While parents expect their kids to get to work and focus on their studies, many worry more about their school life when they’re not in class.
Most college-age kids will be leaving for school soon, and some may already be there.
There are always the universities best known for the best student life, although most schools strive to have an excellent academic reputation.
This article has compiled the best universities with the best student life in 2023. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents.
- How can you choose the right university for you?
- Is it necessary to apply for jobs while in college?
- What are the universities with the best student life?
- Frequent questions
- Conclusion
How can you choose the right university for you?
It would help if you first defined what your goals are. Then you’ll need to know the pathways to earn your degree, which requires research.
When you’re clear about your goals, search online for the best colleges and universities that provide the program you need.
These educational institutions may be national, regional, or global in scope. First, create a shortlist, then evaluate each school on it.
You should be able to reduce your options from hundreds to something manageable using this format. But, of course, you should also take your budget into account.
Is it necessary to apply for jobs while in college?
No. Although it is not required, it is advisable to apply for a job while in college.
You gain essential knowledge and experience regarding the job market when you work part-time or freelance for various companies, giving you a better understanding of what to expect after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Also, many internships and part-time jobs will be profitable, allowing you to cover your living expenses while earning some extra money to enjoy your independence.
What are the universities with the best student life?
#1. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Whatever it is, it’s probably here. Many student organizations, services, customs, and events can be found at the University of Illinois to enhance students’ college social lives.
Identify yourself with the school’s strong division one team in sports like men’s basketball and women’s volleyball by showing your Illini pride. Or, you can participate in the vibrant Greek community on campus.
If that’s not your thing, the leisure center offers many other activities that will suit you, such as cooking classes, wellness seminars, ice skating classes, and more.
Plus, there’s quick access to adjacent taverns, like the Illini Inn, where guests can partake in the renowned Mug Club tradition and celebrate a significant victory (or drink their sorrows away).
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#2. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Want to find out why students should choose Michigan? It’s because it’s one of the universities with the best student life and makes meeting great, compatible people so simple!
However, you can meet many interesting people at a reunion dinner or during an interesting team-building activity.
To make your free time more valuable and exciting, you can also attend one of the many activities at the Center for Campus Engagement or join one of UM’s 1,600 student clubs.
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#3. University of Wisconsin at Madison
At UW-Madison, being a student at a university that has the best student life is on another level. There’s much more to campus than its academic standing, although you might think it’s just a successful research school.
One of the 900 student clubs will allow you to follow your passion and you can show your school spirit by cheering on varsity teams.
Also, students who prefer to drink choose to go to Der Rathskeller or Memorial Union Terrace, where they can relax with a cold drink, live music, and their friends.
Even if you’re just stopping for a quick visit, you’ve got plenty of nearby famous local attractions and historic buildings to keep you busy. But after you get accepted and get a taste of the social scene at this university, you’ll be even more excited!
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# 4. The University of Georgia in Athens
Because the University of Georgia truly offers something for everyone, there’s nothing like the complete college town experience!
Suppose you want to combine your love of travel with your academic interests. In that case, there are more than 750 student clubs, including 62 Greek organizations, 80 study abroad programs, and honorary, individual, and multicultural interest clubs.
Suppose you want to relax or maximize your study breaks. In that case, you can also check out nearby restaurants or schedule time to go to AthFest, a week-long arts festival that pays homage to Athens’ burgeoning music, art, and film scene.
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# 5. The University of Texas at Austin
You will experience growth on this campus if we sum up your time here in one word. While having fun, Austin has been designed to help students develop to their best potential.
Also, it would help if you didn’t worry because the university still has a lot to offer its students. You have more than 70 fraternities and sororities, a plethora of campus events, Shakespearean productions, and various arts and cultural societies.
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# 6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
As we all know, MIT students work hard, but are they also allowed to play hard?
Of course! The MIT campus offers fantastic opportunities, like water fights and cutting-edge undercover pranks, to enhance your college social life despite the demanding and stressful curriculum.
Also, there are many options available here! Choose from over 500 student clubs, 40 Greek organizations, 30 varsity sports, and more.
Finally, the school recognizes engineering and the physical sciences, but MIT also hosts annual arts events and has a lively creative community.
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#7. Washington University in St. Louis
Thanks to their dedication to fostering student expression, Washington’s diverse campuses are home to many happy and engaged students, providing them with the best student life most seek.
The student union, 26 officially recognized Greek chapters, and the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement on this campus work to encourage an active, participatory way of life for students.
Additionally, monthly meetups, the school’s renowned Assembly Series, or grabbing coffee or a meal at one of the many restaurants on campus are great ways to meet other WashU students.
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# 8. Pennsylvania State University
At Penn State, finding a college friend won’t be a problem because this university is home to students with various interests, from beer to Japanese animation.
Whether you live on or off campus, dive into initiatives including student leadership programs, community involvement, volunteering, and more.
You can check out extracurricular activities at the Engagement Fair if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options.
Plus, here you can meet amazing people who will make college worth your while.
There’s a student club eager to welcome you no matter what you’re into, be it Dungeons and Dragons, Brewing and Fermentation, or anime. You might find something here if you are interested in campus governance or art lessons.
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# 9. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia remains one of the brightest party schools in the country, as described by Buzzfeed in the past.
Plus, thanks to the small class sizes at this institution, you’ll not only be challenged and intellectually supported, but you’ll also wake up to an impressive and lively 396-acre university campus with many enjoyable and stimulating social events.
However, about 800 clubs and organizations in Virginia cater to all interests, including 3D printing, aerial dancing, and clean water campaigns.
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# 10. The University of Florida at Gainesville
More than just a quality education draws students to the University of Florida.
However, the university also boasts an active and upbeat campus community with plenty of extracurricular activities (clubs, Greek life, and student leadership) to strengthen your resume. When looking for adventure, there are plenty of other things to do.
Also, the state’s national museum, which is considered to have one of the best collections in the nation, is a great place to visit with friends.
Finally, you can also find exciting fitness classes like flying yoga. Close to North Park and the South Shore of Wauburg Lake, you can also go swimming, biking, and relaxing.
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# 11. Yale University
This Ivy League institution in Connecticut has little trouble making all kinds of students feel at home, no matter where they’re from. However, it ranks as one of the universities with the best student life.
Yale is dedicated to providing support and opportunity in every way possible, knowing that its members have a variety of talents and needs.
For Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American students, as well as other student groups, there are several multicultural centers where you can interact with others and socialize.
Other than that, living in New Haven is a great joy. Hungry? There are many fantastic restaurants to eat pizza, brunch, burgers, or have a few drinks.
Plus, you’ll be surprised at the number of local seminars and workshops available on almost any topic imaginable.
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#12. Ohio State University
The guiding principle of student life at Ohio State is to learn, play, serve and belong. However, this explains why the campus is home to a vibrant student body that knows how to have a good time socializing in college.
With a wide range of recreational sports programs, from adventure travel to group exercise to club sports, and so many diverse and multicultural resources to help students feel safe, heard, and understood, who wouldn’t have a full schedule?
After you leave campus, you’ll have everything you need to blow off steam. Enjoy delectable cuisine at trendy restaurants, catch the latest movies at nearby theaters, and sip distinctive beers at Columbus Ale Trail and Watershed Distillery.
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#13. University of California-Los Angeles
The University of California-Los Angeles is the West Coast representative. This campus has a stunning 400-acre botanical garden, ideal for romantic evening walks or fascinating nature-related events.
Living on campus, sometimes referred to as “hill living,” offers most college students everything they could want or need, including brisk walks to classes, stunning sunset views, quiet terraced study spaces, healthy culinary options, and more than 5,000 events on campus.
Support the school’s varsity teams (including baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and water polo) to make it more exciting and enjoy the ferocity of varsity athletics!
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#14. rice university
Rice University differs from the other universities on this list in part due to the many student-run businesses throughout the campus.
Overseeing all elements of their company, students gain invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop strong relationships with co-workers and business partners.
Rice Coffeehouse and The Hoot, a late-night meal delivery business, are two prominent and highly successful examples of what this type of effort could bring about. You’ll always have top-notch dining options because there are so many!
Rice University also offers nightly programming called Owls After Dark, which includes entertainment events such as game nights and outdoor movies.
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#15. Stanford University
Do you want to remember your first years of university? Then you might be a good fit for Stanford!
Nothing compares to being a freshman at our institution because there are so many opportunities for you to get involved, including Frosh 101, admissions events, and introductory seminars.
You may also enjoy so-called “gatherings” where students come together for meetings or outdoor outings to build relationships.
A 6,700-yard golf course, a 17-court tennis stadium, and more are available because it’s also a college sports town.
Universities must increasingly provide students with access to vital mental health resources. Stanford is well-equipped to help students experiencing isolation, loss, loneliness, or their first time away from home.
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#16. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado-Boulder, generally known as CU, is located in Boulder, Colorado. CU was established in 1876 and is a flagship public university with a space grant.
However, CU has over 33,000 students. In addition, CU has received praise for the beauty of its campus thanks to the use of sandstone in building construction and the distinctive architecture of Charles Klauder.
Also, the school colors are black, gold, and silver, and the buffalo mascots are Ralphie the bison, and Chip. The NCAA Division 12 Pac-1 conference is where the University of Colorado Boulder plays.
Finally, Boulder is considered one of the most innovative cities, a popular destination for artists, and one of the most culinary places in the United States.
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#17. University of Iowa
On the banks of the Iowa River in Iowa City, the University of Iowa is a leading public university with space-grant status. It is the oldest university in the state and enrolls more than 33,000 students.
The University of Iowa has consistently ranked among the best schools in the party.
For nightlife, students go to the Iowa City Mall. Student life has a wide range of alternatives thanks to active participation in theater, literary events, and student organizations on campus.
Plus, rock climbing walls, diving holes, and inflatable races are just a few of the best water and recreational attractions available to the University of Iowa students.
However, sporting events play an important role in university culture, and the student sections exhibit the highest levels of Hawkeye pride.
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#18. University of Missouri
Flagship Public Land-Grant Institution The University of Missouri was established in 1839.
The University of Missouri offers students an unmatched recreational facility with advanced exercise classes and high-end equipment.
With waterfalls, a vortex, and a lazy river, the Mizzou Aquatic Center offers student-athletes some of the best training and competition facilities in the country.
With more than 70 active chapters, the University of Missouri has one of the oldest and largest Greek systems in the country.
However, whether playing on the court or on the field, Mizzou’s game days produce an electrifying atmosphere.
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# 19. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is known for its slogan “Bear Down, Arizona.” It is a landmark public research institution that was founded in 1885. The University of Arizona campus, located northeast of downtown Tucson, has buildings with distinctive red brick facades.
There are many alternatives for students living in Tucson, both on and off campus. The University of Arizona offers a good recreation center with state-of-the-art equipment, a variety of leagues, and exciting course offerings.
Through its outdoor adventure program, it also offers field trips for students who want to explore the nearby wilderness and national parks.
Highlights of the UA campus include the vibrant Greek community, many specialized student organizations, and social outreach initiatives. These characteristics keep students involved in the Wildcat culture.
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# 20 West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia, is home to West Virginia University, or WVU. WVU was established in 1867 and is a public institution with a national reputation.
West Virginia University, which includes multiple campuses, enrolls some 29,000 students and employs more than 9,000 academic and support staff. There are 15 different universities involved and 191-degree options are available.
In fact, there are a variety of activities available to West Virginia University students on campus. WVU maintains a vibrant campus with events, including Mountaineer Week, Greek Week, and the “Up All Night” campaign.
Additionally, another opportunity for students to experience the challenges and natural beauty of the area is the Mountain Adventure Program, offered by the particular Outdoor Recreation Center. The program allows students to camp, bike, raft, and fish.
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Frequent questions
What will college campus life be like for me?
Campus life is nice when you’re a college student. You get to interact with people of various ethnic backgrounds. However, as you adjust to your new surroundings, you will encounter your own unique set of difficulties. While some students may experience a calm college life free from prejudice and preconceived notions, others may encounter more significant problems. Let’s say you applied to a university in a different nation or city, or you normally live in a dormitory on campus.
What are the advantages of applying to a college instead of a university?
Applying to a university will be a better option if you intend to start looking for a career as soon as you get your bachelor’s degree. This is because the fastest path to a good job is through college, and a bachelor’s degree will often cost less than an identical program at a university.
Also, applying to a university is significantly more competitive than applying to a university. Based on these considerations, you can apply for your degree at a university or college.
H How can I apply for a scholarship?
During the application process, several universities award scholarships to deserving applicants. Just before the start of the term, applications for these scholarships are accepted. Check the scholarship area of the college you have chosen to apply to for the deadline date.
Can I change careers?
Yes. If you’re really struggling or think your principal isn’t right for you, most colleges allow you to change your principal.
Conclusion
Wouldn’t it be better to have memories of crazy dorm parties and extreme sporting events rather than just sleepless study nights in the library as you reflect on your college years?
Your education should come first, but now is also the perfect opportunity to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Both are simple tasks at the institutions with the better social scenes mentioned above. Good luck!
