The university culture varies depending on the establishment. Though there are many similarities, each university is different in its own unique way, which is part of the pull factor.
To begin, there are obvious differences between public and private institutions and the people who attend them. Although they accomplish the same goals, they have a different path of getting you there. Most wouldn’t argue that the cost to attend a private institution is substantially greater than that of one that is public (Private versus public 2014). For some, this isn’t a problem, but for the majority of students attending a post-secondary school, the harsh reality that money really doesn’t grow on trees sets in, especially if you attend a private institution. Many people argue that the establishment attended also determines your credibility once the diploma is received. For example, most would choose a doctor that graduated from the Harvard Medical School than one from the University of Texas, though they are both exceptionally respectable faculties, the professors from Harvard are more cultivated in their area of expertise and have a higher validity when they teach. Public university professors are only required to have a state issued certification, private university professors are required to have not only that, but “expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field they teach (Private versus public 2014).” Price and education are two things that catch a students and their parent’s attention when making a decision one where to further their education. This is something that, as a culture, all universities have in common.
Another pull factor is the environment of the campus itself. Does it have a Starbucks or Chic-Fil-A? Is the campus in or close to a major city? Does the school offer chances to escape the world of college life through Outdoor Pursuits and Trips or recreational sports? Students look for these things in order to get away from all the stress (Students Speak 2014). “Usually on the weekends, we get together and cook dinner because eating out in the city is expensive. We make a lot of extra food so we all have leftovers throughout the week. Other regular activities we do together include going to concerts, plays and poetry readings” said Brenna, a college senior freshman (Student’s Speak 2014). When entering college, a student gets bombarded with new friends, new stress, and a lot of new things to do. It becomes hard to balance social life and school work while knowing you could be doing something so much for fun with friends who reside just a few doors down. Also, intermural sports are a fun and easy way of making new friends and staying in shape. This requires little to no commitment and is for the pure fun of competition.
Another way students add excitement to the busy world of college is the Study Abroad option where students have the ability to take their learning across the ocean. A lot of people dream of exploring certain...
