Fayetteville, Arkansas is an outstanding college town for a sound education. I had no idea about the town of Fayetteville or the state of Arkansas until I began my search for higher education in the United States. One’s imagination might not be a perfect picture of reality or expectations, but then they would have missed the opportunity to study in the ‘Natural State‘ (the nickname of Arkansas). Sometimes we need to take a leap of faith to move from our comfort zones in search of a promising future. And I’m sure glad I took that leap of faith to study at the University of Arkansas!
Before coming to Arkansas, I visualized Fayetteville as a bustling city like New York City with skyscrapers and traffic jams. All that reflected in my mind were the American motion pictures I usually watched on TV, believing everywhere in America would be the same as that of New York or Los Angeles. But no, Arkansas is a different place…a calm, charming environment graced with the sweet hospitality of the people, and an enviable natural beauty that you can’t imagine. It is a unique place which invites and warmly welcomes all cultures. Although it is a city small in size, it is mighty in deeds, filled with a young population, vibrant and hopeful in action. Though there were a lot of cultural shocks compared to my motherland, Ghana, the reception I received from the people of Fayetteville made me feel like I was one of them. Unlike other towns in Arkansas, Fayetteville and the surrounding area, is a really cosmopolitan area. Ironically, you don’t have to know someone before you can say ‘Hi’ or smile, because everyone, even strangers, are friendly to one another.
Fayetteville is among the top 10 most livable college towns in the United States. Our town was named the fourth best college town in the nation, and the best in the South Eastern Conference (SEC). Economically, Arkansas is not as rich as other big states you will think of, but it is one of the coolest and most recommended college towns for students to experience. It is a humble state with true natural beauty!
When looking on Google map about Fayetteville for the first time, the images were nothing special to catch my attention since I was from a similar big city of Accra, Ghana. But, little did I know, I was headed to a mighty land, a land where great men like the former U.S. President, Bill Clinton was born, lived and taught at the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Fayetteville may differ from your home country in many sectors such as the food, housing system and culture, but there are also many great similarities like the love they have for immigrants, the natural tourist areas, and panoramic views of the landscape which allows you to see large areas of land, towns and tall buildings. What I enjoy in Fayetteville most is the sense of community. My favorite activities during leisure time are going bowling, watching movies, eating at the East Buffet Restaurant, or going hiking. In fact, Arkansas has some incredible places that will make your jaw drop. The likes of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Lake Fayetteville, Mount Sequoyah, Eureka Springs, Magnolia Falls, Hot Springs, Mount Nebo, Buffalo River, and Devil’s Den are just a few of the many places you can enjoy.
-Joshua
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Source
Magnolia Falls waterfall flows toward the Buffalo River – the first National River in the United States. Source
“Fall” in love with Eureka Springs, AR. Source
