Attend a Campus College

The Campus Experience

The traditional college campus-based experience is one that many students look forward to and treasure for many years. Going to class, meeting new friends, having weird and funny roommates and of course the wildest parties are all a part of the campus college experience that's held in the memories of many alumni.

For the traditional college experience, the traditional age usually appears between 18-24 since very often students may enter college right after high school. There are also students who attend college beyond the traditional college age, and still and prefer to experience the campus-based life.

Attending a campus college is less flexible of course than attending school online, but the immediate benefits are also different. The rigid structure of campus based learning helps students who struggle with an organized lifestyle. Having definite study times also helps students to plan their day(s) better. In addition, there are several social aspects, character traits and overall individual factors that help students to determine if attending college on campus is beneficial for them.

The Social Aspect

The social component of attending college is probably one of the biggest draws of the campus life. Alternatively, attending an online school through distance learning misses this key component as it is geared more towards solitude. There are less opportunities for interaction and bonding with other students.

For campus attendance, being in a social environment is a big factor. Socially, it is of higher importance for some students to have this aspect of their college lifestyle in their normal, daily routines, as it is to attend college in pursuit of a degree.

Campus programs offer students interaction between their peers and instructors on a frequent basis. They can exchange class notes and develop a more effective communication process with face-to-face interaction. Many students are more receptive to this type of learning and interaction as it helps them to develop better socially and even academically.

Students can also enjoy extracurricular activities that focus more on socially connecting people than they would be able to otherwise. Clubs, fraternities, sororities and intramural sports are an integral part of college life and establishing a broader foundation for later in life. These areas are typically where many students develop networking contacts and professional career connections for later in life.

Campus-Based Learning

How much time does a student need in order to attend a campus based college?

That can vary widely per individual, course offerings and educational goals. Some degree pursuits take longer than others while others can be achieved in shorter time. Coupled with the student's selections of extracurricular activities and community involvement, the total amount of time that a student spends in college is usually anywhere from two to eight years.

The campus attendance method is usually less flexible than attending college online, however, the structure of attending classes at a certain, preset time is often better for those students who struggle with disciplining themselves to manage their time.

Campus attendance is also an ideal preference for students who learn better in a group environment. They have the opportunity to ask questions, get clarification on a topic and interact with other students who are learning the same topics.

Personality Types

There isn't a "definite" personality type that's better suited for the campus lifestyle; however, there are character traits of individuals who thrive better in classroom-style environments.

If an individual is more inclined to follow leadership styles, they may find that they're better suited to the campus lifestyle as they interact and lead various clubs and college groups. The daily routine and interaction with others may be more mentally stimulating for them.

Surprisingly, introverted or shy people may be better suited for the campus life as well. Why? They may need the interaction with others to motivate them to pursue their studies or to hold them accountable. Being completely flexible, as it is in online studies, may not be an ideal routine for people who finds themselves "going with the flow" too often.

College Costs

The average cost of a traditional, campus-based four-year college degree pursuit is about $7,500 in tuition. This includes additional fees and expenses, and is applicable for in-state students. For full-time students who are attending colleges out-of-state, the average tuition is about $11,500. Adding in the additional expenses and costs for travel (on and off campus), housing and personal accommodations, the costs can rise significantly. However, to help offset some costs, there are scholarships and grants available for interested students.

Attending a campus college is a plus since it can often be a requirement for the student to receive any type of college aid. It is also easier for students in campus based learning since they have direct and immediate access to counselors, advisers and professors.

College campuses are full of bright, spirited individuals who are carving out their personal goals and aspirations through their academic pursuits. By attending a campus college, they may discover how it is truly befitting for them and their lifestyle.