Where exactly is Lehigh University located?

Hi folks, just finished junior year and starting to build up my college list. I'm interested in Lehigh University, but I'm not quite familiar with its location. Can anyone help me understand more about the place, lifestyle, and whether it's urban, suburban, or rural?

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Philadelphia and about 2 hours from New York City. Bethlehem is part of the larger Lehigh Valley region, which includes Allentown, Easton, and a number of smaller towns.

The university's campus is nestled on a mountain side, with a picturesque and isolated feel, although it's actually quite close to the downtown area of Bethlehem. This location gives students access to both natural beauty and urban amenities.

The campus itself would be considered suburban, but with a small-town feel due to Bethlehem's rich history and tight-knit community. However, the larger Lehigh Valley area is fairly populated and more urban, with various shopping centers, restaurants, cultural venues, and outdoor activities available.

As for lifestyle, students often describe it as balanced - there's a diverse range of activities, clubs, sports, and organizations to get involved in on campus and students also engage with the local community. There is also a strong school spirit and tradition at Lehigh, with regular sporting events, annual festivities, and campus traditions like the Rivalry Game with Lafayette College.

In summary, Lehigh University offers a blend of suburban life with access to more urban settings nearby. It's a place where students can enjoy a peaceful campus environment, engage with the local community, and experience the rich cultural offerings of the Lehigh Valley, all while having larger urban centers not too far away.

If you end up applying to Lehigh and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-lehigh-university-essays/. Good luck!