Never Been To Middlebury..

<p>I live in the Midwest, so it is unlikely I will see the school untill (and if) I get in. It SEEMS like my dream school since I am very interested in languages, politics, and environmental science (the things that Middlebury specializes in).. but the idea of being in the middle of nowhere kind of urks me. I live in a very large city, and I am just wondering how accesible other cities are from Middlebury, and if there is any life outside the campus. Anything that could help me see the school more clearly in my mind would be welcome!!!! What is there to do if you want to leave campus? Also how you get there if you don't have a car?</p>

<p>I assume people are allowed cars on campus but I'm sure someone else can clear that up. I would just say though.....coming from a metropolitan city does not mean you won't enjoy rural life. As others will say, it is what you make of it. I understand the convenience of having amenities close but that is fairly trivial. I grew up in a small to midsize city in the Canadian midwest and currently live in London (UK, not Ontario) and both have their upsides. From what I understand, Middlebury is not that fair from local cities though.</p>

<p>Burlington VT (small city with malls, tons of bars and restaurants, international airport) is 45 minutes from campus. Montreal is the closest metropolitan area, and that's around 2.5 hours away. Boston is 4 hours and New York City is 5 hours by car. I'm from New York City and I loved leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city for the beautiful northern woods...the spectacularly clear and brilliant night sky, the cool, mountain-fed lakes and streams, actually hearing the snow fall on dark, deep winter nights. You can always go back to the city after college, but why not take 3-4 years (depending on whether or not you study abroad for a year as most students do) to experience nature in its purest form?</p>

<p>You have everything you need provided to you on campus; the college brings in artists, lecturers, performers, etc, and you can still enjoy hiking, skiing, golfing, fall foliage, and all that on campus or a short walk/drive away. I love Burlington (I did grow up there though...) and this past weekend (four day weekend) there were trips to Montreal, Boston, and NYC, so you're not that removed from urban life. Plus cars stop to let you cross the roads here ;)</p>