University reputations for friendliness?

Hi everyone! I've been looking into various colleges and wanted to make sure I factor everything in. Which campuses are known to have a less friendly environment? I want to make sure my college life is both academically and socially enriching.

Your question has merit because a university's social atmosphere can greatly impact your overall college experience. But keep in mind that people's experiences can greatly vary even at the same college, and what some people consider unfriendly, others may view differently.

However, based on some commonly voiced student experiences, larger universities, or those with a highly competitive academic atmosphere, sometimes get a reputation for being less friendly. For example, some students at large state schools like University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UMich) have commented on a lack of personal connection due to the vast number of students and the competitive academic environment. Similarly, highly competitive institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Johns Hopkins University might have more of a competitive than collaborative atmosphere, which could potentially seem less friendly to some.

Now, this doesn't mean that all large, academically competitive universities will be less friendly. You might find some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet at these schools! It's about finding the right community within the university that aligns with your vibes. Therefore, reaching out to current or former students and attending campus visits (either virtually or physically) is a good way to gauge the vibe of a school.