As an international student, SMU was not a household university name I had grown up with, but it is one I will definitely be spreading to other countries. A small private school with approximately 7,000 undergrad students the college experience SMU offers is more intimate and more orientated to you than those of perhaps UT and Texas A&M. Situated barely north of Dallas, SMU is positioned close to many major companies situated in the business district. Strong on Greek Life and fairly passionate about SMU athletics the campus is beautiful and always buzzing with activity, especially in summer. While the cost may seem daunting to this private institution it is common for the majority of students to receive hefty financial aid. So don’t be put off by the price as the opportunities that common with getting to know a lot of your cohort and being situated in a city that is sunny almost all year round are endless.