Hippie and Hipster Colleges

Hello! I'm looking for colleges with a strong counterculture vibe - essentially, hippie or hipster. I appreciate eco-consciousness, artsy scenes, strong political activism, and those sort of characteristics. Any suggestions?

Sure, several colleges have a reputation for having a counterculture, alternative, and artsy vibe.

Starting, Evergreen State College in Washington is certainly known for its eco-friendly habits, student activism, and general hippie culture. The classes here are interdisciplinary, and there are no traditional grades. This kind of alternative learning environment may particularly resonate with you.

Oberlin College in Ohio is another noteworthy institution. It is notable for its dedication to activism (it was the first to admit African American students and the first to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a co-ed program) and its arts scene, especially in music and theater.

Reed College in Oregon is known for its academic rigor, but it also has a pronounced hippie culture and a passion for intellectual independence and creativity. Its honors programs are modeled after the tutorial system at Oxford.

New College of Florida, a public liberal arts honors college, has a significant counter-cultural and artsy vibe. It's also quite beautiful - the campus is on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Plus, students take an active role in shaping their curriculums here.

Wesleyan University in Connecticut is known for being exceptionally open-minded and politically active, with a vibrant arts scene. The student body is often characterized as "hipstery."

Finally, I can't neglect to mention UC Berkeley, which was at the heart of the Free Speech Movement and still retains a very active, politically aware, and artsy air to it. Its location in the thriving Bay Area also advances its countercultural ambiance.

Hopefully, these suggestions help! Do some of your research to see which, if any, resonates with you and aligns with your academic and professional goals.