<p>Another reply to the “rural” (more like small town) question.
I am from a town of about 100,000, and although it is not a huge or really exciting place, I was nervous about going to school in such a small town, especially because a lot of my friends go to schools in big cities. It is very different from going to school in a big city, but I think it is wonderful. As someone mentioned, there are huge financial benefits- the only thing I really spend money on at Oberlin is alcohol, going out to eat sometimes, and concerts once in a while (and we’re talking about $5-8. the most expensive on-campus even is Drag Ball, which is about $15 but definitely worth it and pretty cheap when you think about it). Oberlin’s also not really rural- the town is small, but bigger than the towns some other colleges are in, and there are some wonderful restaurants and cute stores. Since the town is small, it means the focus is on campus-- the school is really campus-oriented and everything happens with students. It is wonderful. Moreover, there are tons of students from big cities like New York and LA who seem to have no problem having fun at Oberlin. It’s just different.</p>
<p>But if you are truly afraid of not being near a city, then I wouldn’t go to Oberlin. Cleveland is close, but it’s kind of gross and not too exciting.</p>