Introduction
The number of students who enroll into small universities is has always been small. While big universities have hundreds of students in each class the small universities have as few as 50 or even lesser number of students for each lecture.
As the number students are less, there is greater interaction between the students and teachers, thereby allowing students to participate in discussions. While only the very bright and smart students get to answer and be interactive in bigger universities, every student counts and contributes and is not a mute spectator in small universities.
History
As the professors in large universities have to do lots of research work they do not put in as much effort or show much interest in teaching. Their priority is research work and as a result preparation for lecturers and other activities get affected. However, this is not the case in small universities.
As the number of students are high in big universities the professors have more correction and grading work, due to this the teachers do not have time to do their work efficiently. They do not have time to give suggestions and offer feedback to each and every student. Students in small universities however, can approach their teachers with more ease and get detailed and comprehensive reviews of their performances. The teachers also take a personal interest in the all round growth of the student.
Students in smaller universities get to do more assignments and project work and every work they do are corrected and graded in the best way possible. The smaller universities provide opportunities to have closer supervision while writing papers and theses.
Features
It is easy to get lost in a crowd of hundreds of students. The rooms are huge and the teacher is often a figure at a distance. Very often students in large universities do not get a chance to talk with their professors even once. On the other hand there is close contact between professors and students in small universities and the professors get to know their students well.
Small universities are more flexible when it comes to letting their students choose subjects for majors. More freedom is given while constructing programs and a student can take up courses according to their that interests. There is no compulsion to attend only those classes that the department thinks is a must.
The campuses are smaller and it is easy to navigate and go from one building to another. There is less bureaucracy and registration and signing up for various classes and programs takes less time. Small universities are more welcoming and warm. It does not make a new student feel like an outsider.
Tips and comments
The environment and ambience makes it more conducive to learn and to live. As the number of students is less there is greater opportunity for every student to participate and win in various extracurricular activities and sports. Even shy and reserved students who would have probably not got a chance to prove themselves in large universities get the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and gain confidence in small universities.
