Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Graduate School Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Subject Tutoring
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Our Technology
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    College Insights
    Ebooks & Guides
    Empowerly Score®
    Referrals
    Webinars
    Upcoming Webinars
    Webinar Recordings
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Grade Levels, Graduate

Finding the Best Social Fit in a College

Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

  • January 24, 2017

Best Social Fit

Academics and career planning matter most when selecting a college: no one will deny that. However, the importance of finding the best social fit in a college is often downplayed. College can be tough, and attending a school where you feel welcomed, supported, and can foster lifelong friendships matters a great deal. Therefore, while you’re considering the academic rigor of a college, also take note of the social aspects and which ones you’d like. You can learn about a college’s social life in a number of ways.

Campus Visits

The best way to get a feel for a campus social life is to go there yourself. You can meet students, sit in on classes and events, and get a feel for what the average student is like there. While you do this, note the similarities and differences between the students and your current social circle. For example, how do most students spend their free time? Where do they hang out, and what do they do? Do you see yourself fitting into a similar social experience? At some colleges, students tend to hang out in coffee shops and read or discuss current events. Others, tend to go to large parties or sporting events. Most colleges will have a mixture of this, but some will lean more heavily towards one type of social experience.

Student Groups

You’ll also want to consider the kinds of student groups on campus. While many colleges have a wide variety of campus activities, you can tell a lot about a college’s social life through featured or popular activities. Outdoor activities may be popular at one college, while arts groups may take the stage at another. Finding the best social fit in a college includes considering your favorite past times and which colleges seem to share these past times.

You can also peruse online groups affiliated with a college to learn more. This works particularly well if you’re unable to visit a college in person, or if you want to talk to current students on a more regular basis.

Location

The location of a college can factor into the college’s social life a great deal. A small college in Ohio will likely have a very different social feel than one in New York City just by virtue of its location. Furthermore, some students choose a college based on its location for what the location has to offer. Thinking about where you do or do not want to live can have a surprising effect on your college experience socially.

In conclusion

A college may offer amazing academics, but if you fear becoming socially isolated there, it may not be the best fit after all. Finding the best social fit in college matters – you’ll be spending the next four years of your life there. It’s also an intensely personal decision. When you have friends, family, or teachers encouraging you to go to one college because they went there or love it in some way, make sure you always keep in mind whether you think you’ll love it, too.

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

UC Application Tips: How to Prepare for When the Portal Opens

UC application tips to stay ahead: Learn key steps, tasks, and timelines to prepare before the UC portal opens on August 1. Don’t wait!

What are the Best Engineering Colleges in the U.S.?

If you are debating which engineering college to go to, consider these tips to help you pick the best one for you.

25 Best Business Schools For Undergraduates (2025 Edition)

Looking to major in business for your undergraduate degree? Here are the top business schools for undergrads in the United States!

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Enter your email to view the webinar

Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Graduate School Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Subject Tutoring
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Our Technology
Why Us
Success Stories
Contact Us
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
College Insights
Empowerly Score®
Referrals
Webinars
Upcoming Webinars
Webinar Recordings
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login