There are about a million things on our minds as seniors in high school, and with all the pressure of graduating and getting into college, we barely have time to slow down and think about what we really want to do after we graduate. Our first big choice that we have to make (other than voting) is, “Are we going to college?” And if so, where? If you’re unsure where you want to go, this spotlight on three great college towns can help get your search started. These cities feature tons of colleges to choose from, big student populations, and excitement around every corner.
Atlanta, Georgia
This is one city I find very peachy, if you know what I mean! Atlanta has 16 colleges and universities, plus dozens more in the surrounding area. This city is home to approximately 250,000 college students and offers off-campus living in places like small apartments and high-rise hotels. The weather in Atlanta ranges from a cold, wet 35°F in the winter to a hot, muggy 89°F in the summer. There are also over hundreds of summer jobs available to college students in Atlanta. What about stuff you can do outside of school, where you can hang out with and meet friends your age? One hot spot is High Note, a cool rooftop bar that’s a local favorite.
Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Atlanta
Boston, Massachusetts
Our next big city is home to 29 colleges and universities (with many more in the surrounding area) and is home to approximately 139,000 students, but it’s known for much more than the amount of students and world-class schools it has. We’re traveling to Boston, also known for championship sports teams, American history, and the bar from Cheers. The weather averages around 80°F in the summer and switches to frigid, snowy conditions in the winter—though New England is the place to be for great fall foliage. If you decide to go to college in Boston, there are over 100 paid internship opportunities and a lot of popular places for young people to live, including Harvard Square, Central Square, and Porter Square, which you can commute to by riding the bus or taking the local subway system, “The T.”
Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Boston
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The last college town we’re looking at is Philadelphia, with 115 colleges and universities in the metro area (six within two miles of downtown) and over 120,000 college students within the city limits. Temperatures in Philadelphia vary as low as 10°F and as high as 87°F. You can find around 700 jobs for college students, plus some really cool tourist attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philly is also considered to be one of the prettiest cities in the United States!
Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Philadelphia
While there are many more great college towns all around the country, these three cities are a great eye opener for students just starting their search. Each one offers many activities for college students to enjoy while they start their new lives away from home. The weather, the drive to and from school, and the size of the city compared to your hometown population are a few important things to consider before moving. I hope this spotlight helped you learn about your options, and I wish you luck in finding more than just your dream college but your dream city too!
Search for other great schools in famous college towns across the country using our Lists & Rankings based on College Cities.
Sources
Atlanta
- Atlanta as a College Town? | Atlanta Magazine
- Average Weather in Atlanta | Weather Spark
- Student and Off-Campus Housing in Atlanta | Anyplace
- 12 Cool Hangouts and Hot Spots in Atlanta | DiscoverAtlanta.com
Boston
- Boston by the Numbers 2020 | Boston Planning and Development Agency
- Average Weather in Boston | Weather Spark
Philadelphia
- The Best Colleges in Philadelphia | Higher Learning Today
- Education in Philadelphia | Wikipedia
- Average Weather in Philadelphia | Weather Spark
