Everyone knows California, its outrageous Hollywood celebrities and Silicon Valley geniuses; everyone knows New York and its famous Broadway shows, but what about everything in between? Middle America is a foreign country not just to internationals but also to many Americans who have never set foot in the Midwest. Yet many “coasties” will choose to leave the big cities to attend college in the Midwest, and we’re giving you five reasons why Go Campus students should do the same!
1) The “Midwest Nice”
It’s in the Midwestern states that you will meet the most genuine Americans. Forget the coasts and their big international population, head for the Midwest and discover the real America. You may never have heard the saying “Midwest Nice” but once there you will quickly understand where it comes from. Two professors surveyed near 600 international travelers along Route 66, who shared they most enjoyed the Midwesterner’s friendliness, sense of community and willingness to share their stories and heritage.
2) The Great Lakes Beat Any Ocean
The cold winter might leave you celebrating the first day of spring more than your own birthday, but nothing beats a summer by the Great Lakes! In the summer months, he beaches of Lake Michigan are filled with university students, while others enjoy boating and water skiing on Lake Erie. The Midwest has enough shoreline to make California jealous!
3) Football, Basketball and Traditions
There are two seasons in the Midwest: Football Season and Basketball Season. Both sports are widely popular across the country but nothing compares to the electric atmosphere of a Midwestern tailgate or the vibrations of the Wisconsin Badgers “Jump Around”. Once football season is over, be prepared to learn the true meaning of March Madness! It’s a way of life in the Midwest and it won’t be long before you adopt it!
4) First-Rate Education
No need to head to an Ivy League School for a great education. All schools presented to you are accredited to ensure the quality of education, and most have obtained different recognition and awards. Although many of the Midwest states are often described as more conservative, keep in mind that college campuses on average tend to have a more liberal environment. Some Midwestern colleges have even made it to Niche’s and Princeton Review’s lists of most liberal colleges in the United States.
5) More for Your Money
The Midwest is the place to be for all you penny-savers! Not only will you receive the incredible scholarships from the college and universities, but once there you won’t have to ruin yourself to enjoy all the campus and city has to offer. According to a research by Forbes, nowhere beats the Midwest when it comes to affordability. Ohio and Michigan landed eight cities in the rank of America’s most affordable cities.
