How important is the campus in college selection?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I've recently visited Boston University and instantly fell in love with the urban, city campus, and the city of Boston itself. I loved how there were so many majors to choose from, including a Film and Television major, which is my dream come true. The only problem is that the academics and "rankings" (I know rankings don't count for much, but still...) are a little lower than the colleges inside my own state (VA). And yeah, it's insanely expensive, but for the sake of this question I'd like to disregard the price tags. </p>

<p>I've seen the campuses for UVA and William and Mary, which are yes, gorgeous, but they don't have the city feel that I've fallen in love with. Yet, these schools are much more prestigious academically. Does that aspect significantly outweigh the environment? Yeah, I know it's college, and I'm going there to LEARN, but how much should campus preference truly impact one's decision?</p>

<p>And no, I probably will not be able to go to Boston U unless I can achieve a substantial financial aid package, but I was wondering this, in the case that I find another urban college that I really enjoy.</p>

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<p>You have to feel “right” on campus. For some people, that’s a gorgeous, enclosed community feel like UVA and W&M. For others, that’s the “integrated into the city” feel, like BU and NYU.
Obviously, academics is first priority, but how you FEEL there is soo important, and you really do have to like the place you’re going to spend the next 4 years.
If you like a city campus, go for it! BU does have less academic repute than the other two, but if it has your dream major and you like it, it’s a fine school. Not a bad institution at all.
Good luck!</p>

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<p>Alright thanks. Does anyone know of any other colleges that are somewhat set up like BU besides NYU?</p>

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<p>George Washington is also plopped in the middle of a city like BU and NYU.
You may also want to check out a few schools with more secluded campuses in major cities just to compare (Boston College, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, etc.)</p>

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<p>Northeastern University</p>

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