In-state college offers the best of both worlds, especially in Virginia.  Because it is such a large state, students are given plenty of options, ample space to move away while maintaining a sort of comforting familiarity, and it is of course more affordable.  Three of the most heavily applied to universities are: George Mason University (GMU), James Madison University (JMU), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). 

        George Mason University is the closest to northern Virginia.  It is located in the city of Fairfax, and is conveniently located in the vicinity of a number of various communities.

        It is in the heart of old town Fairfax, and therefore has the small town feel which is welcoming to pedestrians and drivers alike.  Historic buildings remain intact, and businesses are run out of these as well as homely properties.  Even with this small town ambiance, there are plenty of places for students to go such as shops, restaurants, and movies such as DSW, Ned Devine’s, and Cinema and Arts Theatre. 

        Although many students do have cars, GMU freshman Kathryn Conlin explains that “the Mason shuttle is really convenient.”   However, if one grows weary of the suburbs, Washington D.C. is a short drive away. 

        GMU freshman Shashank Mane says that D.C. is one of the most frequented destinations on the weekends.   Along with offering the same attractions as Fairfax, it hosts a number of others as well, such as an abundance of shops and clubs which keep the students making the journey to the city.  Granted, GMU boasts the Patriot Center, there’s a number of smaller rock venues in Washington that always keep the night life lively, and the college experience overwhelmingly exciting.   

        James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, a quaint, artsy town.  In the Arts & Cultural District there are multiple galleries and museums, all within a charming smaller city.  To compliment the eccentricity, there is gradual transition from the 1970s to an updated, more modern set-up. 

        In addition to the mom and pop shops which have found their niche in the Harrisonburg environment, there also a wide selection restaurants and unique boutiques between which to balance your time. If the small town should prove to be too constraining at times, the great outdoors are a short distance away. 

        Massanutten Adventures offers outdoors adventures closest to JMU.  Whether plunging into the depths of the earth and spelunking, or scaling great heights rock climbing are a passion, these and nearly everything in between can be done.  However, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, hiking is always an option.

        The George Washington National Forrest is another wonderful destination where you can take in the beautiful scenery.  Should you prefer a more brisk pace, Shenandoah Mountain Touring offers cycling.  The picturesque environment is the perfect setting for college life. 

        Virginia tech is the most secluded campus of the three.  Even though it is situated in a town of 40,000, there are also 25,000 additional Virginia Tech students.  Blacksburg does offer all of the attractions which can be found in most towns, but it is its location that gives it an edge.

        Virginia Tech is surrounded by sprawling green, amidst 19,000 acres of Jefferson National Forest.  Located in Montgomery County, it is nestled in the New River Valley, which is next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and neighbors the Appalachian Trail.  It is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

        In addition to the countryside which seems to sprawl out from campus, there are even more wilderness activities to be done a bit further on.  There is the Pandapas Pond which offers scenic trails and Cascades Falls which is one of the most impressive waterfalls along the east coast. 

        Yet, even if the wilderness is not considered to be a second home, and it is more interaction with peers that is desired, there are many other universities and colleges with which one can interact.  Around thirty minutes away you can find Radford University.