The Ohio State University: There are few schools that ooze school spirit, but this is one of them. Simply turn on the television during a football game and you’ll see. Students and alums alike paint themselves scarlet and gray to support the team. Nearby areas cater to this team spirit. One popular breakfast shop is called Buckeye Donuts, named after their famous mascot. It is near campus and students wait in hour-long lines for their treats. There are many common areas for students to hang out together. One of which has the lyrics of the song Carmen Ohio – which the football team sings after a victory – written across the walls. However, there is one major downside to this place: JD Vance went there.
University of Maryland: Serious question here: does anyone want to live five seconds from their parents? Isn’t the entire point of heading off to college is that we learn to become adults without our parents? Doesn’t this proximity defeat that purpose? Regardless, the best part of my time there was their delicious food, healthy or sweets.
Northwestern: Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. The entire campus is right on the water, and only a train ride away from Chicago. They also have a fun tradition of painting a rock. It was originally a fountain gifted by a graduating class. However, one cold night the water froze and destroyed the pipes. They have kept the center rock of the fountain and created the fun tradition around it. One must wait twenty-four hours guarding the rock to show dedication and approval to paint it. Unfortunately this is perhaps the most school spirit-y thing about this place.
William & Mary: This is the second oldest college in the United States, and thus a perfect place for people who love history. Red brick buildings line the streets, including the nearby shopping and restaurant area. Also, the university is just a couple of minutes away from two amazing weekend activities—water park Water Country USA and amusement park Busch Gardens.
Cornell: Screams money and rich people. Enough said. •