<p>I'm a prospective applicant for 2015. I love Kenyon, but I am worried about how isolated it is. There isn't a town at all. I'm from a relatively big city, and that level of isolation seems really awful. Do students find it claustrophobic, or is campus life vibrant enough so that the absence of any sort of town isn't really noticeable? Thanks!</p>
<p>It’s a very personal decision, but for my son - he’s entering his sophomore year and absolutely LOVES it there. He was concerned about the size (very small) and isolation factor, but it has not been an issue at all. The town of Gambier, which is basically in the center of the campus, is lovely and it is an actual little “town” (post office, bank, a couple places to eat, grocery store, etc.). Just a 5 minute car ride is Mt. Vernon, with a highway, tons of fast food restaurants, hospital, movie theater, etc. And it seems like everyone knows someone with a car, so getting there isn’t an issue. And by the way, my son was given the option of taking a car with him this year, and he opted not to. He’s not feeling trapped in anyway. Then Columbus is 40 minutes away, and there’s plenty to do there - although he’s only ventured that far a couple of times. Basically, for him, the campus and his friends were plenty of fun and entertainment. And just so you know, we live very close to New York City and he also loves the excitement of that. He’s in the city alot when he’s home. He’s stayed with friends at schools in both Boston and NYC, and definitely prefers his college experience at Kenyon. (One thing to keep in mind - you are definitely NOT going to get any big name entertainment at Kenyon. My son loves concerts, independent films, things like that…he just needs to get his fill of that when he’s home!!)</p>
<p>So again, it’s difficult to answer the question for someone else, but for him, it couldn’t be better. Hope that helps!!</p>