Top 10 Schools for Falling in Love
Some universities go beyond academics, offering an atmosphere conducive to finding love. These institutions feature appealing campuses with near-perfect male-to-female ratios, creating an environment that feels almost tailor-made for romance. In such settings, discovering your perfect match can be surprisingly effortless. Love, it seems, has a knack for blooming in unexpected places, even within the corridors of higher education.
Our top 10 list of the most romantic schools…
#10 - Pomona College
Pomona College caters to the call for classic courting with its '47 Things Every Sagehen Should Do Before Graduating' program, essentially playing matchmaker for its students. Offering 20 trips annually throughout Southern California, the program ventures to diverse events like Broadway musicals, Dodgers baseball games, Little Tokyo, and visits to the Getty and Griffith Observatory. With such engaging outings at your disposal, connecting with a romantic partner who shares your enthusiasm for everything from Idina Menzel to European illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages becomes effortlessly fun. Who knows, a visit to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium with that special someone from your Astronomy class might just put more stars in your eyes than even Tinder could manage.
#9 - Williams College
Ever imagined the enchanted forest where Sleeping Beauty waltzed with Prince Philip in 'Once Upon a Dream'? While the exact location remains a mystery, College Magazine speculates that it could be Hopkins Memorial Forest near Williams College. This romantic trail boasts a bridge over a murmuring brook, providing the perfect backdrop for intimate conversations or perhaps a different form of communication. You don't need to be a gifted singer to enjoy the fairytale ambiance at Williams, where ivy-covered brick buildings stand against towering oak trees. With a small student body of 2,045, strolling along winding roads, surrounded by spring's vibrant colors and familiar faces, makes finding your own Prince Charming seem inevitable.
8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the 'Eternal Flame' monument stands as a symbol of lasting connections. A gift from the Class of 1912, and positioned on a semicircular bench, alumni frequently return to reminisce about their college days, strolling past the crimson buildings to share a kiss under the lamp. Legend has it that this act binds them together for all eternity. Perhaps the enduring flames of alumni can be attributed to their involvement in one of the university's most active organizations, The Sexual Health Peers, dedicated to promoting healthy sexual relationships and dating. Alternatively, the city of downtown Champaign, reminiscent of a smaller-scale Chicago, offers a romantic ambiance with its abundance of coffee shops, cafes, and charming restaurants, fostering an environment where lasting connections seem inevitable.
7. Michigan State University
While my loyalty lies with the University of Michigan, I can't help but acknowledge the breathtaking beauty of Michigan State University's campus. A true gem in MSU's crown is the venerable Beaumont Tower, casting a romantic spell that beckons lovers to share a kiss in its shadow. According to legend, this act not only anoints you as a true Spartan but also fates you to marry your sweetheart. Despite the fearsome namesake, the 38,000 students at MSU are far from bloodthirsty warriors. Instead, they meander through the enchanting W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens or immerse themselves in a Broadway show at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Who would have thought Spartans could be so romantically inclined?
6. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, often touted as the sexiest city in America, resonates with the soulful melodies of country, blues, and jazz on nearly every street corner. Amidst this musical backdrop, Vanderbilt University acknowledges the impact of its vibrant atmosphere on students and embraces it by offering classes on love and sex. The Human Sexuality elective course is particularly popular, known for its engaging and quirky instructor. The university actively promotes sexual health, offering resources like STD testing, birth control, emergency contraception, and counseling for pregnant women. With such support, students find it easy to embrace the romantic ambiance of Nashville, whether enjoying the upscale piano bar at Valentino’s Ristorante or immersing themselves in the live jazz that speaks volumes when words may fall short.
5. Carthage College
What better backdrop for falling in love than the serene expanse of Lake Michigan? Carthage College boasts this natural wonder in its backyard, creating an idyllic setting for romance. Picture yourself sailing with your lab partner on the glistening waters after an early morning chemistry lab—those moments by the sea make it hard not to envision a future together. Carthage's romantic allure is deeply rooted in a century-old tradition known as The Kissing Rock. Dating back to 1913, the legend surrounding this giant granite boulder dictates that any woman and man discovered in its vicinity must share a kiss. Beyond its romantic associations, the rock holds a special place in Carthage spirit, often painted by students to promote events or commemorate special occasions—our personal favorite being proposals to loved ones.
4. Duke University
If you cherish openness and honesty in your relationships, Duke University sets the stage for candid conversations about sex, sexual health, and relationships. Duke takes its commitment seriously, offering accessible condoms throughout campus, including most residence halls. The university's proactive approach extends to the 'Let’s Talk About Sex' program, where students gather for dinner every semester to delve into the intricacies of sex and relationships. With awareness initiatives like these, falling in love at Duke feels almost risk-free. Once you've navigated the ins and outs, consider the picturesque Duke Gardens—a sprawling 55-acre oasis next to campus—for a beautiful setting to tie the knot. As Duke junior John Turanchik aptly describes, the gardens offer a serene escape where cherry blossoms create a breathtaking snowy landscape, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable moments.
3. Harvard University
While one might expect falling in love to be an insurmountable challenge amid the towering piles of homework at Harvard University, somehow, Harvard manages to make it stress-free. Students find solace in the one place they seldom leave—the library. Widener Library, with its high stacks of books, becomes the backdrop for students engaging in the timeless right of passage—making out among the literary treasures. Harvard's proximity to Boston offers a plethora of dining options, with Russell House Tavern being a standout choice, blending elegance with comfort and boasting a captivating ambiance. For those with a penchant for educational dates, Harvard's rich history seamlessly integrates with Boston's historical sites, providing a perfect blend of romance and learning. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts, the Paul Revere House, or the USS Constitution Museum with your sweetheart. And if you're looking to amp up the sexual tension, why not attend Harvard's 'Sex Week,' a fall program focused on sexual education, complete with a Q&A session that might just come in handy for later.
2. Yale University
At Yale, students recognize that understanding the dynamics of a successful relationship is key to maintaining one. The university takes this seriously by offering classes on love, exemplified by the strand of Psychology 110 titled 'Evolution, Emotion, and Reason.' This course delves into the intricacies of different types of love, predictors of attraction, and the nuanced distinctions between love and other forms of arousal. As 2013 Yale alumna Diana Stoianov notes, there is a prevalent interest in social justice, health, and education matters among students, fostering ongoing conversations on these topics. To support students further, protection materials are readily available in the residential colleges. For those seeking a romantic study spot, the Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park, especially at sunset, provides a charming setting. Yale goes beyond theoretical learning by offering early pregnancy education classes, equipping future moms with knowledge about prenatal testing, vitamins, and diet recommendations. Whether you're navigating the early stages of love or preparing for parenthood, Yale has you covered at every step of your romantic journey.
1. Columbia University
At Columbia University in New York, romance is woven into the fabric of the city that never sleeps. If you're not holding hands at the latest Broadway musical, take a leisurely stroll through Central Park when the wind tousles your hair just perfectly. With Columbia's near-perfect male-to-female ratio and a relatively small student population, finding the Rachel to your Ross becomes an easy feat. As Columbia grad student Jovan Hannah notes, the lawn in front of the Butler Library transforms into an ideal picnic spot, offering a picturesque setting that aligns with your study schedule.
Columbia University goes beyond providing a romantic backdrop; it prides itself on offering comprehensive reproductive health services, including pregnancy counseling, birth control, HIV testing, and engaging lecture and outreach programs. With numerous organizations on campus dedicated to sexual health and related issues, students like Hannah feel confident that support is readily available.
Whether you're exploring the city in search of the best burger joint or enjoying a beer at Art Bar just minutes from campus, your nights at Columbia promise to be both safe and romantic, adding a touch of magic to your university experience.