I absolutely adore beautiful surroundings and architecture, and knowing I'll be spending the next 4 years of my life on a college campus - I want it to be a place that gives me joy just to be there! Can any of you list some standout college campuses in the US that are known for their beauty?
The beauty of a college campus is subjective and can depend on personal preferences. However, some campuses are often praised for their aesthetic appeal:
- University of Virginia (UVA): This campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It strikes a balance between historic and contemporary architecture and it's got a stunning brickwork and beautiful gardens. You might want to explore The Lawn, which is the original heart of Thomas Jefferson's academic village.
- Bryn Mawr College: This small liberal arts college outside Philadelphia has a breathtaking campus with Gothic architecture and sprawling green spaces. The campus is typically laden with blossoming trees in the spring and a vibrant array of colors come fall.
- Stanford University: Known for its mission-style architecture, the Stanford campus, with its red-tiled roofs and sand-colored buildings, reflects the California setting. The vast campus offers a mix of architectural styles, from the austere, fortress-like Hoover Institute to the modernist, circular Hoover Tower.
- Pepperdine University: The Malibu campus is breathtaking for its scenic coastal location with highly maintained lawns and impressive fountains. The view of the Pacific Ocean is hard to beat!
- Berry College in Georgia: It contains the world's largest contiguous college campus, sprawling over 27,000 acres, much of which is filled with natural forest, trails, and streams.
- Duke University: Their campus is renowned for Collegiate Gothic architecture and the picturesque Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a must-visit spot on campus.
- The University of Chicago: Its Gothic architecture amidst urban setting gives it a unique beauty. Particularly stunning are the ivy-covered stone buildings and the famous Rockefeller Chapel.
- Princeton University: With its Collegiate Gothic architecture and expansive lawns, Princeton's campus is often considered one of the most beautiful, particularly during fall when the trees turn colors.
Naturally, college selection should also heavily be based on academic programs, college culture, and more - so while campus beauty can contribute to an enjoyable college experience, do ensure that the other aspects of the college are also a good fit for you.
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