Easily accessible transportation is one advantage to going to college in the city. Students without a car (or who don’t want to pay high gas or parking prices) are able to navigate the city on a limited budget and gain the full benefits of city life. Although students without cars are typically unable to venture far outside of the city using public transportation, much of what they need can be reached without difficulty, such as department and grocery stores, friends who live off campus and part-time jobs. As students mature, city-wide public transportation gives them the opportunity to explore their surroundings, and go further than what would be feasible without a car in a rural area. City transportation typically operates into the night (some train and bus lines run 24 hours), and allows students an opportunity to stay out late while acclimating to adult life.
Culture is readily available in the city. Students are able to take advantage of museums, landmarks, plays, movies, restaurants, concerts, churches, temples, alternative spiritual gatherings and festivals that celebrate the variety of races, ethnic groups, artistic movements and ideologies represented throughout the city. Students are often able to witness first hand many of their topics of study through volunteer programs, internships and social and cultural outings. Learning about how different types of people live in the world may help students decide how best to serve society with an advanced degree.
Going to college in the city provides students with a varied sampling of social life. Students can meet peers from a range of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; they also have a plethora of parties, bars, dance clubs and social gatherings to choose from. This can be a healthy way for students to blow off the stress of academic life (if practiced with moderation).
Career benefits are another advantage to attending college in the city. Students have a wide array of employment, internship and volunteer opportunities, and have more postgraduate options than are available in rural settings. Students who attend college in the city also have access to mentors who are already working in students’ chosen fields; this often comes with postgraduate learning opportunities.