Fairfield University is a Jesuit college set upon a picturesque landscape where students are not only instilled with academic knowledge, but also with spiritual teachings and cultural values. With almost 3,500 students the campus has a familiar feel where students can expect regular run-ins with friends and acquaintances. The community is especially tight-knit since the university urges students to live on campus all four years. Class sizes are intimate, especially in upper division courses, so students are able to build personal relationships with professors. The Jesuit tradition is infused in life at Fairfield in regular religious services and required classes that are geared to grow students into compassionate intellectuals. Fairfield also encourages a commitment to the local and global communities and students participate in campus-wide as well as individual community service projects. The town of Fairfield is a friendly college setting where students can hit up the nearby beach or downtown with convenient university shuttles. Students also take advantage of the neighboring town of Bridgeport for shopping, eating, and nightlife and the uber-adventurous college kids can trek it to NYC on weekends.