alumni pride can help you discover your purpose and begin a life-changing career.
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There are countless reasons why you might choose a college.
It could offer programs that pave the way to your dream career or have alumni connections that help you thrive after graduation.
But sometimes it’s less tangible than that. Sometimes it's just about the feeling you have being on campus.
Campus atmosphere is essential to the university experience, and that the colleges with the happiest students are those that have a vibrant campus environment.
So what does that environment look like, and what do the best small universities and the colleges with the best student life have in common?
Discover the importance of life on campus as we dive into the factors that make a campus feel like a home away from home.
A Welcoming College Campus Environment Leads to Inclusion
For many first-generation college students, as well as those who come from historically disenfranchised communities, the campus environment can be intimidating.
Students in these groups are of college than their peers. So it’s important to find a campus experience that reduces the barriers to success in higher education.
Inclusive campus atmospheres are those that:
- Support a diverse student body. Whether through dedicated spaces that directly serve students or campus-wide initiatives in equity and inclusion, demonstrating support for the entire student body contributes greatly to campus life.
- Accommodations for accessibility. Not everyone enters college with the same skills, so having campus support services for those with documented disabilities can go a long way toward giving all students the chance to succeed.
- Offer opportunities for cultural expression. Finding and celebrating communities throughout campus can help students at a higher risk of dropping out feel more included and involved in what makes their college special.
Campus Green Spaces Can Lead to a Significant Mental Health Boost
Campuses like Pacific’s are much more than a collection of classrooms and dorms—they are interconnected communities surrounded by natural beauty.
A showed that campuses with abundant natural spaces helped improve and maintain good mental health in students, resulting in higher academic performance.
Due to its home in the naturally spectacular Pacific Northwest, Pacific’s Forest Grove campus combines stunning nature, public art and abundant communal spaces.
It is for this reason that some of the best college campus atmospheres are those that combine the cutting-edge design of modern-day higher education with lush, open natural areas that are accessible by all.
School Spirit and Atmosphere has a Meaningful Impact on Your Grades
The correlation between colleges with the happiest students and colleges where students perform the best academically is no coincidence.
Supportive campus environments have been shown to dramatically improve everything from physical activity to overall mood, resulting in more engaged students and higher grades.
School spirit not only reduces stress in new and returning students, but promotes pride across campus, from professors and support staff to visiting alumni and prospective students.
That school spirit can come from:
- On-campus athletics. Whether through the NCAA or just for fun, athletics give all students something to rally around and get excited about throughout the academic year.
- School traditions. As a way to celebrate students from across a school’s history, campus traditions allow for the student body to express itself and be remembered.
- A strong alumni presence. Once a Boxer, always a Boxer. The pride alumni show your school is wide-reaching, impacting students, staff and the communities in which they live.
In attendance, retention, mental health and even financial aid, school spirit and campus atmosphere can have an enormous, long-lasting impact.
Small Universities Foster Tight-Knit Communities
Small private liberal arts colleges are among the best at providing high-quality education while fostering tight-knit communities.
At the best liberal arts schools, the small size isn’t a limitation—it’s an opportunity.
These colleges design their programs, housing and services to help students connect with one another and their professors.
Tight-knit communities offer vital support, making it easier for new students to navigate challenges like anxiety and stress.
That support comes not only from staff, but from the large number of clubs and organizations that empower students to meet new people and explore their interests.
Good Campus Atmosphere Makes Choosing Housing Easy
Especially true for those coming directly from high school, living away from home and with a roommate, someone you may have never met before, can be a daunting proposition.
However, supportive campus environments make it easy for incoming students to live in places that match the friendly and inclusive environment they experience on the rest of campus.
This makes the overall college experience better and gives you a sense of safety and satisfaction in your living arrangements.
The atmosphere in your prospective dorm or other college living space is a reflection of the atmosphere on campus, so finding one that matches your vibe is the best way to set yourself for first-year success.
The cost of attending a private liberal arts college is much lower than you might think! Explore financial aid and see how you can save up to $30k on one of the best educations in the Pacific Northwest.