School Review: Oberlin College

Today I visited two schools that were extremely different from each other. The first was Oberlin College. Oberlin is located in a tiny Ohio town basically in the middle of nowhere. You'd never guess a renowned, beautiful college would be found in such a place!

Pros:

Oberlin is absolutely beautiful. The majority of buildings are very old, and very well constructed. They're just gorgeous. I have lots of pictures to show you what I mean.

The academics are top-notch and because I was only visiting campus I didn't get an actual sense for that, but I believe it.

The school has a large footing in music and the arts, and there are always performances going on. Even if Oberlin doesn't have the nightlife of a city, there are still things to do on the weekends.

Oberlin has an amazing history. The town was a hub for runaway slaves in the underground railroad. Oberlin is also a school of firsts: first interracial college in America, first school to admit women in the States, and the first school to have co-ed dorms in the U.S. Pretty impressive for such a small town.

Cons:

Oberlin is in the middle of nowhere. I know all about rural life, but Oberlin takes it to another level. Of course because of the college there are restaurants and coffee shops and places to shop nearby, but not much to choose from. I feel like I'd grow tired of the same old places if I went to Oberlin. Oberlin is fairly close to a freeway, however, so students can escape if they're willing to make the drive.

Though I do appreciate music and the arts, musicians can get on my nerves.

I love the midwest, but I've lived in Michigan my whole life and do have a desire for a change of scenery during my college years.

The town was dead! There were literally no other people on campus when I was walking around, which alarmed me. I know it's summer but I expected at least a few people to be wandering about! Obviously it's different during the school year, but it still alarmed me.

Pictures:

The Science Center

This is a dorm hall... I'm jealous.

The library.

Bikes everywhere!

The main street. About the extent of the excitement in Oberlin, at least during this time of the year.

Overall:

Oberlin seems like a great school with a lot of opportunities available to its students, but I don't know if I'd be able to deal with the specific area it's in. Tiny town, flat land... not much to do outside of campus. Not sure if that's my thing. Oh, and Oberlin College is gorgeous!