Colleges and Universities With Unique Campus Landmarks

Statues & Sculptures

• Daemen University (Amherst, NY): A private university with a focus on innovation and inclusivity. Campus highlights include the Research & Information Commons, a hub for collaboration and creativity that houses the library.
  
  What stands out to students: "The campus has the Ringo Starr Peace Statue. It shows that the campus cares about getting along with others."
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): A private Ivy League university steeped in history. With its iconic John Harvard statue and historic libraries, Harvard Yard creates an inspiring environment of academic tradition and intellectual exploration.
  
  What stands out to students: "The John Harvard statue, nicknamed the 'statue of three lies.' The first is that we actually know nothing of what John Harvard looks like, and his likeness was modeled by a random man named Sherman Hoar. The date on the plaque of the statue is also wrong (Harvard was founded in 1636, not 1638), and John Harvard isn’t actually the founder of Harvard University, just its first benefactor. It’s also a running joke that visitors rub his (now golden) foot for good luck and a hope of admission because it’s also a bucket list item for admitted students to pee on the statue in the dark of night (often in the thrill of a party)."
• Regis University (Denver, CO): A private Jesuit university with a mission-driven campus. The Madonna Della Strada Chapel is a standout landmark that offers a peaceful retreat for reflection and connection.
  
  What stands out to students: "Tree of Wisdom [a nearly 40-foot-tall steel and bronze sculpture]; it shows how people can have both religion and science and how they can co-exist and thrive together."
• Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY): A private university known for its innovative campus culture. The massive Infinity Sculpture embodies RIT’s commitment to creativity and technological advancement.
  
  What stands out to students: "They have several sculptures that are beautiful and each has a piece of history behind them."
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• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Edwardsville, IL): A public university with a sprawling, nature-filled campus. The Gardens at SIUE create a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the school’s focus on sustainability and science.
  
  What stands out to students: "There are several! Obviously, there's the Cougar statue, but I also love the Rock as well as the other art installations on the campus."
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX): A public university with a strong sense of school spirit and tradition. The Spanish Renaissance architecture and iconic Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue add unique character to the campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "The horse statue; it points toward the campus and the butt points toward [Texas] A&M (which they say is their rival school)."
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• The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT): A public university with a strong focus on research and outdoor adventure. The Natural History Museum of Utah offers stunning architecture and engaging exhibits on campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "They have the big red U in the middle of their campus."
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA): A public research university with a literary heart, home to the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. The campus features the Old Capitol Building, a symbol of the school’s historic and cultural significance.
  
  What stands out to students: "[The University mascot Herky the Hawk] statue helped me know where I was going."
• University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD): A public university with a spirited and diverse campus culture. The "M" Circle and McKeldin Mall are standout landmarks that embody Terrapin pride.
  
  What stands out to students: "Testudo, the bronze turtle in front of McKeldin Library. I love the tradition of people rubbing its nose for good luck, especially before exams."
• Washington State University (Pullman, WA): A public university with a close-knit community and strong school pride. The Bryan Clock Tower is a defining feature of this scenic, rural campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "[WSU] has a really cool cat statue that tourists take pictures with."
  
  "They have large, scenic views and mountain areas with their main sign at the front of the school."
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Gardens & Greenery

• Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ): A public research university known for its innovation and vibrant student life. The Palm Walk, lined with towering date palms, is a unique and iconic feature of ASU's sprawling urban campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "State flower [saguaro cactus blossom] in the heart of Downtown Phoenix."
• Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY): A private liberal arts college with a creative and intellectual atmosphere. Designed by Frank Gehry, the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is a stunning landmark that embodies the school’s commitment to the arts.
  
  What stands out to students: "There is a garden where they produce their fresh produce for the cafeterias, which is great for taste and sustainability."
• Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY): A public university with a hilltop campus that offers stunning views. Cherry Hall and the red-tiled rooftops create a distinctive and inviting atmosphere.
  
  What stands out to students: "The Hill, which is a big hill a lot of campus is on. It's very famous."
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Cool Campus Buildings

• Berry College (Mount Berry, GA): A private liberal arts college with the world’s largest contiguous campus of over 27,000 acres. Inspired by Gothic architecture, the Ford Buildings are a striking feature of this nature-filled campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "The House O' Dreams is an extremely old building on campus that the founder, Martha Berry, would stay in sometimes. It was a special place to her. It is on top of Mount Berry, and there is an overlook near the house that allows you to look down onto a wonderful view. It is away from the main part of campus and is a great place to hike to. The House O' Dreams is an iconic part of campus."
• Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC): A private Christian university with a close-knit, values-driven community. The campus is home to the annual Living Gallery, an event where live performances recreate iconic works of art, offering students and visitors a unique blend of creativity and tradition.
  
  What stands out to students: "Rodehaver Auditorium—beautiful set design, antique decor, and an overall immaculate vibe."
• Colorado State University Pueblo (Pueblo, CO): A public university with a warm, welcoming campus atmosphere. The Hasan School of Business building features an iconic tower visible from across campus, symbolizing opportunity and growth.
  
  What stands out to students: "I love the ThunderBowl (the track)."
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• Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): A private liberal arts college with a creative and artsy vibe. The Tang Teaching Museum is a campus highlight, showcasing contemporary art and interdisciplinary learning.
  
  What stands out to students: "The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery serves as both a museum and an academic space with rotating exhibitions. The building features a modern, geometric style that contrasts with the natural surroundings."
• The University of Chicago (Chicago, IL): A private university known for its Gothic architecture and academic intensity. The campus centerpiece, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is a breathtaking venue for events and quiet reflection.
  
  What stands out to students: "Its buildings are unmatched in their stunning beauty."
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• The University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK): A public university with a dynamic campus atmosphere. The Cherokee Gothic architecture and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art make it a cultural hub.
  
  What stands out to students: "Evans Hall building. It is the President's office and showcases the Cherokee Gothic architecture."
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Charming Chapels

• Belmont University (Nashville, TN): A private Christian university with a blend of Southern charm and artistic energy. The Belmont Mansion, a historic antebellum home, stands as a beautiful and unique centerpiece of Belmont's campus.
  
  What stands out to students: "[The] Bell Tower with the prayer chapel. It is very pretty and peaceful. It offers a beautiful location to spend time in prayer."
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• Benedictine University (Lisle, IL): A private Catholic university with a serene, community-focused campus. The St. Benedict Chapel is a peaceful landmark that reflects the University's spiritual foundation and sense of tradition.
  
  What stands out to students: "On this campus, there is a huge church and it looks very beautiful...like the heart of the campus."
• Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): A public university known for its picturesque limestone architecture and lively campus vibe. The Sample Gates welcome students into a community that blends academic rigor with a vibrant arts scene.
  
  What stands out to students: "The small chapel [Beck Chapel, made of limestone and wood] in the middle of campus."

Unique Features On & Off Campus

• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA): A public polytechnic university where "Learn by Doing" shapes the student experience. Cal Poly's vast campus features the Leaning Pine Arboretum, a tranquil space that showcases the natural beauty of central California.
  
  What stands out to students: "Architecture graveyard, [where] all the old Architecture student final projects [have been abandoned] in the hills behind campus, and the [large white] P that freshmen hike to [as a rite of passage].
• Chadron State College (Chadron, NE): A public college offering a supportive, small-town atmosphere. The campus sits near Nebraska’s Pine Ridge, with the striking Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center celebrating regional history.
  
  What stands out to students: "Chadron State College has a Thompson Preserve hiking trail that is absolutely gorgeous. It adds to Chadron's many activities."
• Montana State University (Bozeman, MT): A public university with a strong sense of adventure. The campus offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Montana Hall, a beacon of academic excellence.
  
  What stands out to students: "It’s near Yellowstone National Park, where I could see the animals and have a nice place to study."
• Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): A private research university that combines academic prestige with lakeside charm. The Shakespeare Garden and Norris University Center make the campus a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
  
  What stands out to students: "The Rock, [a boulder on campus painted with messages, announcements, and artwork] which shows the fun vibes of collaboration."
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• Ohio University (Athens, OH): A public university with a storybook campus and a lively student life. Surrounded by historic buildings, the iconic College Green serves as a hub for gatherings and traditions.
  
  What stands out to students: "They have an entire river right next to campus. I think this adds so much character to the campus and having that natural water feature makes the campus very appealing, and I like the natural element it brings."
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• Plymouth State University (Plymouth, NH): A public university with a welcoming, community-centered feel. The Ice Arena and Welcome Center are key landmarks that reflect the school’s focus on athletics and hospitality.
  
  What stands out to students: "They have a clock tower that pumpkins appear on every October."
• The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX): A public research university with a bold and energetic vibe. The UT Tower, lit in burnt orange, is a symbol of pride and achievement for Longhorns.
  
  What stands out to students: "This campus has a very prominent tower that is very recognizable and has a deep-rooted history of the University."
  
  "The Texas capital is hard to beat when it comes to landmarks. Just under half a mile away, the campus at UT Austin is right in the middle of a busy city, and the Capitol is viewable from all around campus."
  
  "Turtle Pond serves as a memorial for the UT Tower shooting in 1966. This allows a place of remembrance for a tragedy and as a garden for students to relax and study, making the landmark unique."
• University of Missouri—Columbia (Columbia, MO): A public university with a rich history and vibrant traditions. The six Columns of Francis Quadrangle are a symbol of resilience and academic heritage.
  
  What stands out to students: "The pillars are unique to Mizzou!"
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• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC): A public university with a classic Southern charm. The Old Well is an iconic landmark believed to bring luck and good grades to students who drink from it.
  
  What stands out to students: "The clock tower; students climb it when they graduate I think. And you can hear it across campus."
• Wichita State University (Wichita, KS): A public university with a modern, urban campus. A large bronze millipede statue called "Millie" is one of many public art installations across Innovation Campus, a space that blends cutting-edge research facilities with creative expression.
  
  What stands out to students: "The Pizza Hut Museum because it shows how successful some of their students have been."