It's that time of year. If you haven't already been through the drill, plan on spending lots of weekends in your child's junior and senior year traveling to see what's out there. As a parent with a third child heading off to college, the internet has given us a wonderful opportunity to get information and view virtual tours online. But like buying a house, you won't know if it's "HOME" - or, I should say - your child won't know if it's home until they visit.
We spent the last few weekends traveling the beautiful roads of Virginia to see the wide array of state universities available to us. This week, we took a tour of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. I must say, I did not go this morning with exceedingly high expectations. Up until now, my daughter had been determined to go to Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Unlike my older two children, she wanted a smaller, hometown feel for her college experience. With only about 4800 undergraduate students, she thought CNU would fit the bill perfectly...until today!
The drive from Fredericksburg, Virginia was quick and lovely. Located about 60 miles southwest of Richmond, it is slightly less than a 2 hour trip from our home. Close enough to get home if she needs/wants to but not close enough for mom and dad to just "pop in"! My husband and I want her to experience college away from home and the area seemed perfect. Not too far from major shopping outside of Richmond, she will have the option of getting out of town when she needs to. She really won't need to, though. The offerings of this small town are many...Applebee's, WalMart, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Belk, Ruby Tuesdays, and a brand new shopping center being built - The Shoppes at College Park.
The campus is about 65 acres with about 4,000 students but it feels much larger as it is wedged in the center of a quaint town with cobblestone streets and adorable shops. I was impressed with the campus, the academic programs, but most especially, with the friendly atmosphere which the students, faculty, staff and residents were directly responsible for. There wasn't one person we walked by who didn't greet us with a big hello. And these weren't just folks associated with the open house.
A HUGE thank you go out to our Longwood Ambassador, Junior Communications Major, Chris Davis of Richmond, and his Ambassador-in-Training, Senior Sociology/Pre-Law Major, Ben Adams of Fredericksburg (Stafford High School Graduate!). These gentlemen guided our tour across campus and entertained all the questions we inquisitive parents had about campus life, academics, and Longwood, in general. They were exceptionally helpful, friendly and just all-around nice guys. Great job!!
One of the greatest things about living in Virginia is the tremendous opportunity to attend a state university which is perfectly suited to your personality and needs. It appears, Longwood University may be just that school for my daughter.
Brand New Health and Fitness Center is AWESOME!!
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