Top 5 Colleges to Visit in the US

Mar 04 2014

College towns. What’s not to love? Always a history, a thirst for knowledge and… beer. Here are the top 5 campuses to visit and why:

#5. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Providence, RI

One of the country’s oldest and leading art schools, founded in 1877. RISD is ranked as the top art and design school in the US. From the award-winning sculpture WaterFire to the historical beauty of the East Side, this town is full of history with contemporary gems. The Fleet Library alone is a work of art. Built in 1917, this early 20th century bank was transformed into an opulent library in 2002,  with a vaulted glass ceiling from which a delicate clock suspends like a pendulum. It is noted for its artist’s book collection, rare books, and rich visual resource collections. Be sure to visit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, founded in 1877 and housing over 86,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary.

 

 

 

#4. University of Colorado (CU-Boulder) Boulder, CO

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado has a lot to offer. Outdoor activities are plentiful: ski and snowboard, hiking and biking. There are numerous sites and buildings to see on campus too, due to CU’s distinctive architecture. CU-Boulder has a perfect blend of art and science: with art galleries, museum, theatre, and planetarium. The Planetarium and Science Center, features a 60-foot planetary dome; producing laser shows, live concerts, and on-going public programs. The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History is one of the most extensive natural history collections in the country, representing disciplines of Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Paleontology, and Zoology. For more attractions, check out “The Hill”, a college neighborhood in Boulder directly west of campus, look for it’s main 13th street. There you will find the Fox Theatre, a celebrated concert venue. Find Catacombs, Boulder students’ best kept secret. Hidden below the Hotel Boulderado you will find this low-key bar with serious local loyalty, cheap microbrews, old-school video games and karaoke night—what more do you need?

 

#3. University of Washington (UW) Seattle, WA 

The University of Washington, Seattle Campus, is situated on the shores of Union and Portage Bays, with views of the Cascade Mountain Range to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Founded in 1861, UW is one of the oldest universities on the west coast, best known for its school of medicine. Sustainability is valued at UW, as of February 2006 all of Seattle campus’ electricity is purchased from renewable sources. The University of Washington is nestled in the unique water-ruled city of Seattle. The university’s Suzzallo Library is made of sandstone in the Collegiate Gothic style; with high vaulted ceiling, tall stained glass windows, and oak bookcases with hand-carved friezes of native plants. This library is truly a scholar’s sanctuary, with three cast stone figures representing “Thought,” “Inspiration,” and “Mastery” standing above the main entrance. To get a vibe for the town, visit University Way known to locals as “The Ave”. There in the U District, you will find unofficial cultural landmarks like Big Time Brewery, The Blue Moon Tavern and Scarecrow Video, the largest video store on the west coast.

 

 

#2. University of Vermont (UVM) Burlington, VT

Founded in 1791, UVM is among the oldest universities in the US. This scenic town with views of Lake Champlain, cobblestone Church Street, and old-town-farm vibe will warm your heart; no matter how cold it gets. Kayak, hike, bike, a great place for outdoor-types. The university has a long history of progress in operational environmental sustainability on campus, establishing many projects and programs to reduce emissions and waste. The college offers so much including the UVM Concert Bureau. The UVM Concert Bureau brings live music to the UVM community. Students are in charge of choosing and booking bands, they are responsible for all aspects of show production. Acts such as: R.E.M., Phish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lou Reed, Primus, The String Cheese Incident, Bob Dylan, MSTRKRFT, Ratatat, Thievery Corporation, the Disco Biscuits, Jurassic 5, the Allman Brothers; all have performed.

 

 

#1. University of California Berkeley, CA

Established in 1868, Berkeley is the oldest institution in the UC system. Berkeley was been charged with providing both “classical” and “practical” education for the state’s people. With bragging rights of 72 Nobel Prize winners having attended and six chemical elements of the periodic table discovered, UC Berkeley has a strong science backbone. Being located in the artful SF bay gives it a unique vibe. Niche places like Amoeba Music on Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley’s main shopping district, share history with the campus. Coffee-lovers can indulge in the numerous cafes filled with music and art. For inspiring views of the San Francisco Bay, check out Sather Tower (The Campanile), UC Berkeley’s most recognized symbol with a 61-bell carillon and clock. Catch a concert at the Greek Theatre, an 8,500 seat amphitheater hosting numerous events. Stop by The Albatross for a beer, Berkeley’s oldest pub. Natural sites on campus include numerous wooded areas, one being Eucalyptus Grove, the tallest stand of such trees in the world.