There are a select few colleges that are lucky enough to have had their campus planted on the shore. And for students going to school at these locations, the surf’s up all year! Check out some of these campuses on the coast:
West Coast
University of California, Santa Barbara
Nestled between the California coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains, UC Santa Barbara is a little slice of heaven. The 1,000-acre campus has seven miles worth of bike paths, making student navigation both easy and scenic! And with Los Angeles about 100 miles away, it’s a secluded, peaceful location without the stress of the city.
University of California, Santa Cruz
UC campuses get two for two! Located on Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz is a nature lover’s dream. On campus, you’ll find things to explore like the Porter Caves, hiking trails, an open space reserve called Pogonip, and of course, the nearby Redwoods.
Pepperdine University
Imagine what a tropical spa on the coastline would look like: now add some academia to the mix, and voila, you have Pepperdine. Located in Malibu, California, the University is a constant contender for many “most beautiful” college rankings published each year, including receiving the No. 16 “Most Beautiful Campus” in the 2010 Princeton Review.
Gulf Coast
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi
If this Texas A&M campus ever wants to expand, they will need to invest in some houseboats! Dubbed “The Island University,” the campus is housed on a small island connected to mainland only by roads. The University offers a Marine Biology program for those looking to study marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.
East Coast
Nova Southeastern University
Located in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, the main campus is a short drive away from the beautiful Florida coastline. The University takes advantage of the seaside location with a state-of-the-art Oceanographic Center that occupies 10 acres surrounded by water (talk about being submerged in your studies!).
Endicott College
The North Shore of Massachusetts is a hidden gem, and Endicott College takes advantage of the New England beauty. Located in Beverly, Endicott has two beaches right on campus: Patch Beach and Mingo Beach. You’ll have to bundle up for cold weather most of the year, though!
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
The surf is always up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and with a beachside location, it’s hard not to hang ten between classes. An area known for good waves, the UNCW Surf Club takes advantage of the coastal campus and shreds no matter what the weather.
