There are thousands of universities all over the world whose campuses are within reach of sandy beaches and tranquil seas, but whether you’re looking at coastal universities in Australia, New Zealand or USA, the important thing is to make sure that your chosen course and campus suits your educational needs as much as your recreational ones. If you are considering an application to a coastal university we’ve put together this list of the very best educational establishments where you’ll enjoy sun, sea and student satisfaction in equal measure.
Janss Steps Royce Hall, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
For those wondering where to study in the USA for a coastal college experience many people’s first choice is University of California, Los Angeles. Their UCLA logo is seen on casual apparel around the world, and their 27th place World University Ranking means its students enjoy excellent educational opportunities. California is also home to many other great coastal colleges including San Diego State, California Polytechnic, the University of San Francisco, California Santa Cruz, California Long Beach and many more. The University of California, Santa Barbara even has its own beach, and its firm focus on an outdoor lifestyle means that over half of all students traverse the campus via bicycle – making it a perfect choice for any fitness enthusiasts.
University of Miami Lake, Miami, Florida, USA
If you’re looking for universities in the USA’s eastern coastal states then as a top 300 ranked facility The University of Miami is your best choice. UM has over 180 courses and research programs in subjects as diverse as psychology, education, engineering and marine science, in addition to having its own specialist law and medical schools. And with its campus located less than two miles from the world-famous Miami beach the chance to relax is no more than moment away.
Winthrop Hall, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
With the top 100 ranked University of Western Australia situated just a few miles inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth is a fantastic location for surf-hungry students wondering where to study in Australia. Indiana Cottesloe beach is just a bus ride away from UWA’s main campus, but since the university is actually located right on the edge of the Swan River you may not even need to move from your desk to see glorious sunshine reflecting off the water. UWA also has formal agreements with 44 other international educational institutions, so if a student exchange period is your ambition then Perth is one of the most receptive campuses you can find.
Bond University, Brisbane, Australia
If you’re wondering “why study in Australia”, then Brisbane’s stunning Gold Coast should give you all the answers you need. Surfers and sunbathers alike will find plenty of opportunity for both on Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and many of the other outstanding beaches which make up one of the most famous coastlines in the world. The closets educational establishment is Bond University, and whilst it may not have the high world ranking of its inland cousin Queensland, it does hold the highest ranking for educational experience from students themselves.
University of Otago, New Zealand
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university, and with its outstanding location just a short hop away from Otago Harbour and two short hops away from the South Pacific Ocean, an aquatic adventure is always a possibility. Otago is rated as the 2nd best University in New Zealand and is well inside the top 200 in the world. It also has the county’s highest average research quality, so if you’re thinking of combining a doctorate with some downtime then Otago offers the perfect environment for both.
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington’s most prestigious academic institution is the Victoria University of Wellington. Situated right on Wellington harbour, those considering universities in New Zealand could do far worse than this beautiful hilltop campus located at the southernmost point of New Zealand’s north island. With a top 250 world ranking and a close proximity to both the Cook Strait, The Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, students at Wellington Victoria have plenty of options when it comes to water-based recreation. To receive more information about studying abroad as an international student, make sure you speak to our friendly and experienced team here at Edvoy today.