I knew I didn't want to go to a big school, and OWU was just right for me. Not too small--you won't know everyone on campus or even in your class--but not too big either--you do know at least half the people you see every day and your professors know who you are and what you're interested in. As for Delaware, it is a small town, but Columbus is close enough to drive down any night you want more of a "big city" experience. Restaurants and shops seem to come and go in Delaware, but there is almost always something new and exciting to discover because of it.

The residence halls aren't especially new, but they are a decent place to live (especially Welch and Smith). And if you don't like the dorms live in the SLUs!! :) The Small Living Units (SLUs) are one of the COOLEST things about OWU. A house of 10-16 students united by a cause or theme (environmentalism, feminism, language, art, peace and justice, philosophy, black culture, faith, and internationalism). You get a real kitchen, shared common living spaces, a real sense of community, and a house to call your home, but you don't have to worry about rent or groceries because you stay on the university's housing and meal plan.

Classes, even introductory classes, are small enough that the professors know each students name after the first week or so. This is college, so you do have to take the initiative, but teachers are very approachable and more than willing to help you with a class or life decisions if you seek them out.

You will have to study though, especially if you are a science/math/psych major. And that includes all of you A+ students who didn't have to study in high school. Trust me, it's much easier to learn and practice good study habits at the beginning of your college career and then drop them if you find you don't need them than to have a rude awakening part way through your freshman year that you have no idea how to study for the final that you need to ace in order to pass a class.

I never felt excluded from any social clique on campus, because you soon realize that every clique overlaps with others and the lines start to blur. You may be a part of two or three social groups on campus (clubs, Greek organizations, a certain major, etc.) and you have friends who are parts of others and their friends are parts of other groups. Its a very mixed environment. That being said, more needs to be done to make the LGBT community more present and accepted on campus.

One thing I love about OWU is that if you want to join a club that doesn't exist, you can create it. Drum up the support of your fellow students in a few weeks and BAM! you've got a club.

Starting in the 2008-2009 school year, all theater performances will be free to students, so check those out! The theater department is very talented and they put on good shows (mostly).

I loved my four years at OWU. I knew that it was a good fit for me when I visited. My advice, check out OWU (and any other college you like) and visit the campus. Pay attention to how you feel walking around. Can you see yourself laying out on the grass somewhere? Walking around campus or town with your friends? If a school is a good fit for you, you'll feel it.