The Top 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses

College is supposed to be the most important learning experience of your life, and not only in the classroom. The life skills you collect over your four (or five, or six…) years on campus are the foundation for all future personal growth. This is your chance to escape your parents’ iron rule and discover who you are as an individual. You’ll meet different kinds of people, see new things, and be introduced to fascinating, unexpected ideas.

The colleges and universities on this list are perfect backdrops for this exciting period of your life. Whether you want to stick close to home or travel halfway around the world, there is a college somewhere that fits your unique needs. Just be sure to study up – the majority of these schools are included in the QS World University Rankings 2020.

College is always fun, even if you’re stuck on an ugly, uninteresting campus. But why not shoot for the stars and apply at one of the Top 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the world?

Location: Stanford, California

Established: 1891

QS Ranking: 2

Is there anywhere on Earth with a greater concentration of money and power than Silicon Valley, home of Apple, Facebook, and Google?

Stanford University is right next door, located on more than 8,000 acres on the San Franisco Peninsula. To the west of the main campus are the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean; to the east lies San Francisco Bay. The campus is known for American Renaissance-style architecture, sprawling gardens, and tree-lined roadways.

Stanford's combinaton of top-tier academics, proximity to power, and gorgeous campus makes it a top choice for overachieving high school students from around the world.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Established: 1636

QS Ranking: 3

Nothing says 'old money Americana' like Harvard University, which sits on more than 5,000 acres in Cambridge - not Boston - Massachusetts. Harvard is the oldest university in America and one of the most influential academic institutions on Earth. The campus reflects that stature, with its somber red-brick buildings, manicured lawns, and sophisticated location near the banks of the Charles River. Plus, Boston's frankly beautiful downtown core is just minutes away.

If you weren't sold on Harvard as an academic choice, come for the campus's aesthetics!

Location: Oxford, England

Established: Around 1096

QS Ranking: 4

If you thought Harvard had history, if you thought Princeton had class, and if you thought Yale had old-world charm, welcome to the University of Oxford, one of the world's hallowed centers of higher education. 

Unlike most American colleges, Oxford is what's know as a 'city university': there is no main campus, and its facilities are scattered throughout the city center. In other words, the entire City of Oxford is the campus, and while it doesn't have the climate of Silicon Valley or the 21st century financial clout of New England, it has hundreds and hundreds of years of history.

The University of Oxford has been in operation for almost a millenium, and its most iconic buildings, including the Sheldonian Theatre and Radcliffe Camera (pictured), have inspired the design of colleges around the world.

Location: Cambridge, England

Established: Around 1209

QS Ranking: 7

You can't mention the University of Oxford without mentioning Cambridge. The two ancient English universities have many similarities: like Oxford, Cambridge is a city university; its facilities are woven into the city core and its students make up almost 20 per cent of the population.

It might even be argued that Cambridge is more beautiful than Oxford. The River Cam runs through its center, necessitating picturesque landmarks like the famous Bridge of Sighs, pictured above, which is part of the university's St. John's College.

Location: London, England

Established: 1826

QS Ranking: 8

The main campus of the academic institution formerly know as the University College London sits in Central London's Bloomsbury borough. The campus is anchored by the UCL Main Building, a hulking edifice that surrounds the Quad and includes separate facilities with fun names like the Octagon and the Cloisters. At the center of the Main Building is the Wilkins Building (pictured), a magnificent columned structure that makes it clear you have left the frenzied activity of the English capital and entered an environment where education is priority #1.

Of course, UCL's location in London's hectic downtown is a big part of this campus's appeal.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Established: 1890

QS Ranking: 10

The University of Chicago's main campus sits on 217 acres in Hyde Park, about 20 minutes south of the city's downtown. The suburban setting gives the campus a 'college town' feel, even though its grassy quads and hundred-year-old trees are nestled well within the city limits.

The campus includes six main quadrangles surrounded by Collegiate Gothic-style buildings inspired by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Their ivy-covered walls create an instensely academic atmosphere, while modern additions to the campus keep the university focused on the future. The University of Chicago is a perfect choice for scholars who want the best of both worlds: a small-town environment with all the conveniences and culture of one of America's biggest cities.

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Established: 1746

QS Ranking: 13

Princeton University's main campus, which sits on 500 acres in the town that provided its name, is dominated by buildings in the Collegiate Gothic style. At the University's northern edge sits Nassau Hall (pictured), the oldest building on campus, dating to the mid-1700s.

Like the other Ivy League schools, Princeton's campus features lush quads, wisened trees, and a general atmosphere of accomplishment and pride. Its host city contributes to that sensation, with its picturesque squares and well-heeled demeanor.

If you're interested in insulating yourself form the hardships of middle America, Princeton's the place for you. And, if you ever get tired of small-town living, New York and Philly are both less than two hours away.

Location: Ithaca, New York

Established: 1865

QS Ranking: 14

Unlike some of its more orderly Ivy League cousins, Cornell's campus is known for its eclectic architectural styles and irregular layout. The pre-World War II buildings are built in one style; more modern additions are built in another. Certain buildings are arranged into quads, others are not.

Cornell's quirky campus dominates petite Ithaca. It sits on 745 acres - not counting the sprawling, 4,300-acre Cornell Botanic Garden - overlooking the town and nearby Cayuga Lake. The university is known for its charming views; in autumn, the changing foliage attracts tourists from around the world.

Location: Beijing, China

Established: 1911

QS Ranking: 16

Located in northwest Beijing, Tsinghua University's campus combines Chinese-style landscaping and traditional buildings with facilities designed in the Western style. The campus is not only well-known for its beauty; it was once a symbol of Sino-American partnership. Yale graduate Henry Killam Murphy was instrumental in designing the original master plan and several early buildings.

Today, even though the relationship between Beijing and Washington has faltered, Tsinghua University's campus remains one of the most beautiful on Earth.

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Established: 1701

QS Ranking: 17

Yale is widely considered to have one of the most beautiful urban campuses in America - but forget the qualifier, this more than 300-year-old university boasts some of the most splendid architecture in American academia. Its crown jewel may be the Gothic Revival-style Sterling Memorial Library, designed by architect James Gamble Rogers. Somber and serious both inside and out, the library sets the tone for the rest of the campus. Yale is a school that takes itself seriously, as reflected by its pristinely-kept grounds and facilities.

Location: New York, New York

Established: 1754

QS Ranking: 18

There's a lot to love about Columbia's 32-acre main campus. The architecute is stunning, especially the incredible Butler Library, and the Steps are an iconic meeting place. But the real reason it's on this list is its location: there's nowhere in the world like New York City, and Columbia is directly in the middle of it. Imagine studying all day with your Ivy League classmates and then hopping on the subway to explore the city by night. That's the definition of a well-rounded college experience.

Location: Beijing, China

Established: 1898

QS Ranking: 22

Peking University - which continues to use an older spelling of the city's English name - has played an important role in China's recent history. It was the first modern national university established in the country, and has been a petri dish for intellectual and progressive schools of thought.

It also has a stunning campus that sits on the former site of the Qing Dynasty imperial gardens. Peking's aesthetics are more traditional than its rivals Tsinghua's, although Western elements are mixed in. The campus's highlights include lush foliage, several ponds and gardens, and the Boya Pagoda (pictured), which towers over Weiming Lake.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Established: 1877

QS Ranking: 22

Japan's most well-known and prestigious university has arguably its most beautiful academic campuses, featuring a wide variety of international architectural styles. The Hongo campus, in particular, is celebrated for its gingko trees, which burn gold through the autumn, and its famous Sanshiro Pond and surrounding garden, which date back to the 1600s.

As if that wasn't enough, the university is located near the heart of electric Tokyo, one of the world's most vibrant and exciting cities.

Location: Hong Kong

Established: 1911

QS Ranking: 25

The oldest tertiary education institution in Hong Kong is also its best-rated and most picturesque. The Main Building (pictured), which is built in the post-Renaissance style and features a handsome central clock tower, is located on Hong Kong Island in the city's south.

The institution's buildings are some of the few examples of British Colonial architecture remaining in the region.

Location: Toronto, Canada

Established: 1827

QS Ranking: 29

Toronto isn't know for its architecture - you could even call it an ugly city - but the University of Toronto is an exception. The campus is an oasis of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture in the city's predominantly steel-and-glass downtown, and its large central quad adds to Toronto's already-significant green space.

Like many of the urban universities on this list, the juxtaposition between city life and quiet college living is what makes this property so remarkable. Walking through St. George campus, it's hard to believe you're in the middle of North America's fourth-largest city.

Location: Montreal, Canada

Established: 1821

QS Ranking: 35

McGill's main campus is built on the lower slopes of Mount Royal, after which the City of Montreal is named. This predominantly English-speaking university in the French-speaking Province of Quebec is one of Canada's most respected academic institutions.

The architecture follows a similar pattern to many of North America's historic campuses: Classical architecture at the core, surrounded by more modern recent additions. But McGill has something those other campuses don't: Views of Montreal's beautiful downtown, and easy access to the city's unparalleled nightlife.

Location: Sydney, Australia

Established: 1850

QS Ranking: 42

That's not England you're looking at! Nope, it's not Scotland or Ireland either! In fact, it's nowhere close to Europe - it's the University of Sydney in beautiful New South Wales, Australia!

The architecture at the University of Sydney was made to recall the ancient English schools, but the material it was built with, sandstone, gives it a distinctly Down Under vibe. At Sydney, you can enjoy the grandeur of old English architecture with the sun and warmth of Australia. Not a bad combination.

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Established: 1909

QS Ranking: 47

Not ready to leave Australia? Us either. A short ten-hour drive up the country's east coast brings us to Brisbane, home of the beautiful University of Queensland. Like it's sandstone cousin in Sydney, Queensland features classical architecture and gorgeous, sweeping quads. The focus of this campus is the Great Court, a more than six-acre green space surrounded by regal buildings and featuring a unique pedestrian arcade.

Part of what makes the University of Queensland so beautiful is the unique Helidon sandstone used in its architecutre. The material comes in a variety of colors, from purple to brown to cream, giving some the campus's most prominent buildings a playful checkerboard appearance.

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Established: 1908

QS Ranking: 51

The architecture and layout of the University of British Columbia's main Point Grey Campus is perfectly fine, but its the region's natural splendor that makes this school so beautiful. Separated from the City of Vancouver by the Pacific Spirit Regional Park greenbelt, this 993-acre campus contains several museums, galleries, gardens, and performing arts theatres. More importantly, it's located on the Point Grey Peninsula, nearby several beaches and with sweeping views of the North Shore mountains. This campus celebrates rugged, Northwestern beauty at its finest.

Location: Seattle, Washington

Established: 1861

QS Ranking: 68

The University of Washington's massive Seattle campus is one of the most imposing properties on this list. It contains more than 500 buildings, including 26 libraries, sitting on over 700 acres. At the core of the main campus is the Quad, a Yoshino cherry tree-lined expanse that erupts into bloom every spring. Other notable spaces include the Red Square, a gathering place and event space, and the Suzzallo Library, a Collegiate Gothic wonder and the most recognizable building on campus.

The University of Washington maintains close ties with some of the area's tech giants, such as Microsoft and Amazon. That, combined with its brilliant campus, makes Washington a top choice for some of America's most promising highschoolers.

Location: Leuven, Belgium

Established: 1425

QS Ranking: 80

About 16 miles from Brussels sits the ancient city of Leuven, Belgium. If you've never heard of it, you're probably not a beer enthusiast - it's the hometown of Stella Artois! More importantly (for the purposes of this article) it's also home to Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which can be roughly translated to 'Catholic University of Leuven,' and which is commonly and mercifully shortened to KU Leuven.

Like Oxford and Cambridge, Leuven is both old (peep that establishment date) and a city university, meaning the campus and the town are more or less interchangeable. And Leuven is a beautiful town, full of medieval charm, centuries-old architecture, and beer, plenty of beer.

Location: Moscow, Russia

Established: 1755

QS Ranking: 84

In the 1950s, Stalin asked (ordered) architect Lev Vladimirovich Rudnev to design seven massive towers - the Seven Sisters - to loom over Moscow. The tallest of the bunch became home to Lomonosov Moscow State University, the most prestigious academic institution in all of the former Soviet Union.

It's difficult to overstate the ambition of this architectural undertaking. The tower pictured above was the tallest on earth outside of New York when it was completed, and remained the tallest building in Europe until 1990.

Even today, the building is nothing short of spectacular, and the presitigious university it houses remains a premiere center of post-secondary learning.

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Established: 1789

QS Ranking: 90

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is what's known as a 'Public Ivy' - a college that provides an Ivy League education without an Ivy League price tag.

UNC Chapel Hill offers more than an elite education - the campus is also phenomenal. Sitting on 729 acres in Chapel Hill's downtown, the campus features two central quads - Polk Place and McCorkle Place - and features numerous landmarks - the Pit, the Old Well rotunda - and several large green spaces.

Like many southern universities, UNC Chapel Hill combines classic academic architecture with a lush, green campus that reflects the region's agricultural past.

Location: Hanover, New Hampshire

Established: 1769

QS Ranking: 94

Do all these Ivy League schools look a little alike? Sure, but there's no denying their old-money charm. Located on 269 acres in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College overlooks the Connecticut River in New England's rural Upper Valley region. At the heart of the campus is the Dartmouth Green, a space where staff, faculty, and students mingle freely. The campus is dotted with towering American elms, and the famous Appalachian Trail runs right through it.

Dartmouth College is the ultimate upscale rural college-going experience - to some, that might not sound appealing. To others, there's no sweeter sound than the Baker Bell Tower playing 'Alma Mater' every day at six.

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Established: 1592

QS Ranking: 108

Like several other schools on this list, Trinity College's architecture is modeled after Oxford and Cambridge. A major difference is that this school features a confined, 47-acre campus. The grounds are known for their tranquil and collegiate atmosphere, despite being surrounded by the boisterous city of Dublin. The effect was accomplished by squeezing numerous buildings around large 'squares' (Irish for quads) and limiting the number of public entrances.

The best-recognized landmark on campus is the Campanile bell tower (pictured), but Trinity's real beauty comes from its serene, academic atmosphere.

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Established: 1928

QS Ranking: 145

Ever considered going to college in Denmark? If not, Aarhus University may change your mind. Located on the country's east coast, Aarhus is considered a crowning achievement in Danish architecture. The campus plan was developed by architects Kay Fiser, C.F. Moller, and Povl Stegmann in cooperation with landscape architect Carl Theodor Sorensen. The end result was a sprawling campus dotted with yellow brick buildings and centered around University Park.

The Scandanavian countries have a unique charm. Universities in Denmark may not feature the ancient elm trees and ivy-covered walls we're accustomed to, but there's no denying the quality and beauty of their academic institutions.

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Established: 1819

QS Ranking: 198 (tied)

It's difficult to discuss the University of Virginia without immediately thinking of the hideous "Unite the Right" rally that took place there in 2017. The event was an ugly smear on the university and the state's already - um - questionable history. But from a purely aesthetic position, the University of Virginia is one of the most gorgeous places in America. Its campus sits on 1,135 acres of lush Charlottesville real estate and is anchored by the 'Academical Village,' a sweeping complex imagined by Thomas Jefferson that features a large quad ('the Lawn'), student and faculty housing, and several pavilions and gardens. The Village's most recognizable landmark is the Rotunda, a columned building based on the Roman Pantheon.

Much of the campus is protected as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Established: 1829

QS Ranking: 198

This may be the most dramatic entry on our list. It's got the columned buldings and ivy-covered walls we've come to expect from beautiful university campuses; it's also built into the slopes of Devil's Peak, the mountain that looms over Cape Town.

Imagine leaving your graduation ceremony at Sarah Baartman Hall and looking over the campus rugby fields to the city below. You'd feel - and practically would be - on top of the world.

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Established: 1876

QS Ranking: 206

The flagship of the University of Colorado system, Boulder's campus was designed by Charles Klauder and features distinct Tuscan Vernacular Revival-style architecutre. The red-tiled roofs are recognizable anywhere, as is the campus's location in the shadow of Flagstaff Mountain, pictured above.

Boulder isn't just a world-class academic institution, it also has one of the most unique and recognizable campuses on this list.

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

Established: 1842

QS Ranking: 210

Notre Dame's imposing campus covers 1,261 acres and contains 170 buildings, including several notable landmarks. The Main Building with its famous Golden Dome, is a particular point of pride among alumni. So to are the vast Roman Catholic Basilica, Notre Dame Stadium (with a capacity of nearly 80,000), and the Grotto.

The campus of the University of Notre Dame also contains two lakes, numerous public artworks and monuments, and extensive quads and greenery. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the South Bend region.

Location: Kingston, Canada

Established: 1841

QS Ranking: 239

Located roughly midway between Toronto and the Canadian capital of Ottawa, picturesque Kingston sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. Queen's University anchors the city's downtown. It sits on 99 acres and features the same type of greenery and classic architecture favoured by America's Ivy League institutions.

If you want to get creative, you could even say that Queen's has a transatlantic campus: the university owns Herstmonceaux Castle in Sussex, England. It was donated by an alumnus in the 1990s.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Established: 1949

QS Ranking: 247

Located in beautiful Seoul, Kyung Hee University is a bastion of classical architecture in a thoroughly modern city. The university is known not only for its imposing central building, but also for the serene natural beauty that sweeps over the campus during cherry blossom season.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Established: 1907

QS Ranking: 326

Manoa is the flagship campus of Hawaii's excellent university system. Perhaps its most prominent attraction is the East-West Center Japanese Garden, a symbol of the close relationship between Hawaii and Japan that features meandering streams, waterfalls and pagodas.

But the true allure of this campus is in its wider setting. The climate is perfect, and white sand beaches are right around the corner.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Established: 1886

QS Ranking: 331

Ewha Womans University is one of the few entries on this list that prioritizes modern architecture. Recent additions to the campus include a massive artificial passageway designed by French architect Dominique Perrault.

The campus also includes more traditional architecture that reflects the school's place in history. It was the first university to be founded in South Korea, and it is currently the world's largest female educational institute.

Location: Coimbra, Portugal

Established: 1290

QS Ranking: 406

One of the oldest schools on our list, the University of Coimbra has occupied its current location since 1537. It was previously located in Portugal's capital, Lisbon.

The University of Coimbra was designated a world heritage site in 2013. Its massive library, botanical gardens, sports complexes, observatory, and other facilities are all woven into the fabric of the ancient city. The aesthetic is classically Portuguese: sun-bleached walls surrounded by tough, wirey plants. Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the University of Coimbra captures its essence.

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Established: 1918

QS Ranking: 427

Neither as old nor as dramatic as the earlier South African entry on this list, the campus at Stellenbosch University is nonetheless divine. Situated about 50 miles from Cape Town in the nation's wine-producing region, it is encircled by looming mountains and features a vaunted botanical garden.

Stellenbosch is the less ostentatious, slightly more down-to-Earth option for South African university-goers.

Location: Xiamen, China

Established: 1921

QS Ranking: 451

Xiamen University's main campus in the city's Siming District is all about natural beauty. Located on the China's southeastern coast, it sits in the foothills of a small mountain and is surrounded by Xiamen Bay. The campus faces the ocean.

Xiamen is known for its agreeable climate - you can see palm trees in the picture above - and its university is renowned for its world-class libraries, not to mention its beautiful views.

Location: Seri Iskandar, Malaysia

Established: 1997

QS Ranking: 482

Easily the youngest university on this list, Malaysia's Universiti Teknologi Petronas doesn't shy away from modern architecture. Located about two hours from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, this 990-acre campus was designed by the architectural firm Foster and Partners. In 2007, the design was awarded the AgaKhan Award for Architecture.

This campus's highlights - the performing arts center, Chancellor Hall, and the An-Nur Mosque, pictured - prove that universities don't have to be old to be beautiful.

Location: Salamanca, Spain

Established: Unknown; teaching has occurred since at least 1130

QS Ranking: 601-650

Like most of the ancient schools on this list, the University of Salamanca's campus is inseperable from the city that hosts it. The same features that make Salamanca a tourist destination - its grand courtyards, its medieval Spanish architecture, its vibrant culture - make the University of Salamanca once of the most beautiful academic institutions on earth.

Location: San Diego, California

Established: 1960

QS Ranking: 801-1000

There's a lot to like about San Diego State: the weather's fantastic, it's a top-ten university in terms of racial and ethnic diversity, and the campus is nothing short of gorgeous. Several key buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its central academic building, Hepner Hall, is an iconic example of Mission Revival architecture.

San Diego State's unique look fits perfectly with its location deep in the American southwest.

Location: Mumbai, India

Established: 1857

QS Ranking: 801-1000

If you don't mind the sweltering heat and think you'd enjoy living in one of the world's largest and most densely populated cities, the University of Mumbai might be for you!

You won't be disappointed by the campus - at the university's original Fort Campus location, you'll find gothic architecture, including the famous Rajabi Clock Tower, surrounded by towering palm trees and dense greenery. This is one of the most uniquely beautiful campuses on this list, a relic of England's imperial past in one of India's most modern and forward-looking cities.

Location: Mount Berry, Georgia

Established: 1837

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Located in northwestern Georgia's Floyd County, Berry College sits on the "world's largest campus," 27,000 acres of forest, meadows, and wildlife. If you're an avid outdoors person, this campus is for you - it touts hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding (!) trails, and is even home to a large deer population.

But Berry College isn't just about rugged outdoor space. The campus also features regal English Gothic buildings, manicured grounds, and a reflecting pool to rival any Ivy League institution.

Location: Hamilton, New York

Established: 1819

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Colgate University, named after the son of the guy who founded the company that makes the toothpaste, sits on a beautiful campus in rural upstate New York. The school is surrounded by a patchwork of farms, rolling hills, scenic lakes, and dense woods.

The campus's beauty changes with the seasons. In the summer time it features dense greenery; in winter, thick snow. In autumn, the foliage changes to a bright, burning orange, as you can see in the above picture, overlooking the campus's Taylor Lake.

Location: St. Augustine, Florida

Established: 1968

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Down in Northern Florida, on 19 acres in St. Augustine, sits Flagler College, one of the most unusual college campuses in America. The school is housed in what used by a luxury the hotel; the Ponce de Leon was built in 1888 in the Gilded Age style by architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings. The exterior, as you can see, is ornate. The interior is nothing short of oppulent - the dining hall and lobby are designed for presidents and movie stars, not undergrads.

Location: Greenville, South Carolina

Established: 1826

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Through those gates sits Furman University, a college campus that was voted one of the most beautiful places in the United States by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campus is anchored by Furman Lake, around which most of its buildings are clustered. Other points of interest including the impressive Bell Tower and the grand James B. Duke Library.

Location: South Hadley, Massachusetts

Established: 1837

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Mount Holyoke College is one of the presitigious 'Seven Sisters,' a group of colleges founded to provide education to women before they were accepted at the Ivy Leagues. Mount Holyoke was the first to accept students to its 800-acre campus, which is consistently listed among the most beautiful in America.

The campus features a botanical garden, two lakes, several waterfalls, tennis courts, stables, horseback riding trails, and even an 18-hole golf course.

Location: Malibu, California

Established: 1937

QS Ranking: Not ranked

There are a lot of beautiful college campuses in America, but few rival Pepperdine's. Designed by architect and urban planner William Pereira, this 830-acre campus in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. There are views of Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and parts of West Los Angeles.

At the campus's heart is Alumni Park, a 30-acre expanse of lawns, trails, hills, ponds, and tress, all overlooking the ocean. The arhictecture is quintessental Mediteranean Revival: stucco walls, red tile roofs, and large tinted windows.

Bonus trivia: Zoey 101 was filmed there!

Location: Colwood, Canada

Established: 1995

QS Ranking: Not ranked

This quaint little castle on the outskirts of Victoria, British Columbia, is the centerpiece of Royal Roads' more than 640-acre campus, which also features extenseive walking, hiking and biking trails and views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which runs between Vancouver Island and Washington's Olympic National Park.

The Pacific Northwest's unique florae and fauna are central to this campus's splendor, as is its renowned Japanese garden.

Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Established: 1864

QS Ranking: Not ranked

As you stroll through Swarthmore College's 425-acre campus, it's easy to foget that you're just 11 miles away from Philadelphia. The rolling lawns, wooded hills, and hiking trails lined with flowering trees might as well be on another planet.

Let's talk about the trees: Swarthmore contains the Scott Arboretum, a collection of trees that includes more than 4,000 kinds of ornamental plants. Also on campus is an incredible grassy amphitheatre that looks like something out of a children's fantasy story.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Established: 1935

QS Ranking: Not ranked

Sometimes, a single building is beautiful enough to elevate the stature of an entire academic institution. In the case of Tokyo's Tama Art University, it's the library. Designed by architectural firm Toyo Ito and Associates, the library's high, wide arches and serene coloring are nothing short of otherworldly. You can almost imagine Studio Ghibli characters drifting through this scene. What better place to find artistic inspiration?