Have you ever wondered if a small college might offer experiences that would appeal to your creative side? Consider the benefits beyond smaller class sizes, more financial aid, and less competition. Here are some surprising secrets you might have overlooked.
Trailblazer: Scenic Secrets
While many students imagine themselves biking, jogging, and walking around campus, universities seek to encourage overall health and safety of the campus community. In recent years, bicycling has become the fastest growing mode of transportation and many colleges are responding to the need by demonstrating their devotion to cycling.
York College of Pennsylvania is an epic example of a bike-friendly college. Students at York are able to take advantage of the York Country Heritage Rail Trail, which extends over 20 miles from campus to connecting trails in Maryland. Running adjacent to the trail are the historic rails Lincoln rode to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
This scenic trail runs adjacent to an active railway while going over bridges, along rivers and dams, through tunnels, and passes by historic train stations. Recently the trail has undergone a $1.1 million enhancement project that has extended the trail north of campus and includes over 100 LED light fixtures.
Don’t own a bike? No problem. Part of the trail is also designed for horseback riding, as well as winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Or, you can always rent a bike at a rental station designed by York engineering students.
Experience Community.Culture.Creativity
Population size equates to more opportunities, right? Not so fast. Big campus doesn’t necessarily mean big future. Aside from the charming historic and scenic side of small colleges, a vibrant city full of creative expression exists around every street corner.
The City of York is a “hidden gem” located in south central Pennsylvania. Students are within a few hours driving distance to cities such as Philadelphia (102 mi), Washington, D.C (92 mi), and New York City (186 mi).
With strong ties between the college and the community, students are able to embrace their creative side. From galleries and festivals to theaters and concert venues, there’s something to spark your creativity in York. Along the York Country Heritage Rail Trail, students can experience events such as Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival and the Cigar Box Guitar Festival.
Students become part of an artistic collective through the local arts scene and Marketview Arts – a multi-use creative space. Marketview Arts provides studio and gallery space to students and local artists. As well, it's a venue for cultural events and programs and the home of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience gallery.
Hands-On Productions
When you're choosing a school for performing arts, there are a few questions you have to ask yourself:
- How many performances does the school produce a year?
- What opportunities do I have to take part in productions?
Small schools have a surprisingly large ability to prepare students to be well-rounded artists. Students have numerous performance and tech opportunities to look forward to. From your first year on, opportunities seem endless to perform, direct, design and more in the York College theatre program. York's theatre program produces anywhere from 6 to 10 productions a year. Luckily, this means you'll have a hands-on experience throughout your academic career!
Learn how to spark your creative impulses at York College of Pennsylvania here!
