I grew up in a rural area and love the country lifestyle. I'm looking to find colleges that could fit this vibe. Any ideas about the most 'country' colleges in the U.S.?
Sure, I've come across a number of colleges and universities that might offer the 'country' vibe you're looking for, typically situated in rural areas or small towns and often featuring outdoorsy campus cultures.
Sewanee: University of the South in Tennessee is renowned for its beautiful, expansive campus — it spans 13,000 acres! Surrounded by nature and the charming town of Sewanee, this college provides a rural atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Berry College in Georgia is another solid option, boasting the largest contiguous campus in the world - over 27,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and streams ripe for exploration.
Middlebury College in Vermont is nestled in a picturesque small town and surrounded by natural beauty. Outdoor activities like hiking and skiing are a big part of student life here.
For a Western touch, consider the University of Wyoming. Nestled in Laramie, this university is at the heart of Cowboy Country, and the school even has its own rodeo team.
Similarly, Montana State University and Colorado State University are surrounded by mountains and offer access to numerous outdoor activities.
Also, many land-grant universities, such as Iowa State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Oklahoma State University, can have a more rural feel due to their history and focus on agricultural and mechanical arts.
Do remember that the 'feel' of a college can be quite subjective and can vary amongst students. Therefore, if possible, try to visit the campuses you're interested in person or explore their communities via virtual tours to get a genuine feel for their atmosphere.
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