Ever wondered where your favourite college movies were actually filmed?
They are actually some of the best college campuses in the world.
The magical halls of Oxford University brought Harry Potter to life.
Legally Blonde’s iconic scenes? Shot right at UCLA.
And The Social Network captured Harvard’s legacy (even if some scenes were filmed at other beautiful campuses).
Some universities don’t just inspire learning. They set the scene for movie legends.
Ready to see which real campuses look straight out of a film?
University Of Oxford, UK
When you think of the best college campuses in the world, Oxford is almost always at the top. With its iconic stone spires, secret courtyards, and historic libraries, Oxford has been the setting for Harry Potter’s Great Hall and scenes in The Golden Compass. Walking here, every corner feels like you’re part of a British period drama.
But Oxford isn’t just cinematic; it’s a place where ideas have shaped the world for centuries. If you’re chasing both Hogwarts dreams and world-class academics, Oxford delivers both.
University Of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
UCLA has starred in more movies than any campus in America. Being one of the college campuses that look like movie sets, it has been the location for hits like Legally Blonde, Inception, and Old School.
The campus features beautiful Romanesque architecture, grand staircases, and sunny courtyards, perfect for anyone craving those “movie set” moments.
“There are so many different looks and architectures on the campus … UCLA has been turned into Harvard, UCLA has been turned into Oxford.”
As one of the most cinematic university campuses, it blends California cool with serious academic vibes. Plus, LA’s global energy means there’s always something happening, whether on or off camera.
Princeton University, USA
Often named among the most beautiful college campuses in the world, Princeton’s leafy lawns and dramatic Gothic buildings have played host to A Beautiful Mind and Admission.
Students call the atmosphere “timeless” — here, ivy climbs the walls and you’ll find yourself studying beside marble statues and quiet gardens. It’s an inspiring place for both science and art, attracting students from over 100 countries, including many from India.
University Of Glasgow, UK
Known as the “real-life Hogwarts”, Glasgow’s towering Gothic Revival buildings, grand arches, and shadowy cloisters make it a favorite for anyone who loves movie-like universities.
It’s often highlighted in lists of stunning college campuses for its magical ambiance. And with Scotland’s vibrant student culture, you get beauty, history, and a campus that truly stands out, even before you hit the classrooms.
University Of British Columbia (UBC), Canada
UBC is one of the most filmed university campuses in the world. Blockbusters like X-Men: Last Stand and TV shows such as Supernatural were shot against its backdrop of forests, ocean views, and futuristic glass buildings.
Ranked consistently as one of the best college campuses in the world, UBC is a dream for photography and film buffs and anyone who wants a blend of nature and cutting-edge research.
“The nature at UBC is unmatched! I am in constant awe that I go to such a beautiful campus. Walking down Main Mall, I am mesmerized by how green and stunning our campus is.”
—Afnan, Applied Animal Biology, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Campus.
Afnan bagged lucrative research opportunities while at UBC that helped her shape a wonderful career.
Evidently, the best-looking college campuses in the world come with the best opportunities as well.
Midway through the list, you might be wondering how you too can have a similar experience like these students. You don’t really have to be lucky for that but need the right path to preparation.
Not sure where to start off? You can reach out to the study abroad experts at GradRight.
University Of Toronto, Canada
Combining old-world grandeur and downtown buzz, the campus looks like it was made for movies (and it often is). Films like Mean Girls and The Incredible Hulk captured its dramatic courtyards and modern spaces. For Indian students, Toronto’s multicultural spirit means you feel at home while exploring a truly cinematic university campus.
Heidelberg University, Germany
This is one of those universities that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Heidelberg’s mix of river views, a medieval castle, and Baroque buildings is unbeatable.
It’s regularly included in guides to the most beautiful college campuses in the world and offers a classic “study in Europe” experience. For international students, Heidelberg is welcoming and packed with both history and innovation.
University Of Sydney, Australia
The University of Sydney’s campus looks straight out of an epic movie, with its sandstone towers, green quads, and Gothic arches. It’s been listed among the best college campuses in the world.
It hosts students from 130+ countries, creating a welcoming, global crowd. The campus often pops up in Australian TV dramas too, thanks to its “classic-meets-modern” vibe.
University Of Melbourne, Australia
The University of Melbourne sports a beautiful campus that combines leafy gardens, heritage buildings, and world-class research spaces. It offers a setting that feels inspiring every day. The main campus is often considered one of the most picturesque university campuses in the world. The university is famous for its vibrant arts and music scene as much as it is for academics.
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Steeped in history, Trinity’s cobbled squares, ancient libraries, and city-center energy have drawn filmmakers and students alike. The college featured in Educating Rita, and its Book of Kells library is a must-visit for anyone drawn to cinematic university campuses. Dublin is increasingly popular with Indian students for its post-study work options and cultural energy.
Now that we have wrapped up the 10 best college campuses in the world that look like a dream, let’s talk about making this dream a reality.
If you think that studying in universities that look like castles or movie sets might be a pocket drain, then the good news is it’s pretty much doable with scholarships or affordable education loans.
GradRight makes this possibility a reality. By the end of 2024 itself, it had a track record of processing 3 billion dollars in loan requests over 4 years. Individual success stories further add to the hopes. E.g., Rohit Sanket thought he would never be able to afford his dreams of studying abroad in the post-pandemic era. He got his chance to pursue his Masters at the Ohio State University when he won a $5,000 GradRight-Prodigy scholarship and an unbelievably low-interest education loan.
The takeaway is that if you feel that the famous universities in movies could very well be the same one you end up studying in, isn’t an impossible reality. Our study abroad experts at GradRight will help you out. You can write to us for personalized guidance (for free).
