When applying to universities in the United States, what else should we consider besides the acceptance rates and rankings? Since the university campus will be your home for the next few years, your school life experience takes an important role. Are you looking for colleges with the best student life? Based on the quality of student life at universities, we have compiled a list of the 10 best colleges in the U.S. for studying. Let’s take a look!
What Does College With Best Student Life Be Like?
Campus life in the U.S. is incredibly diverse. Whether it’s the cultural atmosphere, academic environment, or facilities, everything aims to provide students with a comfortable campus experience. Therefore, before planning your study abroad in the U.S., it’s essential to know what to expect from American campus.
Cultural Diversity
Almost every American university considers maintaining cultural diversity as one of its core values. For a long time, higher education institutions in the U.S. have structurally aimed to increase educational opportunities for students of different ethnicities.
If you are about to study in the U.S., you will not only be exposed to American culture but also have the opportunity to interact with students from various countries, ethnic backgrounds, and religions. This multicultural environment often expands your horizons and fosters your cross-cultural communication skills. Students often feel excited and surprised by these multicultural friendships and learning experiences.
Excellent Support Facilities
Career Centers, Residential Services, Health Centers, Religious Centers… Even if you’re an international student completely unfamiliar with American life, there’s no need to worry. Various support facilities at U.S. universities provide substantial assistance to international students, helping them prepare for studying, living, and even job hunting after graduation.
In addition to these supportive facilities, you can also find the exciting campus life you’re looking for:
- Cafés and Bars: We meet at cafés during the day and party at bars in the evening. Often budget-friendly, these are the most popular gathering spots for students.
- Gyms and Sports Centers: American universities place great emphasis on student’s physical fitness, providing facilities for students to practice their favorite sports without leaving campus and participate in local tournaments and other sports-related activities.
- Event Halls: Have you ever experienced annual dances, musical dramas, or movie screenings that college students hold? These unforgettable events take place here.
- College Shops: These aren’t just ordinary convenience stores but vibrant shops filled with school spirit, showcasing student creativity. You can find school souvenirs, event T-shirts designed by students, bags, and other interesting items.
Flexible Academic Environment
In American universities, students can choose courses that suit their needs and interests, arrange their study times, and plan their academic paths freely. You are not required to attend every class and you are not obligated to stay for the entire lecture—though skipping classes is not encouraged.
Best Student Life Colleges Top 10
The most fun colleges offer students a series of events on campus to ensure the best student life at college. Discover the best student life colleges top 10 to find your dream school!
No.1 Hampshire College
Hampshire College is a private university (liberal arts college) established in 1965. The total number of undergraduates is 508 (as of Fall 2022), and the campus covers 800 acres. The tuition fee is $56,990.
Hampshire College has moved away from the traditional 4.0 GPA system and instead uses professors’ personal written evaluations. The college emphasizes self-directed learning, allowing students to study and live at their own pace.
“We do our academic work not to meet requirements or achieve good grades, but to satisfy our thirst for knowledge,” remarked a graduate from Hampshire College.
At the same time, Hampshire College encourages students to engage in outdoor activities. Just a mile from campus lies Mount Tom State Reservation, perfect for mountain biking, climbing, running, or simply relaxing in nature.
The serene atmosphere of Hampshire redefines the student experience as something to look forward to, rather than something to fear.
No.2 Wellesley College
The Wellesley College is a private women’s college (liberal arts college) established in 1870. The total number of undergraduates is 2,447 (as of Fall 2022), and the suburban campus spans 500 acres. The tuition fee is $64,320. With this price, you know it’s a luxury university in the USA. Although the cost is not low, the school offers relatively generous financial aid, allowing many students to reduce their actual burden through scholarships and grants.
At Wellesley College, students are required to take only three courses each semester. The college does not mandate the traditional four to five courses per semester but allows students to adjust their pace each term, spending time in one of the school’s 160 clubs or internship programs. This embodies the philosophy of “Work hard, Play hard!”
Moreover, the student center allocates all its resources to provide students with 24/7 mental health care. It offers many opportunities for Wellesley students to choose their preferred therapy dogs to relieve stress. The center also provides mental health workshops led by counselors to help students cope with a range of issues, from academic stress and life pressures to racial trauma.
No.3 Kansas State University
The Kansas State University is a public university established in 1863. The total number of undergraduates is 15,046 (as of Fall 2022), and the campus covers 664 acres. In-state tuition is $10,942; out-of-state tuition is $27,816.
How can students feel happiness and joy? Kansas State University believes the answer is sports. The university is dedicated to promoting various clubs, activities, and organizations across Kansas, including hiking clubs, canoeing teams, and a range of sports clubs.
Nearby, there are also plenty of sports facilities that help students achieve inner relaxation and peace.
No.4 University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private university established in 1850. The total number of undergraduates is 6,767 (as of Fall 2022), and the campus spans 707 acres. The tuition fee is $64,384.
The University of Rochester believes that diversity + inclusivity = student happiness. This is reflected in the university’s respect for cultures from around the world. The school once collaborated with a music conservatory to host a concert featuring performances from Korean drumming groups to African dance troupes, aiming to make every student feel connected to their cultural roots.
Additionally, graduates from the University of Rochester are not required to take general education courses, allowing them to spend more time exploring their majors and hobbies.
No.5 Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College is a top-tier liberal arts college that truly excels in student support. As a top 10 liberal arts college with an admission rate of just 5% and a top 10 wsj university rankings college, Claremont remains one of the nation’s leading stress-free institutions.
The reason is that the school places a high emphasis on mental health. It offers free psychological consultations and special programs aimed at helping minorities adapt to new environments. There’s also a 24-hour counseling service available via phone or Zoom with professionals.
Want to drink and chat with friends after class? CMC has great facilities for students to socialize! You’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to club activities, making it easy to find friends with shared interests!
No.6 California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private university founded in 1891. As of Fall 2022, the total number of undergraduates is only 982, located in a suburban area that spans 124 acres. The tuition fee is $63,255. A wsj top college with rank 18th in 2024.
The renowned Caltech excels not only academically but also in terms of student happiness. While Caltech students often possess a strong competitive spirit, the university’s recreational clubs actively advocate for inclusivity in on-campus activities, emphasizing that everyone is important and equal.
No.7 University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is a public university founded in 1856. As of Fall 2022, the total enrollment is 30,353, and the campus spans 1,340 acres, which is the biggest campuses in this ranking. The in-state tuition is $11,505; out-of-state tuition is $40,306.
Professors at the University of Maryland do not overwhelm students with assignments and papers. Instead, they encourage students to engage with knowledge through their work. Notably, the University of Maryland boasts a freshman retention rate of 95% and a graduation rate of 82%.
The university also adopts a comprehensive approach to mental health, exemplified by the Wags for Wellness program, where adorable animals help alleviate student stress. This means students can enjoy joyful playtime with certified therapy dogs! Who doesn’t love these furry friends?
No.8 University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private university founded in 1890. As of Fall 2022, the total number of undergraduates is 7,470, and the campus spans 217 acres. The tuition fee is $65,619.
Studying at the University of Chicago means you have access to the largest and most popular centers of art and culture. Some of Chicago’s most famous art centers include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Baroque-style Chicago Theatre. If you are an artist or a musical theatre enthusiast, you can frequently immerse yourself in the arts outside of your academic life, cultivating your taste and seeking inspiration. Additionally, as a student at the University of Chicago, you can enjoy discounted rides and admissions to these cultural attractions by taking the bus from nearby student apartment stops! These perks make students at the University of Chicago consider it the most enjoyable college. This is reflected in their 99% freshman retention rate.
Moreover, the University of Chicago emphasizes students’ physical and mental health. The school has established health programs to ensure that students, especially freshmen, can fully utilize campus resources to take care of themselves. For example, the BustMyStress program sends weekly emails offering stress-relief tips and inspiration. They even created their own meditation YouTube page to help students relax.
No.9 University of Texas
The University of Texas is a public university established in 1883. As of Fall 2022, the total number of undergraduates is 41,309, and the campus spans 431 acres. The in-state tuition is $11,698; out-of-state tuition is $41,070.
The University of Texas (UT) is a melting pot of diversity in Texas. With an increasing number of international and out-of-state students, UT creates a relaxed and comfortable environment for students from different backgrounds. Ultimately, the university boasts a 95% freshman retention rate, capturing the hearts of students worldwide.
From a student’s perspective, UT understands that not all students can adapt to on-campus living, so they allow freshmen to live off-campus—in student apartments in Austin. This won’t leave you feeling lonely; living off-campus in one of the nation’s top nightlife cities adds extra enjoyment. Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin offers over 250 music venues ranging from country to jazz. Among hundreds of bars, music halls, and clubs, Austin is the perfect place to spend your leisure time.
No.10 Tulane University
Tulane University is a private university founded in 1834. As of Fall 2022, the total number of undergraduates is 7,350, and the campus spans 110 acres. The tuition fee is $65,538.
Want to experience American parties at night? If you live near Tulane University, students here will warmly invite you to join their parties! Located in one of the most famous party cities in the U.S.—New Orleans, Louisiana—Tulane offers its students plenty of leisure activities like music, movies, and food. To ensure students have enough holidays to enjoy life, Tulane students also get an extra two days off in February to celebrate the local Mardi Gras.
Tulane’s counseling center pays great attention to students’ mental health, providing counseling services around the clock.
Good Places To Study & Live Near Universities
Boston
- The Bon——Lowest price | No Service Fee | Bills included | Study Room | Package Locker | Gym | Yoga Studio
- 91 Westland Ave——Near Subway | 24 hours security | Parcels collect | Pets friendly | Gym
- Burbank Apartments——Luxury housing | Downtown | On-site team&24-hour emergency repairs | Gym
New Orleans
- Harmony Oaks——24 hours security | Pets friendly | Gym
- Parkway Apartments——Modern lobby | Pool | dog park | Dry cleaning
Austin
- Signature 1909——No service fee | A very safe Student Accommodation
- Torre——No Service Fee | Pets friendly | 24 hours security | Student Only
- Ion Austin——No Service Fee | 9 min walk to school | Student Only
Chicago
- VUE 53——No Service Fee | School bus| 24 hours security | with air-con | Gym
- 5252 apartment——No Service Fee | In-unit laundry | Pets friendly | Gym
- Shoreland——No Service Fee| Walk to school | Near railway|In-unit laundry
College Park
- Parkside At College Park——No Service Fee& Good price！ | In-unit laundry| Gym
- Hub College Park——No Service Fee | In-unit laundry| 24 hours security |Gym
- Yugo College Park University Club——No Service Fee | Student only |Gym
- Terrapin Row——No Service Fee | In-unit laundry| Gym
Pasadena
- Terraces at Paseo Colorado——No Service Fee | No Deposit | Parcels collect | Gym | Pool | Pets friendly
- Holly Street Village——No Service Fee | Pets friendly | Parcels collect | Gym | Pool
Los Angeles
- Nari Koreatown——Up to 150$ Cashback | No Service Fee | Parcels collect | Gym
- The Lorenzo——10% off & 500$ gift card| 200$/month parking concession | No Service Fee | Student Only | Free shuttle bus | Gym | Game room| Pool
- Jefferson Flats——Up to $400 Cashback | No Service Fee | Student Only | Gym
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FAQ
What is the best part of college life?
Social events will be the best experience of your college life. You will meet more peers and have more exciting activities in college. You will also have the opportunity to interact with people from different countries and cultures. Your friendships and experiences will be memories that will last a lifetime.
What is the hardest thing about college?
Getting away from your bed is one of the hardest parts of college life. If you live far away from school, you need to get out of bed very early to get transportation to school. While some colleges have flexible schedules, you’ll need some self-drive to make monitor your studies and make sure they’re completed on time.
Which are the most fun colleges?
University of Chicago: A campus filled with art and theater culture.
University of Texas: In the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
Tulane University：Experience an American party with a local carnival vacation.
University of Maryland: Featured therapy dog companion services.
Which college has the best social life?
Wellesley College, Kansas State University,University of Chicago, University of Texas, Tulane University.
Which are the happiest colleges in the us?
Claremont McKenna College, Kansas State University, University of Chicago, University of Texas.
