Cool College Campuses

After years of exploring college towns and campuses across the country, I’ve come to appreciate the ones that truly stand out. If you’re looking for a school with serious wow-factor, these cool college campuses deliver with iconic architecture, natural beauty, and that electric student energy you can feel as soon as you arrive. I’ve walked these quads myself—and trust me, you’ll want to explore them too.

Highlights I Always Recommend:

• Walk the ivy-covered paths at Princeton and Yale—every time I visit, I feel like I’m stepping into history with a side of academic prestige.
• Explore UC Santa Barbara’s beachfront campus. I’ve seen students surf between classes—yes, really—and the sunsets are unforgettable.
• Visit the University of Washington in spring. I timed one trip for the cherry blossoms, and with Mount Rainier in the distance, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
• Experience the buzz in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. I’ve wandered from quirky bookstores to game-day crowds—it’s the full college-town package.
• Admire the gothic towers and live music scene at UT Austin. I’ve caught street performers and taco trucks on the same stroll—it’s Austin through and through.

Cool College Campuses: