<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I’ll be an international student attending college this fall.
I am between two colleges: One located in mid Georgia and one in eastern Minnesota.
They are both (from what I can understand) categorized as medium-sized colleges (GA with about 6000 and MN with about 8-9000) </p>
<p>I think most people have that idea of the “traditional” college experience prior to their start, but I am wondering of what I realistically can expect from these two schools. As they are roughly the same size (does a few thousand students more or less matter?) what can be generalized as the experience I’m going to have? </p>
<p>I have always pictured myself in an urban location, big classes, big school spirit, and a whole bunch of activities to do.
Now, these things do sound like something one experiences at a big university, but unfortunately, it is quite expensive for international students and I have had to settle at a medium-sized rather than a “large” university, as I simply cannot afford going to these schools. </p>
<p>Both schools are in the middle of nowhere, but does this really matter? Are there going to be parties thrown once in a while? Are there going to be activities that students can attend? Interesting speakers? etc.</p>
<p>I hope someone can give me some pointers of what the next four years are going to look like for me. Perhaps, you have attended a medium-sized college and can share some experiences.</p>
<p>I thank you in advance. </p>
<p>You should probably ask about and research the schools specifically, not just “midsize colleges”</p>
<p>Hi! </p>
<p>I did try and research the schools specifically, but it does seem a little difficult trying to imagine how the school is like. I read tons of student reviews though. (probably more people go on websites to complain more than praising the college)
Also, obviously the solution would be to visit these schools and see for myself, but that would be near impossible, as I have exams here in my home country and cannot take a trip to MN and GA.
I just wanted, if possible, to have an idea of what I can expect. </p>
<p>But i think you are absolutely right, as all schools are different. </p>
<p>If you want to name each school you are considering, that might get you more specific feedback.</p>
<p>Also, Minnesota and Georgia are in completely different parts of our country, and will be totally different experiences. Weather is frigid cold (look up weather stats) in MN vs. GA (which has its own set of weather issues also–heat/humidity, thunderstorms, etc.) There are social and cultural differences between the two states as well.</p>
<p>Are you comfortable living in the middle of nowhere? Figure out what it takes to get to a nearby airport for transportation back home. Atlanta, Georgia is a huge airport that can get you most anywhere. You need to check out MN airports as well for your particular travel needs.</p>
<p>What are you planning to study? One of the schools might be better able to further your career plans.</p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Do the schools have their school newspaper available online? That can give you a feeling for what is happening on campus. It would help if you named the schools.</p>
<p>Hi powercropper,</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your reply.</p>
<p>The two schools are Georgia College & State University and Winona State University. </p>
<p>I am not sure whether I like living in the middle of nowhere, but I don’t have much of an option. I hope it will be okay though.</p>
<p>My major will be Business Management / Administration. </p>
<p>I do love the southern charm and warm weather for Georgia, but the school has no football team (I’m guessing I’d be fun to go to the schools football game during homecoming) and Winona is a bigger school.
I’d prefer warm weather any day over cold weather, but I am not sure whether the larger school and football team outweighs the few bad months of winter. I kind of think it does! </p>
<p>From what it seems like, Winona has a little bit of a better business program. </p>
<p>Thank you for your help!!</p>
<p>Intparent, that was an excellent idea! It happened that both schools had a newspaper online. I will definitely browse through them. Thanks! </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Okay… I live in Minnesota, and I have to give it to you straight. We just (last week) had our first day above 60 degrees since October 14. Yesterday it snowed 6 inches (although it is melting fast). And we had a lot of days below zero Farenheit this winter (50, I think). </p>
<p>That said, “Minnesota Nice” does match up quite well with “Southern Charm”, and I think you would find the campus welcoming and interesting. And you should consider which school has a stronger academic program, that sounds like Winona from your description.</p>
<p>But I didn’t think it would be fair to not at least tell you the truth about winter here. 
If you didn’t grow up in a wintery area, you could try some new things. Sledding – possibly on stolen cafeteria trays, the big ones they put desserts out on are the best if you can snitch one from the cafeteria – don’t say you heard it here, though. And maybe cross country skiing or snowshoeing.</p>
<p>Thank you for your honest description.
I am from a snowy area (Scandinavia), however, we do not get as much snow as you just descriped. I would like to avoid the whole snowy part, but I just have to make up my mind of what factors outweighs the other. </p>
<p>But ouch, do you really have about 5 months of winter? If that’s the case, then Georgia sounds very welcoming :)) </p>
<p>Is there a way to compare the two colleges business program? Such as a ranking site? </p>
<p>i suggest collegeboard.org</p>