This year, 79 students shed the red and gray of their old school and went about a mile down the road to put on the orange and brown.
Bowling Green High School is the largest feeder school into BGSU, bringing 79 students into the University this year, and 340 students within the past four.
For some students, going to college in their hometown is an ideal fit. For sophomore Kirsta Nagy, the transition from high school to college was easy because of the familiarity with the area.
‘I already know my way around,’ Nagy said. ‘It’s nice to know the back roads and all the best places to go and not have to worry about where something is in relation to Wooster Street or Main Street – since those are the only two streets people know when they first come to BG.’
Knowing the streets can be valuable, but for sophomore Samantha Lapierre, having a family that lives on one of the streets can be even more comforting.
‘I saved a lot of money with going to BGSU and if I ever needed anything my parents were willing to help me out,’ Lapierre said. ‘Being a college student and being in debt isn’t fun so having parents close by and for them to be able to help out is a plus.’
By not moving out of their comfort zones, Director of Admissions Gary Swegan said townies may miss out on getting to explore a new city.
‘A disadvantage is they’ve always been here and do not have the opportunity to step out and get another experience,’ Swegan said.
He said Bowling Green High School students think they know a lot about the University because they lived around campus their whole lives, but once they get there, their eyes open up like everyone else’s do.
For freshman Craig O’Brock, transitioning into college life can be more difficult as a townie, especially if they still live at home.
‘You don’t have the typical experience,’ O’Brock said. ‘You miss some stuff living off-campus.’
Getting involved in campus organizations is one way for townies that don’t experience life in the residence halls to make more friends. O’Brock has joined a fraternity and the pre-physical therapy club as a way to be more connected to the campus.
But there are some perks to living at home, O’Brock said. Like free laundry, home cooked meals and no campus housing bills.
O’Brock’s mother, Debbie, said one thing she thinks is more difficult for townies is becoming self-sufficient.
‘The hardest thing is transitioning to independence while at home,’ Debbie said.
Lapierre is happy with her decision to go to BGSU, even if she is missing out on exploring a new stomping ground.
‘I don’t really feel like I missed out by not going to college somewhere else,’ Lapierre said. ‘I’m still having fun.’
Nagy sometimes wishes she went to school further from home, like some of her friends.
‘My other choice was Ohio University, and I have friends who did end up going there and sometimes I’m jealous of them, mainly because it seems like they are more on their own since they are so far from home,’ Nagy said.
However, she said enjoys BGSU and still feels like she is having a good college life.
‘But I’m happy that I ended up at BG because even though I’m still in my hometown, the University has so many opportunities to offer and I still feel like I’m getting a great college experience,’ Nagy said.