The Perks of Going to College in a Small Town

Two Luther students and community members attend Trivia Night in small-town Decorah, IA.

When people think of college life, many picture bustling cities, huge campuses, and crowds of students rushing to class. But there’s something special about choosing to study in a smaller town. It can make your experience more fulfilling. From community to nature, going to college in a small town comes with a wide range of perks that are easy to overlook.

A Tight-Knit Campus Community

One of the differences you’ll notice instantly in a small-town college is the strong sense of community. With fewer students and a more contained environment, it’s easy to build strong connections with the people around you. Quickly you will start to recognize faces on the sidewalk, professors will remember your name, and usually you will have at least one friendly face that you know in all your classes. It makes you feel like you’re not just a number, but part of something bigger than yourself.

This sense of belonging and connections create lifelong friendships and a strong support system on campus. I’ve even had Christmas dinner with one of my professors at Luther College, a liberal arts college in small town Decorah, Iowa! This is not something that you would typically experience in a large city/university.

Better Ability to Focus on Academics

Without the distractions of big-city life, it’s much easier to focus on your studies. Smaller towns typically don’t have the same level of nightlife or “hustle and bustle,” which can lead to more study time, better academic performance, and less stress. In addition to this, the campus events which you will frequent more often in a small college tend to be more academically or culturally enriching rather than just entertainment-based. For example, some of the events that Luther College hosted in 2024-2025 were financial aid trivia nights, condom bingo, Afrobeat dances, and trips to culturally significant museums and festivals. These events add value to your education and help with personal growth, and help to round out your college years in a meaningful way.

More Affordable Entertainment

Luther students organized the 2025 Decoride cycling event, which brought students and community members together to ride on Decorah’s Trout Run Trail and raised funds for the Decorah Free Clinic.

That said, you’ll still have fun in a small town, with the added bonus that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time. Many college towns offer free or low-cost events like trivia nights, concerts, and farmers’ markets.  For example, Impact Coffee in Decorah, Iowa—home of Luther College. Every Thursday night, students and locals alike gather for free trivia. It’s the kind of atmosphere that brings people together, gives you a break from academics, and doesn’t drain your wallet.

If you’re into the outdoors, small towns often give you access to many hiking trails, lakes/rivers for kayaking or fishing, and beautiful natural scenery to view, all without needing to travel far or pay for more expensive excursions. Many of these small towns offer incredible nature right outside of your dorm.

A Safer Environment

Safety is a big factor for many students and parents when choosing a college. In small towns, crime rates are typically lower than in major cities. That means you can usually walk around, even at night, without feeling unsafe.

Compare that to urban campuses like the University of Chicago, where students are often advised to call campus security for an escort after dark. In small-town colleges, that level of caution usually isn’t necessary.

Less Need for a Car

In a small town, everything is closer. You can usually get from your dorm to class, to the grocery store, and/or to a coffee shop all on foot or by bike. Public transportation, when available, is easy to navigate. This not only helps you save money on gas and car maintenance, but also makes student life simpler and more sustainable.

While there are advantages of going to college in a fast-paced city, don’t overlook the many advantages of going to college in a small town. From cheap entertainment to a safer environment, small town colleges offer an extremely enriching experience that many students find incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re applying to schools now or just considering your options, a small town college might just be your perfect fit.