For one, there are significantly fewer social distractions that get in the way of one's academic pursuits. The typical academic demands made on a Michigan Tech student are such that it is probably a major advantage that Houghton is fairly secluded. Going to a university with a small population makes for longer lasting and more intense collegiate friendships in the long run. There are numerous student organizations . Nothing is appreciated by a student as much as a care package sent by Mom or Dad containing homemade cookies or containing some of the basics of home like toiletries or photos of the family.
Students can car-pool it and drive downstate collectively for the weekend at reduced costs for all.
While sharing driving expenses and duties, the other students can socialize or study, and thus make good use of the 12 hour drive. The use of e-mail has shortened distances enormously. Tech students can stay in touch with their high school buddies who are now going to school in California, Florida or Israel just as easily as they send e-mail to their buddies who are over in the McNair or DHH dorms. Getting involved in campus activities is an excellent way to meet new people and to establish friendships that will last throughout your collegiate career, and perhaps a lifetime. Perhaps because of its remote location, Michigan Tech has a surprisingly large number of student organizations devoted to a wide range of interests.