I did the bulk of my course work at California State University Northridge before transferring to San Francisco State and finishing there.
I guess one reason why I didn't experience the "traditional" college life is that both CSUN and SF State were "commuter" schools - which means - you came to school that morning, went to class, and left back for home that afternoon.
No one in my seven years of college "lived on campus" or experienced "dorm life" because we all commuted and had lives outside of school.
Nearly every girl (woman) in my classes was already in a relationship - either boyfriend or already married.
