Choosing a college to attend is a major part of your life. Where you’re going to live for the next 4 years is a tough decision for anyone to make, let alone a 17 year old. Whether you have too many options or not enough, location is important. Do you want to be in the bustling city, or scenic suburbs? Some of us know right away what fits us best. But others need to experience both to figure out what they like.

Some people who have lived in the suburbs for so long, like most students at Ipswich High, prefer to stay in the same setting. A suburban campus can have a lot to offer, including a great sense of community. These schools will often have a lot of events going on to keep students entertained, as well as clubs and sports. Mr. Sidmore, the English department head at IHS, attended both Gordon College in Beverly, and Northeastern University in Boston. “[Gordon] was huge,” he explained, “we would ride mountain bikes in the woods. You could go swimming in the ponds or at the beach.” But what was his favorite part of the campus? “It was always lush and green, and that’s the environment I wanted to be in.” Other than the fun activities, suburban schools are often safer. When your school is more isolated, you’re less likely to run into people who don’t attend the school.

But what if you prefer the business of the city as opposed to the serenity of the suburbs? There are people who love the comfort of the known environment, while others are ready for a change and excitement. With the city as your campus, you often don’t get the experience of a closed area dedicated to your studies. But with so many other schools close by, you’re sure to find a library to study in. City schools are full of diversity, with people flying in from all over the world to experience all there is to offer in one area. Even for those not traveling far, an urban setting can have its benefits. “I always preferred the food options at Northeastern,” said Mr. Sidmore, “because a lot of places gave you a student discount.” As for commuting, city schools are the way to go. They are always easily accessible by train or bus, as well as other public transportation options.

There are so many positives and negatives about where you go to school. The only right choice is the one that fits you and your needs the most. If you would like to know more about schools in different settings, visit collegeboard.com. They can give you all the information you need to help make that big decision. If you have certain questions, be sure to ask a guidance counselor, or talk to an admissions officer at your school of interest.