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It seems pretty easy. You get accepted to a school, pick a career, do the work, and four years later (or more for all your under- or overachievers out there), you graduate. But there’s more to college than pulling all-nighters, adopting a coffee habit and racing to and from class. It’s about building friendships, bonding over memories and enjoying a friendly competition. 

That’s why every college town provides something different so there’s nothing wrong with being fully equipped before making that commitment. Whether you’re all for a great party or looking to hone your sportsmanship skills, here are five towns whose college experiences goes way beyond the books.

Sherbrooke, Canada

Looking for a stage to showcase your artistic expression?  Well the city of Sherbrooke is ready to see you shine like a star. It is Quebec’s thriving university capital, where musicians, dancers and actors perfect their craft.

 In fact, there is hardly ever a moment the Bishop University Centennial Theater or the Université de Sherbrooke curtains' aren’t raised and great performances aren’t dominating their platforms followed by thunders of clapping. So dust off your French skills and join Sherbooke’s population of talented students for a great show.

Sao Carlos, Brazil

Home to the renowned Universidade Federal de Dao Carlos as well as two of the Universidade de Sao Paulo campuses, the city’s high population of students is quite experienced when it comes to dancing away the stress of studying. And with many concerts and various artists frequenting the area, you might as well be down for a good party.  

St. Andrews, Scotland

Fancy a game of golf? St. Andrews is not only known for housing one of Europe’s premier institutions which is the University of St Andrews, it also provides green manicured lawns that allow students and businessmen to roll up their sleeves during rounds of golf.

 In fact, the city is known as “home of golf” thanks to the establishment of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.  You can bet when students aren’t competing for great test scores, they are sure to be teeing off on the greens.

Aarhus, Denmark 

Institutions like Aarhus University thrive by living up to the young spirit that Aarhus is known to have by providing themed Friday hotspots and many social events such as the ‘Contest for the Golden Bedpan’ to push its students to connect with each other on a social setting as they would in the classroom.