I've been a Harry Potter fan for as long as I can remember. So, this might sound silly, but are there any colleges that are reminiscent of Hogwarts? Like, architecture-wise or even tradition-wise? What would you say are the colleges most like Hogwarts?
Absolutely! The world of Harry Potter has left an indelible mark on many of us, and it's natural to crave a bit of that magic when considering colleges. Here are a few that might remind you of Hogwarts:
1. University of Oxford, Oxford, England: While moving across the pond might be a big step, Oxford University is known for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Christ Church College, which was used as a filming location for the dining hall at Hogwarts. The many unique Oxford traditions, such as matriculation and formal hall dinners, are also reminiscent of Harry Potter!
2. Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA: Yale is known for its residential colleges that bring together students from all different backgrounds, somewhat like the houses at Hogwarts! The Gothic-style architecture is also sure to give you Hogwarts vibes.
3. University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA: Known for its collegiate gothic architecture, The University of Chicago has a certain Hogwarts-ness to it. It also has a House system, where undergraduate students join one of 38 houses which become a central part of their university social life.
4. Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA: The towering Duke Chapel, gothic-style buildings, and large campus can give off a Hogwarts-like feel.
5. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA: Cornell has a famous library that is always compared to Hogwarts for its beauty. Additionally, the Risley dorm hall looks like a mini-Hogwarts inside, even hosting Harry Potter-themed dinners every semester!
However, remember while the architecture and traditions can give you that Hogwarts feeling, be sure to consider other important aspects when choosing the right college for you like course offerings, location, size, faculty, and financial considerations.
Just a note, the Harry Potter series was actually filmed in parts of England, including Oxford University and Gloucester Cathedral, so you might consider studying abroad if you're really keen on immersing yourself in that environment! Either way, you're sure to find a bit of magic no matter where you study. Good luck with your college search!
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