High School Student Workbook - UCanGo2

Location, Location, Location
Does a big city excite you, or do you prefer a smaller town? Do you need to live
at home and commute? As you can see, location is an important factor when
making your choice.
Urban Schools
Some schools are located in large metropolitan areas and offer plenty of
local events, museums and entertainment. The cost of living is usually
higher than smaller towns and parking may be a challenge, but off-campus
housing should be plentiful. Urban schools may have more opportunity for
job placement or internships related to your field of study.
Suburban Schools
Many schools are located in medium-sized towns whose revenue often
depends on the college. Typically called “college towns,” these cities
usually grow with the students’ needs in mind. Things a college student
needs, like laundromats, grocery stores and bookstores, are conveniently
located near campus. Local events are mostly on-campus and off-campus
housing may be located farther from school.
Rural Schools
Schools that serve rural populations are often located in areas strategically
placed to serve a wide area. Rural schools typically offer plenty of oncampus
housing for those who don’t wish to commute; off-campus
housing may be harder to find. Student life is often focused on campus and
local businesses may be spread farther throughout the town. Rural schools
offer the chance for students from smaller areas to attend school without
the expense of travel to a larger city or town and the ability to stay close to
family or friends.
Size Up Your School
Don’t forget to consider the size of a school. Small schools give students the
chance for more interaction with professors, smaller classrooms and more
personalized assistance with educational needs. Larger schools provide more
social opportunities and more classes to build a flexible schedule.
Remember, schools of all sizes and types can be found in all locations. A large,
private, four-year school may be located in a rural area near your hometown.
Or, you might find a small, technical school in the heart of the city. Oklahoma
offers schools of all types, locations and sizes to meet your educational needs.
With school size, type and location in mind, use this decision tree tool on the
next page to help you decide what type of school might be the best fit for you.
Which type
do you think
is best for
you and
why?
UCanGo2 Student Workbook
25