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The most beautiful college quads in the US offer stunning landscapes that blend historical charm with natural beauty. Short for quadrangle, the term "quad" historically refers to a central green space bordered by academic buildings, though it has come to encompass any large green area on university and college campuses. From iconic, tree-lined lawns to picturesque, garden-filled courtyards, these quads provide breathtaking settings for academic and social life, showcasing the unique character and elegance of each campus.
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The main quad at Stanford University overlooks Memorial Church, a Romanesque revival structure from 1903, designed by Charles Allerton Coolidge.
The quad represents the oldest part of the school and is at the heart of the campus.
Founded in 1701, Yale University is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the US.
The university features several picturesque quads, including Memorial Quadrangle, which was constructed during World War I.
Constructed between 1916 and 1939, the University of Washington stands as one of the finest examples of collegiate Gothic architecture in the United States.
The quad is especially stunning in the spring when the cherry trees burst into bloom.
Harvard Yard, the heart of the Ivy League campus, is surrounded by freshman dormitories, historic libraries, and various academic buildings.
The center of the quad, called Tercentenary Theatre, is where commencement is held each year.
MIT's central quad, Killian Court, is surrounded by a series of buildings designed by architect William Welles Bosworth in the early 1900s.
The domed building, known as Building 10, features a striking columned portico, while the open side of the quad provides a scenic view of Boston.
The University of Georgia's North Campus is the oldest part of the school, adorned with beautiful Greek Revival architecture and lush gardens.
This corner of the North Campus Quad overlooks Lustrat House, a historic faculty residence from 1847.
The main quadrangle at the University of Chicago, designed by Henry Ives Cobb, was recognized as a botanic garden by the American Public Garden Association.
The stunning space is adorned with flowers and plants, complementing the Gothic architecture that defines the university.
Rice University's Academic Quad is a central gathering space framed by historic architecture and lush green lawns.
The quad is also home to some of Rice's most beloved traditions, like the annual Beer Bike event, combining a bike race and a beer festival.
Library Slope at Cornell University overlooks the Ivy League's campus in Ithaca, New York.
The hill, situated between the West Campus and the Arts Quad, offers stunning views of the surrounding campus and beyond.
The Esplanade at Florida Southern College is a covered walkway spanning over a mile (over 1.6 km) across the campus quad.
The campus features the largest number of Frank Lloyd Wright–designed buildings at a single location. The covered walkway, also designed by Wright, links all of his architectural creations throughout the campus.
Built in 1700, the Wren Building on the William & Mary campus is the oldest still-standing academic building in the country.
The surrounding quad is inspired by 18th-century English gardens, which favored grassy lawns over formal parterres.
The Law Quad at the University of Michigan is one of the most picturesque settings on campus.
Originally designed by architects Edward Sawyer and Philip York, the quad and its surrounding buildings were inspired by the architectural styles of Oxford and Cambridge in England.
The lawn at the University of Virginia is the vibrant heart of campus, where students come together to socialize and relax.
The grassy field and surrounding buildings, including the pictured Rotunda (inspired by the Pantheon), were all designed by Founding Father Thomas Jefferson.
The quad at Syracuse University was named after former school chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw.
The university describes the green space as "part of a centuries-old tradition in higher education: the provision of a peaceful, open-air area for both thoughtful contemplation and social interaction."
Sources: (Architectural Digest) (Business Insider)
The most beautiful college quads in the US
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The most beautiful college quads in the US offer stunning landscapes that blend historical charm with natural beauty. Short for quadrangle, the term "quad" historically refers to a central green space bordered by academic buildings, though it has come to encompass any large green area on university and college campuses. From iconic, tree-lined lawns to picturesque, garden-filled courtyards, these quads provide breathtaking settings for academic and social life, showcasing the unique character and elegance of each campus.
Ready? Click on to view the most beautiful college quads in the US.