Understanding College Towns

This might sound weird, but what exactly makes a city a 'college town'? I've heard Savannah, Georgia described as one - what characteristics does it have that make it a college town?

A college town is typically characterized by a city or region where the social, economic, and cultural life is dominated or heavily influenced by a university or other higher educational institution. This can manifest in several ways.

First and foremost, the student population needs to be a significant part of the town's overall population. In such a town, you'd find a large portion of the community that is either attending or affiliated with the college, such as staff, faculty, or alumni.

Next, the lifestyle aspects revolve around the university's calendar, with significant celebrations or community events connected to things like football games, homecoming, graduation, or other university activities. There would also be a significant amount of businesses catering specifically to the student demographic, such as bookstores, campus-themed apparel shops, student-friendly eateries, and nightlife. Businesses may even adjust their hours according to the collegiate calendar.

Savannah, Georgia is considered a college town because of its well-known institution, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). SCAD enrolls several thousands of students and thus has a significant presence throughout the city. Its presence influences many aspects of the city, from the availability of art galleries and studios, to the topics of community conversations, and even the designs of the city's hotels and public spaces. While Savannah has other aspects beyond the college, such as a tourism industry and a naval base, the city's identity is strongly tied to SCAD and its influence is felt throughout the city.