Seniors Considering Different Types of Colleges

[Story by Nashawn Stewart]

As quarter four sets the reality for many seniors that college is coming sooner than they think. Some students have chosen a university on their path while others have chosen community college. Students will explain their choice between community college and university and their reasons for choosing it. For some students community college is the more budget friendly option, or for those who wish to be close to home. For other students however, they would prefer the university experience or would like to explore or move back to their home state. Whatever the reason, both college experiences have their share of pros and cons and each has their own unique ones.

Starting with the differences of going to a university, the biggest advantage is arguably the fact that it offers the most independence. While that comes with many of its own possible disadvantages, it still gives you the ability to deal with your problems on your own. Going with the old saying, “stress builds character,” dealing with the hardships of college on one’s own will build a sense of responsibility. Considering the fact that the first year of university comes with many challenges. Some of these challenges include not being able to have a car during your freshman year, which makes travel hard if you don’t happen to have a dorm. Another potential disadvantage is the possibility of having to stay in freshman dorms. Yet despite this, these are first year challenges that, if anything, add to the college experience. From sophomore year onward, university generally gets easier once you begin to establish a routine.

Going to an in-state college has some benefits such as being able to live at home or on campus. But regardless, making a four year commitment to a college can come with many doubts, such as university not meeting your expectations. Senior

Ryan Tuck-

er talks about his choice on going to university.

“I’m going to Old Dominion University. I’m not really nervous to start college, I’m actually excited for it,” Tucker said. “I’m going to be living on campus for university, so the only thing I’m sort of nervous about now is being in a dorm as a freshman.”

Some universities have a special meaning for some students such as having family members that have attended or because of certain programs that they offer. For other students they want to accomplish a goal or complete a bucket list by the time they graduate University.

“I mainly chose ODU because it was just a college I really wanted to go to, as for my expectations I’m just hoping for a lot more freedom,” Tucker said.

Now to begin the benefits and drawbacks of going to a community college over a university. For many people going to community college, they have chosen to do so to be closer to the family, or so they can finish their general ed for cheaper first. Students choosing to attend a public college often don’t have to deal with hassles such as living on campus and deal with certain financial trouble on their own. Also the general ed at a public four year college is much cheaper than a private university, and not to mention easier in some cases.

Senior Koichi Seto discusses whether he wants to attend a community college or university, as well as his expectations for his choice.

“I am attending NOVA, a community college, because it allows me to save more money than if I had gone to a four year university,” Koichi said.

“ I don’t really have any expectations right now other than a bigger workload, but I’m going in with an open mind, but I am excited to be able to learn what interests me.”

Many students choose to attend community college for financial reasons and their many bachelor programs, but going to NOVA has the benefit of automatic acceptance into most Virginia universities. However some people also go to NOVA for one year to complete their general ed classes and then move to their preferred university.

“I plan on getting a bachelor’s degree at NOVA. After attending NOVA, I want to get a degree in computer science. I hope to land an internship at a tech job by the time I’m finished with NOVA, “said Koichi. “I also feel that taking my general ed at a community college will be easier than at a university,” said Koichi.

After hearing other students’ choices on why they chose what college they’re attending, students believe there are pros and cons to community colleges and universities. On one hand you get to save more money and have the option of going to a nearby campus or taking classes from home. On the other hand, the university experience and a lot more freedom.