Hey everyone, I'm starting to think long and hard about where I want to apply to school. When it comes to narrowing down choices, I kinda value aesthetics a lot. So, could anyone provide a list or share experiences about what they consider the top 10 most beautiful colleges in the world? It might sound superficial, but a beautiful campus could really impact my decision-making process! Thanks in advance!
Absolutely, campus aesthetics can greatly impact your college experience and it's totally valid to consider it when making college decisions! Here are some campuses that both popular opinion and personal observations frequently rank high in the beauty department:
1. University of Oxford, UK: The combination of historic buildings and pristine gardens make Oxford truly breathtaking. It has a rich history and a standout collegiate Gothic architecture.
2. University of Cambridge, UK: Like Oxford, it's steeped in history and beautiful architecture. The iconic "Bridge of Sighs" is a must-see.
3. Princeton University, USA: Princeton's Collegiate Gothic architecture and spacious greenery transport you to a different era. The campus almost feels like a large, well-kept park.
4. Stanford University, USA: The Spanish colonial architecture and the palm-lined paths are very distinctive. Also, their Main Quad is notable.
5. University of Cape Town, South Africa: Nestled at the foot of Devil's Peak and Table Mountain, the campus boasts impressive views.
6. Pepperdine University, USA: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine offers the beach on one side and mountains on the other—it's quite picturesque.
7. University of Sydney, Australia: The sandstone buildings give the campus an old-world charm. Their iconic Quadrangle building is picturesque.
8. Trinity College Dublin, Ireland: Trinity College campus is quite beautiful with historical architecture and public squares. The Library's Long Room is a sight to behold!
9. Tsinghua University, China: A blend of Western and traditional Chinese architectural styles, its landscape includes gardens, springs, and parks.
10. University of Coimbra, Portugal: One of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, it's a blend of ancient and modern with beautiful surroundings.
Before you fall in love with the campus, it would still be beneficial to ensure that the college is a good fit academically and culturally too. Most universities offer virtual tours, which are a great starting point. You can get a sense of the layout and the vibe, and they usually take you to some of the most scenic areas of a campus.
If you have the means, I also recommend visiting in person once you've narrowed down your choices, as it gives you an opportunity to truly experience the campus atmosphere.
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