I’ve heard many people say that the college life at McGill (for example) is very good. So what exactly does that mean?
Thanks in advance! 
Different things to different people but most likely-strong school spirit, camaraderie rather than competition with other students, beautiful campus, Nice town close by that students enjoy (tons of cafes, restaurants, student oriented stores), a happy place with an upbeat vibe.
Every has their own opinion of what is considered a good college life or bad. At the end of the day, visit the college and determine for yourself.
A good college life could definitely mean different things to different people. For starters, a good school should allow the new students feel like a part of a bigger team, strong-school spirit definitely as lostaccount mentioned. It should also be a place where you feel like you belong and can make friends and lasting memories. Look for a list of student organizations that might interest you, the ease of access to get around your college and the amenities in the area. Also, look for student support units and how they cater to your overall needs, from finding friends, fun activities so that you can hang around and make friends quickly, also help and accommodation for your group and individual study needs, lawyers, counselors and all.
“a good college life” I thought college was about an education? Your not focused on the education ?
If you were my kid i would pull you out and see how “good life is” then!
@phunt01810 Education can be fun, Sir. That is why we are allowed to select our courses at college. You need to like what you are doing in order to have good results.
Also, one needs a positive and healthy environment to focus and study. So, basically, a good college life provides these things and helps you stay away from depression and anxiety(which you would probably face if you keep studying without having fun).
But it seems you neither had fun nor any education (probably “you’re” parents “pulled you out”).
P.S. Please learn the rules of English before saying anything else.
@phunt01810 There is such a thing as balancing academics and social life, you know. In fact, I’d venture to say that most students that succeed in college do find that balance. Having a good college life and doing well in school aren’t mutually exclusive.
I stand by what I said…50,000$ for a good time or an education…
“College experience” is a big selling point at this point for college kids. I remember thinking the first time I heard that phrase that I didn’t know exactly what it was but it sounded expensive.
It depends on what the student wants. At schools located in lively cities a portion of the college experience will be sent off campus experiencing the cities’ cultural and social offerings: McGill, BU, NYU, Georgetown etc. Those schools deemphasize athletics and Greek life. Students who go to schools in college towns are looking for the 24/7 campus experience including athletics, tailgating, Greek life etc.: Penn State, Michigan, Cornell, UMass Amherst, Indiana University etc.
Personally I would have preferred living in Boston or Montreal and would have hated Bloomington, Amherst, Ithaca etc.
@phunt01810 And I stand by what I said: Having a good time and getting an education aren’t mutually exclusive. Balance is key.
I’ve read that for McGill specifically, some students like the fact that the drinking age is 18 there, so students are treated like adults. I’ve also heard it’s a beautiful city, with lots of culture to explore, plus it’s walkable and has efficient public transportation, cleanliness, European feel, metric system, and of course, French.
@PhantomVirgo I agree, but what is the priority?
@phunt01810 I agree with your previous posts in the sense that academics come first once you’re actually at a college. But the way you worded your previous posts, it makes it sound like academics should be what you put 100% of your focus on and that social life doesn’t matter…and as we’ve established, that’s simply not the case in reality.
So it sounds like we might agree, and I’m sorry for misinterpreting your posts if that’s the case.
Regardless, if a campus environment is a bad fit for someone, that will only hurt them both academically and socially. Which is why the discussion of what exactly constitutes a good college life (both for an individual and at a particular school) is very much important when you’re choosing where to go to college.
@PhantomVirgo I came on too strong in my initial post…In general kids are too focused on social aspect upon entering college and it often leads to bad results…fit is important
@phunt01810 Yeah, I see your point. And I also believe that students should not be ‘totally’ on the social aspects of college life. But you only go through college once (or maybe twice for post-grad maybe, but then you are older, and have more responsibilities). So, one should have the best experience during college. Thats why I probably got agitated by your earlier comment. I’m sorry if I was a little rude :)>- .
But, having that said, students should also not do excess of partying etc, in fact, they should not do excess of anything. It hurts everyone. There should be a balance between studying and social life etc. What @PhantomVirgo said is true: “having a good college life and doing well in studies is not mutually exclusive”. College education is very important, but the college experience that comes along with it is also equally important.
@mummyrocks Yeah, I’ve also read that Montreal(where McGill is located) is a beautiful place with very diverse cultures. And like you said, the drinking age is also 18, and so the students are treated as adults. However, I’ve got to know that because of that, the students behave in a more responsible manner and have a very mature outlook towards drinking and partying.
Most 17-18 years old do not even know what they really want until they get there.
My son went to school in a major city, thinking he liked the city, but he ended up not enjoying the
crowds, noise, and cramped conditions. Ended up transferring to a college in a classic rural college town,
and loves it (but different aspects of it than some other students, not the sports, tailgating for instance).
@blevine Indeed… Each student has his/her own preferences. Thats why they are advised to select the school that best fits them instead of the one with the highest rankings etc. Your son made a good decision transferring from that college.