Open vs. Closed Campus: Which Are Better for College Students?
Open campuses offer freedom and community access, while closed campuses prioritize safety and structure.
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Whether you're an incoming freshman or a transferee, you have to admit that there's a list you consider when choosing the right college—one that hopefully best fits your personality. One of the most overlooked factors is the campus itself.
Luckily, you won't have to look up campus designs on your own as there are only two options to consider: open or closed. Both have their pros and cons that can be attuned to your individual needs and preferences, which will affect your comfort rate as well. After all, you'll be staying in college for years.
What Does Open Campus Mean?
Open campuses, as the term implies, are open to the public. Often, they blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods, cities and nearby communities. Spaces4Learning shared that this campus style, because it's open all the time, allows students to go off-campus to enjoy restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural attractions. Open campuses encourage independence and integration into the local community.
However, open campuses also come with challenges.
The lack of clear boundaries may lead to security concerns, as the campus is accessible to non-students. If you easily get distracted, you may find it harder to stay focused with so many distractions nearby. While open campuses are great for those who thrive in dynamic environments, they may not suit everyone.
What Does a Closed Campus Mean?
By definition of Law Insider, closed campuses are self-contained campus spaces with public access limited, often having guarded entrances and monitoring the security personnel to ensure their safety. That way, closed campuses ensure academic life for most students since students are less bothered by the problems of the real world.
Closed campuses are suited for students who would like to have a more organized environment. They usually offer a wide range of facilities available on campus, such as dining halls, gyms, and libraries, making sure that all needs are easily accessible.
One downside is that you may feel imprisoned or isolated since you have to pass by security to explore off-campus activities.
Which Type of Campus Style Suits You?
Ultimately, choosing between open and closed campuses depends on the student's preferences and priorities. You may prefer open campuses if you value freedom, community engagement, and off-campus opportunities. On the other hand, if you or your family prioritize safety, structure, and a focused academic setting, closed campuses are your space.
Either way, the type of campus style you'll end up with will still differ depending on the college or university you have in mind.
