A lot of us can agree that the beach provides a relaxing and fun component to our lives, and especially to our college experience. Whether you’re into surfing or sunsets, picnics or sports, the beach brings everyone some sense of comfort. Taking advantage of local beaches and good weather while at university can make a huge difference in our college lives— we can make both great friends and wonderful memories this way.
Check out CM’s list of the top 10 colleges in the nation for beach-lovers:
10. University of Washington
The University of Washington has campuses located in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma. It’s renowned in part for its world-class medical center that countless students aspire to study at. When taking a break from studying, though, students can hang out at Madison Park Beach or watch the sunset at the Puget Sound. Beyond the beach atmosphere and high-level academics, students at UW can spend time exploring all Seattle has to offer. “The Ave” in the university district makes just one of many popular off-campus hubs for students to hang out, providing movie theaters, coffee shops, restaurants and more.
9. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is ranked the #1 public university for a multitude of reasons, and the school’s beach environments just add another element of fun. Santa Monica is located just 8 miles from the campus, making the pier and 3rd Street Promenade a popular destination for incoming students. If you’re looking for a grungier vibe and a place to people-watch some interesting characters, Venice Beach is close to campus as well. Will Rogers is of the most popular local spots— perfect for playing sports, going for a swim and just hanging out with friends.
“One of my core memories happened when I surfed at El Porto near Manhattan Beach during sunset sophomore year— the clouds looked cotton candy pink and the waves were super good and no one was out except me and two of my best friends,” UCLA senior Kanoa King said. “El Porto is my favorite beach because the sunsets are perfect there and the waves are pretty consistent. There’s also this poke shop just five minutes away that has authentic Hawaiian style poke. It’s so good.”
Beyond the few beaches located close to UCLA itself, you’ll find plenty of other spots a bit farther out that scream SoCal beach life. Further south, students can explore Manhattan Beach or have a bonfire at Dockweiler Beach. Further north, students get access to the myriad of beaches the Malibu area has to offer. Speaking from firsthand experience, the beaches around UCLA make the college experience as a whole so much more fun and memorable!
8. Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private Christian university located in West Palm Beach, Florida. There are several local beaches near the university, including Midtown Beach about 1 mile away. Students can enjoy a cool, refreshing surf whenever they want, especially during the hot season when temperatures average above 85 degrees. Afterwards, students at PBAU can enjoy some South Florida food —with influences ranging from Caribbean to Asian to South American— at one of the many restaurants located near the university.
7. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Located in Wilmington, the University of North Carolina is located just five miles from the closest beaches. The summer temperatures fall around the low 80s— the perfect weather for tanning, surfing and relaxing under the warm sun. Wrightsville Beach in particular is known for its laid-back surfer vibes and warm waters. Students can also go for a relaxing walk or bike ride through Wrightsville Beach.
“One of my favorite events that the surf club participated in was the King of the Clubs contest that different schools put on every year,” UNCW graduate Sarah Vader said. “It’s an intercollegiate surf competition where college surf clubs battle for the title of ‘King of the Clubs.’ UNCW has made the trek down to Florida every year and it’s amazing to see new and familiar faces on the beach and catch up with other surf club’s members as well as bond with other people from your school. It creates a friendly competitive atmosphere.”
If you’re big into surfing and thinking of attending UNCW, definitely look into their surf club. This is the ideal way for new or incoming students to form an immediate community of friends at school. You can bond over your love of the ocean and share memorable surf sessions with one another and complain about your coursework of course. UNCW is one of the top universities for surfing on the east coast.
6. Florida Atlantic University
With summer temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s, FAU’s hot weather makes its ocean that much more refreshing. Students often tan, party and just hang out at Palmetto Beach, just 13 minutes away from campus. FAU is not only a beach school, but also a sports school— their basketball team made it to the final four this year! Having a competitive sports team to cheer for adds a completely new and fun element to a student’s experience at FAU.
“My favorite part about going to FAU is how close the beach is to campus!” FAU senior Kaylin Weinrich said. “Since I was a kid, my life has revolved around the ocean— whether I was surfing, snorkeling or just enjoying nature. Anytime I need some stress relief between exams I head to the beach. There’s also a great surf community in Boca and relatively consistent surf August-February. I definitely recommend checking out FAU if you love the sea!”
FAU is perfect for those who grew up around the beach and want to continue living near it. At the same time, though, FAU can be a completely new and fun experience for those who maybe don’t consider themselves crazy surfers and instead just enjoy the outdoors. We oftentimes underestimate the mental health benefits that just being near the ocean can provide. FAU is great for beach-lovers who just enjoy the warm weather and lounging around on the sand.
5. University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island might not immediately come to mind when you think of “beach school.” However, the university offers its students plenty of beaches that make for a fun coastal college experience. Students can do a myriad of beach activities around their campus— including surfing, swimming and just hanging out. Beyond just the beaches, URI is located near lots of ponds and lakes, giving students additional ways to enjoy the water.
“I’ve had a great experience going to URI; the campus is wicked nice and ten minutes away from the nearest beaches so that’s always a plus. Every sunny day over 50 degrees we flock to the beaches to tan, surf, study or just be by the ocean,” URI junior Knoll French said. “What’s great is that most of the off-campus housing is beach houses so all the college kids rent beach houses right on the water for the school year. My best memory at URI is probably when I first met my roommate who was also a surfer. The literal first day we jumped in his car, threw some boards in the back and surfed till sunset just talking and trading waves. It was the most ideal first day experience I could have asked for and a great way to bond with my roommate.”
Not only do students at URI live near the beach, they can literally live on it in beach houses right near the water. They can hop out of bed in the morning and go for a quick ocean dip, maybe to help wake them up for that early morning class. Or, at the end of the day, students can watch the sunset and mentally unwind. URI beaches are ingrained into its students’ lives in so many great ways. When one hears “URI,” it’s almost impossible to imagine a relaxing morning spent surfing at a local beach.
4. University of California, Santa Cruz
Representing northern California in our top 10 ranking is the University of California, Santa Cruz. Located just three miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, students are just a short drive away from the coast. With the summer temperature falling around the mid-70s, Santa Cruz offers its students ideal beach weather— not too hot and not too cold. The several beach locations provide the perfect setting for an early morning surf at Natural Bridges State Beach or a relaxing view at Lighthouse Field State Beach.
“Going to school at a school that’s 10 min from the beach is such a unique experience that can only be explained by living it!” UCSC junior Marianna Chavez said. “The campus is like being in the forest while a few miles down the road is the beach that feels like a whole new environment. Nightlife is great whether there’s an event on campus between all the nature or downtown in the city or going to the boardwalk. I’d definitely recommend even just giving it a visit!”
Let’s not forget about the campus itself, though. When you hear people say going to class at Santa Cruz campus is like walking through the forest, they mean it literally! Huge areas of giant trees comprise the campus, enveloping students in their green, earthy ambiance. UCSC is not only a beach-lover’s school, but also a nature-lover’s dream university.
3. University of Hawaii at Manoa
Those of us who enjoy the beach, surely dreamt of riding the gorgeous, blue waves of Hawaii or seeing the beautiful, vibrant sunsets the state has to offer. With summer temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees, Hawaii is the beach-lover’s paradise. The University of Hawaii at Manoa makes the ideal college for students who always wanted to live in this magical place. Located just a few miles from the closest beach, students get the luxury of having Hawaiian oceans as their backyard!
“Personally, my all-time favorite beach spot is Lanikai Beach,” University of Hawaii junior Keanna Ackerman said. “The water is really calm and it’s usually not too busy so it’s a good getaway from the crowded locations like Waikiki Beach or Sandy’s Beach where the waves are too big to swim. I think my favorite experience was when my close friend from home came to visit and I got to show her my favorite beach spot and catch up.”
Students here can choose exactly what sort of beach environment they want to be in. If someone feels a bit stressed and tired, they can unwind at one that’s calmer and more isolated. If a student feels more energized and social, they can head to one that’s more populated and active. Regardless of which beach students go to, they’re guaranteed a beautiful view and experience in tropical nature. And after, students can find authentic Hawaiian food at one of the several spots located around the campus.
2. San Diego State University
Located in sunny San Diego, California, SDSU sits at a prime location for those who can’t get enough of the beach. Some of the closest beaches include Ocean, Mission, La Jolla, Pacific and Coronado. The university is also just a short 15-minute drive away from the bustling streets of downtown San Diego. SDSU is the perfect image of a laid-back, SoCal college.
“San Diego State University is a great option for those who are looking for a coastal school because it is only a 15-20 minute drive away from some of the nicest beaches that California has to offer,” SDSU senior Aaron Esguerra said. “Kayak and surf lessons are offered to students and the school even rents out surfboards year-round. My friends and I love going to Pacific Beach because of the many bars and clubs in the area, and sometimes if we want a more chill vibe we will go north to La Jolla, which is personally my favorite area of San Diego. If you’re someone who’s looking for nice beaches, fun nightlife, and good weather year-round, SDSU will not disappoint.”
Because SDSU is near both beaches and the heart of San Diego, students can find different vibes at spots, all conveniently close to campus. After a long week of school, students can go for an early morning surf with friends to kick off the weekend. Or, if you’re like me and can’t even stand up on a surfboard, you can take advantage of the lessons SDSU offers! And for prefer to enjoy the ocean from a distance, there will never be a shortage of sunsets available to watch.
1. University of California, Santa Barbara
Unsurprisingly, UCSB comes in as the #1 top university to attend for those that love the beach. From crazy beach parties to wholesome sunsets with friends, UCSB offers their students a myriad of ways to take advantage of the local beaches. Early morning surf sessions provide lots of fun for lots of students, and the warm weather and clear skies make for wonderful days spent tanning or just hanging out on the sand. Afterwards, students can head to Freebirds in Isla Vista for some great Mexican food.
“When the long college nights full of perspective-shattering events come to a close, it’s a moment of refreshment and reflection to hear the waves crash upon the cliffs,” UCSB junior Daniel Hirata said. “It’s as if everything I’ve done to myself on that given night will fade into insignificance along with my soul when it’s all said and done.”
Students living both on-and off-campus have the wonderful luxury of being just a five to 10-minute walk from the closest beach. Those who live in apartments on Del Playa Drive are lucky enough to live literally across the street from the ocean. Students living on-campus can take a relaxing stroll down to the beach too, along the paved path that lies parallel to the shore. UCSB offers opportunities from kayaking courses to surf and sailing clubs. Regardless of how close you are to the campus, all students at UCSB are guaranteed to have memorable college experiences at the beach.
