<p>I have recently come to the conclusion that I will have to attend a CC in order to save money, and it is a decision that many family members and a few friends are applauding. Many of them who have had experience in both settings (CC and later, Private for instance) claim that the education they received from the CC was more hands-on and far more valuable than what they were taught at their private or state schools. </p>
<p>I however, as a young 22 year old student now trying to pave a new path for myself after learning my parents can no longer offer any financial assistance, and therefore I will be alone with whatever remaining costs are left after FAFSA -everything but grants and scholarships will need to be repaid by me and no one else…and the debt I’d wrack up for attending my dream school just isn’t worth it. (I once believed it was, but after reading blog posts from current struggling students from a wide variety of debt loads, I’ve changed my tune a little.)</p>
<p>So my question is pertaining to the college atmosphere -activities, making friends, and managing to still have a little fun knowing that a close campus community could be out of reach. (no on campus housing, for instance.) </p>
<p>I’ve heard that CC’s do little to contribute to their fellow student’s social lives, whereas state schools and private schools have more time (and means) invested in bringing their students closer together. I guess I’m worried that, being shyer and a little more introverted will make it that much tougher for me to get to know new people without those on-campus, hey let’s play a game of frisbee-golf in the court yard, movie night every tuesday in the auditorium, weekend escape to someplace fun (for a small fee) ect. events and activities being so widely available. I know CC’s have clubs, but most of which are academically steered and are program-specific, save for something like Campus Crusade for Christ or Diversity Club. Those are about the only two that are not academically related, per-sey. (at least at my prospective local CC)</p>
<p>How can you go to a CC and still have a little room to enjoy those years besides just going to class or lounging in the campus cafe. ???</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with this or ideas?</p>
<p>I just looked at the club list for my d’s CC and they have a variety of clubs. Academic (numerous), dance (numerous), fashionista’s, debate/politics, charitable, botany (for those interested in plants/the outdoors/hiking), gamers, yoga, transfer club (which also includes field trips, volunteering & projects), and honors club (which also includes volunteering opportunities/activities), plus more. They have several athletic teams. And they have a huge athletic center on campus (full gym, pool, exercise rooms, yoga, dance and exercise classes, etc). They have activities on campus - this month they have a music festival, special movies, and activities (one club is sponsoring a “make a kite” event this month). I don’t think her CC is unusual in what it offers. There are things to do and people to meet if you put in the effort. </p>
<p>Wow, it seems like your d’s CC has much more to offer than mine.
(where can I sign up?)</p>
<p>It looks like I’ll have to ask around WCTC and see if there’s anything outside of what their website says in terms of clubs or see if theirs any new ones being created. Although at this point, I’ve been told that he more important thing is getting your education wrapped up…if it’s friends I’m searching for, to seek those out in my program dept. and classes, otherwise become more involved in our local church. </p>
<p>It depends CC to CC. There are several CC’s here in my city. The one I attend has lots of social events for students to attend during the day time. We have Halloween and Christmas parties, registration rally parties, we even have a rec center. </p>
<p>It was harder to make friends the way you would at a state university living on campus, but I still made friends. Your classes are smaller so you actually become friends with your classmates and sometimes your professor.</p>
<p>I used to go to a big state college and I didn’t think it was the right fit for me. I took a break and decided to go to a community college. I’ve never been so proud of my alma mater because the CC really got me inspired to learn again. The CC is went to has several campuses and a large group of online students. I took online classes for my first year so I didn’t get to really interact with other students or be engaged in social activities. During my second/last year, I had to take classes on campus that weren’t available online. I loved being on campus. We had film club, drama club, dance teams, Korean club, and my favorite: Outdoor Adventures Club. Every month, the club had an event (kayaking, hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, etc.) and I ended up going to every event. I became secretary for the club and vice president afterwards. The school had roller skating parties in the gym and free movie events. I am shy and an introvert so I know how you feel, but I really recommend you go to any school events and really get engaged. Find a few clubs that interest you and join them. It’s true you don’t get to live in a dorm and experience traditional “college life”, but you will make friends if you allow yourself to. If the school does not have a club/activity that interests you, go to SGA and create one. Find a faculty adviser and get people interested in your club. </p>