<p>We just returned from yet another college visit, and I was impressed this time not by the hordes of people, but by how lovely the campus and dorms were. This is a mid-sized private university, ranked very highly for quality of student life and dorms as well as academics. Top 15 school. </p>
<p>The dorms are new, they are like a mini-Disney resort setting with terraced gardens overflowing with flowers, huge rooms, large closets, private baths, internet, cable and fridge and microwave ready (all can be rented, as well as bikes and cars by the hour with sign-up). Work-out area in each dorm as well as huge gym in main athletic facility. Lounges with wide screen TV on every floor. </p>
<p>The cafeteria had brunch going on, but I opted for the local organic salad bar with 40 items including lentil and grains, and my D enjoyed the freshly made sushi. In a college cafeteria. Really. </p>
<p>Prior to her visit, we received a packet with her name and her visit “itinerary” printed on page one, careful driving and parking directions, free parking pass, and discount information for local recommended hotels. </p>
<p>On arriving on campus, we received a complete course syllabus, lots of other info, free lunch passes, and 20% discount coupons to the bookstore. </p>
<p>We were asked to rate the info session (funny and very helpful, with an emphasis on how much personal advising the students receive) and the tour guide (who used a microphone so everyone in our group of 10 could hear well). We also met with a current student (child of a colleague) who assured me it was indeed all true, and it is indeed a very nice place to live and attend college.</p>
<p>The school is across the street from a 500 acre park, with a free art museum, botanical garden, sledding hill, concerts, etc. etc. </p>
<p>Um, where did my beloved cinder block walls and mystery meat go? I honestly felt like my child may be missing out by not enduring the hardships I had to go through while living at college? Am I that far behind the times?</p>