Spotlight on 3 Great College Cities on the East Coast

Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia are three examples of fun college towns with great schools and big opportunities for students. Learn more about them here!

There are about a million things on our minds as seniors in high school, and with all the pressure of graduating and getting into college, we barely have time to slow down and think about what we really want to do after we graduate. Our first big choice that we have to make (other than voting) is, “Are we going to college?” And if so, where? If you’re unsure where you want to go, this spotlight on three great college towns can help get your search started. These cities feature tons of colleges to choose from, big student populations, and excitement around every corner. 

Atlanta, Georgia

This is one city I find very peachy, if you know what I mean! Atlanta has 16 colleges and universities, plus dozens more in the surrounding area. This city is home to approximately 250,000 college students and offers off-campus living in places like small apartments and high-rise hotels. The weather in Atlanta ranges from a cold, wet 35°F in the winter to a hot, muggy 89°F in the summer. There are also over hundreds of summer jobs available to college students in Atlanta. What about stuff you can do outside of school, where you can hang out with and meet friends your age? One hot spot is High Note, a cool rooftop bar that’s a local favorite.

Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Atlanta

Boston, Massachusetts

Our next big city is home to 29 colleges and universities (with many more in the surrounding area) and is home to approximately 139,000 students, but it’s known for much more than the amount of students and world-class schools it has. We’re traveling to Boston, also known for championship sports teams, American history, and the bar from Cheers. The weather averages around 80°F in the summer and switches to frigid, snowy conditions in the winter—though New England is the place to be for great fall foliage. If you decide to go to college in Boston, there are over 100 paid internship opportunities and a lot of popular places for young people to live, including Harvard Square, Central Square, and Porter Square, which you can commute to by riding the bus or taking the local subway system, “The T.”

Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Boston 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The last college town we’re looking at is Philadelphia, with 115 colleges and universities in the metro area (six within two miles of downtown) and over 120,000 college students within the city limits. Temperatures in Philadelphia vary as low as 10°F and as high as 87°F. You can find around 700 jobs for college students, plus some really cool tourist attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philly is also considered to be one of the prettiest cities in the United States!

Related: List: Excellent Colleges In or Near Philadelphia  

While there are many more great college towns all around the country, these three cities are a great eye opener for students just starting their search. Each one offers many activities for college students to enjoy while they start their new lives away from home. The weather, the drive to and from school, and the size of the city compared to your hometown population are a few important things to consider before moving. I hope this spotlight helped you learn about your options, and I wish you luck in finding more than just your dream college but your dream city too! 

Search for other great schools in famous college towns across the country using our Lists & Rankings based on College Cities.

Sources

Atlanta

Boston

Philadelphia

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About K.A.M. Robbins

K.A.M. Robbins is a high school student born in the South who lives in a big city with her family. She has a passion for the world and all the discoveries awaiting her. She strives to be the best she can be, no matter the challenge at hand.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Alexandria

Alexandria

High School Class of 2021

For a long time, I've been searching everywhere to find the perfect website I can get scholarships and information from. Needless to say, I could never find the right one. That was, until I found CollegeXpress. Through my journey of finding the right scholarships for me, I was able to find articles about different things. They've all been helpful, especially in times like this! I was even able to connect with some of my favorite colleges! I love CollegeXpress. Thank you!

Sadie Hartmann

Sadie Hartmann

High School Class of 2021

I'm a senior in high school, and CollegeXpress has helped me in so many ways this year in trying to navigate the process of deciding and committing to a university. The COVID-19 Student Resource Center has helped me many times with the most up-to-date and accurate information, along with financial aid and student life [advice]. During these uncertain times, CollegeXpress has been a great recourse to relieve the stress as a senior. Along with the COVID-19 Student Resource Center, I'm constantly using the extremely helpful tools off the site to aid me during this stressful process. Tools like the lists and rankings of universities have been the most beneficial. I've also used the site to receive expert advice on topics like financial aid. Finally, CollegeXpress has helped me easily apply for several scholarships. I'm thankful to be given the chance to win a scholarship to lessen the burden of my college debt.

Maurice Whan

Maurice Whan

$2,000 Spring Scholarship Contest Winner, 2021

This year has been tough for my family and myself, so receiving this scholarship has been a blessing in disguise! CollegeXpress has been an excellent resource in helping me prepare financially for college. Thank you again for this amazing opportunity!

Jessica Rinker

Jessica Rinker

Student, Fairhaven High School; CollegeXpress Student Writer

My high school counselor introduced me to CollegeXpress freshman year. It has made such a difference in high school, and I plan to continue relying on it in college. CollegeXpress is my go-to because it addresses each aspect of being a student. There are the articles you’d expect regarding college applications and financial aid, but you will also find advice on things like de-stressing and maintaining relationships while balancing a heavy course load. CollegeXpress will also keep you updated on current scholarships through e-mails each Saturday. (They don’t harass you with any product promotion like so many other sites do.) CollegeXpress is a lot like an older sibling who has already conquered the challenges you are facing. Now, they are reaching out a helpful hand. I say take it.

Kory Gilbertson

Kory Gilbertson

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has helped me explore my views on college in that "why do I wanna go to a certain school" way. It’s helped me explore the best fits in all of these outstanding choices. All these college admission counselors can access my accolades showing them how I could help their college. This source of information helps me show these admission directors who I am and what I'm interested in. Thanks to this platform, my experience for education will be better than most, and I'm so grateful for all that it has provided for me.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Saint Joseph's College

Standish, ME