Campus location and culture are important elements of college fit. Students with an interest in the great outdoors might find themselves drawn to colleges with lots of green space or proximity to state parks and other natural resources. Beyond physical campus features, nature-loving teenagers might be interested in finding a community of other active, adventurous students or resources like outing clubs. From skiers to hikers, avid outdoorsmen should seek a college environment that allows them to connect with the natural world and their peers. Read on to discover 5 great colleges for outdoorsy students!
Bowdoin College: Bowdoin’s campus in Brunswick, Maine offers access to both coastal and forest environments. The Outing Club leads 150+ trips per year, including winter camping, whitewater paddling, overnight canoe trips, and more. But nature is more than just something to visit; Bowdoin’s educational mission includes preparing students with ecological and sustainability knowledge and the campus reached carbon neutrality in 2018.
Sewanee, The University of the South: Sewanee’s huge Tennessee campus is reminiscent of a summer camp, welcoming outdoorsy students of many different interests. “The Domain,” as the campus is called, spans 13,000 acres with forests, lakes, caves, 65 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, and even an equestrian center. Sewanee’s Outing Program offers trips and gear rentals, and the University Farm gets students involved with growing produce for the dining halls.
University of Colorado-Boulder: CU-Boulder is nestled into the Flatirons rock formations, boasting scenic views and opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and more. Programs like the Environment and Natural Sciences RAP and Experiential Leadership Intensive utilize the outdoors to take learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor Pursuits offers equipment rentals to help students get out into nature, as well as courses in topics like wilderness medicine, bouldering, and avalanche safety.
University of Oregon: The UO is located in Eugene, Oregon, with access to local waterways, wetlands, and buttes. The university’s Outdoor Program is home to a bicycle resource center, CPR and leadership courses, and a wilderness safety library to help plan and gear up for outdoor adventures. Students also interested in preserving the environment can access the Student Sustainability Center and engage in research and restoration in the Willamette River Natural Area.
University of Vermont: UVM’s location in Burlington, Vermont, near the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, fosters a variety of ways for students to interact with nature from beaches and bike paths to ski resorts and hiking trails. The Office of Sustainability aims to protect these natural resources through renewable energy and zero waste programs. Beyond the century-old Outing Club, UVM offers more than 20 organizations relating to the outdoors, including clubs for beekeepers, fly fishers, and female skiers.
No matter what kind of campus your student is looking for, Galin college counselors can help build a balanced list that fits your family’s needs!
