California is almost always on the bucket list of every traveler. They want to experience what it’s like driving along its coast. They want to surf in Big Sur. They want to walk down Rodeo Drive and see the rich and famous. And yes, they want to see the Los Angeles Lakers (and Clippers) win some games. But California isn’t usually a dream destination for college students. For that, you’d have to look at the East Coast’s Ivy League Schools in New York and Boston.
California is a culture-rich state that boasts of its stunning coastlines and magnificent entertainment scene — hello, Hollywood! There are also colleges in Ontario, California and other cities that can rival the likes of Harvard and Columbia. You don’t have to freeze in the winter cold of Massachusetts and New York City. California is sunny all year round.
Top-quality Public Schools
California has one of the best public school systems in the country. The universities and colleges here offer high-quality education without the jaw-dropping tuition rates at Harvard. In fact, many college students in California — as much as 40% in other universities—come from low-income families. So if money is the issue, you’ll be glad to know that California schools are reasonably priced.
A Melting Pot
The community in California is so diverse that there are at least 2,000 Chinese students in one university alone. South Korean and Indian nationals are plenty, too. California is probably the most diverse state in the United States — 43% of its population speak a language other than English. San Francisco, for example, has the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia.
Sightseeing
There is plenty to see in California. Forget about Hollywood and Los Angeles. Those are not exactly the best sights to see in the state. Think Death Valley, Mojave Desert, Golden Gate Bridge, and Yosemite National Park. If you drive farther away near the border, you can visit Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Even if you don’t want to go far, the college campuses are picturesque enough to make you want to stay there.
Road Trips
California is a road-trip county. Its proximity to Route 66 and Big Sur in central California makes it the ideal start-off point for any road trip. If the view of the Pacific Ocean isn’t enough for you, go on a road trip to visit wineries and vineyards. Ask someone else to drive for you so that you can enjoy the view.
The Arts
Is there any way people can dispute the arts that surround California? It is home to Hollywood, which churns out blockbusters after blockbusters. California has Disneyland, too, as well as the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), which was founded by Walt Disney. There are artistic communities abound in Orange County and San Francisco. If you’re more of a spectator, visit the theaters, galleries, and music and arts festivals that dominate the state.
Technology
Google, Apple, Netflix, Facebook, Adobe, Microsoft… These are just some of the biggest tech companies in the world. And yes, they’re all in Silicon Valley, California. If you want to make a name for yourself in this industry, you have to take an internship at one of these companies. Who knows? Like many startups in Silicon Valley, you may just get a chance to become the next millionaire.
These are other reason California is such a great state for college students. These will do for now. These ought to convince you that the sunny state is your best bet for a college life that you will never forget.