Bigger colleges have correspondingly bigger classes -- some class sizes even stretching near 200. Students entering bigger classes may not find the professor available as much as they would like, if at all. Professors compensate for the bigger class size by teaching in broad, general terms and counting on classroom tools such as peer reviews and tutoring to address individual student issues. In contrast, smaller classes are typically designed for more student-professor interaction. Exceptionally smaller classes may also require students to complete projects directly with their professor.
Professors at bigger colleges typically hold more esteem in the academic community. They usually have completed large amounts of research and command a considerable amount of authority in their fields. However, this may mean that the professor herself is unavailable to always teach the class; teaching assistants may be used to take over classes fully or partially. In smaller colleges, professors have more time to assist a student not only in coursework but also in building a student's career. Networking with a professor is commonplace and can lead to consistent guidance in and out of school.
Smaller colleges typically have a broad range of activities available to the student; however, there may not be as many organizations that address each type of activity. Additionally, organizations are correspondingly smaller, which implies lesser competition in pursuing top opportunities such as leadership of an organization or starring roles in performances. The same student may not find the same status as easy to achieve at bigger colleges where competition is extremely stiff. However, types of activities are abundant in bigger colleges; niche interests such as racquetball or poker may have their own clubs in big colleges.
In smaller colleges, there tends to be a stronger sense of community; students identify other students in the campus more easily. Additionally, while there might be fewer events in a smaller campus, there is typically greater student attendance at each event. Big campuses on the other hand cater to numerous events -- some of which may be a central event in the city such as a trade show or concert. In addition, athletic events at bigger campuses can be a spectacle. Tens of thousands of supporters typically show up at a school game to support the team and promote school spirit.