Here is the second part of our Big City, Small City post.
Travis Brannon is writing about his perspective on his experience in Morgantown, coming from a small, rural area.
Happy reading!
Quickly Adjusted to Big University Campus Life
Growing up in rural Virginia, I was not exposed to heavy traffic, large crowds, or conventional entertainment outlets. My hometown population is small (~1,500) and a basketball scholarship provided me four years in a small college town (~3,000 local, 2,500 students). The goal of studying energy law at West Virginia University meant moving to Morgantown and committing three years to a much larger and faster community. The positives have fully outweighed the negatives.
First, housing options are abundant here in Morgantown. In small towns there are usually only a few apartment complexes or houses for rent and their condition is normally questionable. The variety of options (price, size, location, and condition) is extensive and I had no trouble finding an apartment.
Second, West Virginia University is a national research institution, so the College of Law is well positioned for students to access resources and national scholarship on a daily basis. As a research assistant for the College’s “Center for Energy and Sustainable Development” we coordinate with other branches of the University to create a complete picture of our nation’s energy future (legal, economic, and scientific). Small town life simply did not provide me with access to these types of resources.
Lastly, WVU is always ranked as one of the top schools for parties and night life. Previously, I was accustomed to having only a few options for good times with friends. In Morgantown, the athletic events and the perpetual party known as “High Street” provide plenty of opportunities to put down the books and have some fun.
I admit my hometown only has one stop light and I get upset when I do not receive the “courtesy wave” after allowing someone to merge into traffic. Furthermore, I miss not waving at each car I pass, because….well I am used to knowing each car I pass. But I have adjusted well here in Morgantown and I have no doubt that other prospective law students will too.
My time at the College of Law, so far, provided me the opportunity to work in Charleston, WV (~ 50,000 people) during my 1L summer and this coming summer I will transition to Pittsburgh, PA (~1.7 million in urban population). Does anyone know the “courtesy wave” policy for Pittsburgh?
