Visiting campuses is kinda hard right now, so I've been trying to research online about the aesthetics of different schools. Could anyone share their insights or experiences about which colleges they consider the most beautiful? I’d appreciate it if anyone can share pictures or descriptions!
It can be a delight to explore the campus aesthetics which often reflects the culture, location, and historical nature of the university itself. Here are some colleges that often top the list for having beautiful campuses.
1. Stanford University: Known for its Mission Revival-style architecture, Stanford is characterized by red-tiled roofs, sandstone walls, and countless courtyards. The Palm Drive leading up to the main quad, and The Oval, a sprawling grassy area, are particularly notable.
2. Princeton University: Pristine and uniform Gothic-style architecture set against beautifully manicured courtyards gives Princeton a charming aesthetic.
3. Yale University: Yale’s campus is iconic for its Collegiate Gothic structures and courtyards. Notable sights include the Sterling Memorial Library and the Beinecke Rare Book Library.
4. Swarthmore College: This campus is part arboretum, making it an official tree sanctuary with more than 3000 labeled plants representing over 425 species.
5. University of Virginia: U.Va.’s campus, designed by Thomas Jefferson, touts neo-classical aesthetics around the Lawn and the Rotunda.
6. University of Colorado Boulder: Set against the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, it features Tuscan Vernacular Revival architectural style.
7. Duke University: Known for its Gothic Revival architecture, most notably the Duke Chapel.
8. Pepperdine University: Located in Malibu, California, its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean create a truly stunning setting.
9. University of Notre Dame: Iconic for the Golden Dome, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and the breathtaking Grotto.
10. Berry College: Holding the title for the largest campus in the world, it features English Gothic-style architecture and numerous hiking trails.
11. University of Washington: Cherry blossom trees lining Liberty Lane in the Quad are a legendary sight you'd see in spring at UDub.
12. Dartmouth College: The College on the Hill boasts a rustic look, surrounded by nature, reflecting its New England heritage.
13. University of Chicago: Gothic architecture dominates the campus, notably the Harper Memorial Library.
14. Hamilton College: Root Hall's Watchtower offers a panoramic view of the pastoral campus.
15. Wellesley College: A scenic lake, woodland, and hills, give the campus a landscape-garden feel.
16. Bryn Mawr College: The Collegiate Gothic architecture and tree-filled landscape create a memorable impression.
17. Rice University: The campus exudes Mediterranean flair with its consistent Byzantine-style architecture.
18. University of California, Santa Cruz: Located within a redwood forest overlooking Monterey Bay, it has a uniquely beautiful and natural campus.
19. Mount Holyoke College: The liberal arts women's college has a picturesque campus dotted with brick buildings and lovely gardens.
20. Georgetown University: The campus is filled with collegiate Gothic and Georgian brick architecture.
21. St. Olaf College: Located in Minnesota, the campus commands an extraordinary view of a landscape filled with trees and rolling hills.
22. University of San Diego: Known for its Spanish Renaissance architectural style, courtyards, gardens, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
23. Florida Southern College: The largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture makes the campus distinctively beautiful.
24. Rhodes College: Its campus is famed for Collegiate Gothic architecture and an arboretum-like setting.
25. Peabody College (Vanderbilt University): The campus is steeped in history with its Georgian architecture and vast green lawns.
26. Middlebury College: Middlebury is surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains and the architecture is made of marble quarried nearby.
27. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill: The lush trees and Neoclassical buildings—Monogrammed with 'UNC'—have timeless appeal.
28. Northwestern University: The campus sits on the shores of Lake Michigan with Chicago Skyline visible across the lake on a clear day.
29. Indiana University - Bloomington: Featuring an abundance of limestone buildings, it possesses a distinctly rustic look.
30. Scripps College: Mediterranean Revival Style architecture and landscaped gardens define Scripps' campus.
Remember, beauty can be very subjective, and something others find breathtaking might not resonate the same for you, and vice-versa. When determining which school is the best fit for you, consider other aspects as well like academics, location, culture, etc.
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