It’s officially fall -- bring on the cool and crisp weather! There’s something nostalgic about autumn and college campuses, don’t you think? By now, everyone has settled into the class routine, sports are in full swing, and the weather is prime for quad hangouts. Sometimes, there is nothing better than donning a new collegiate sweatshirt from the bookstore! 

Are you in high school and starting the campus tours? We may be a bit biased seeing as our offices are located in New England (New Hampshire, specifically), but some of the most scenic and cozy campuses that boast the most vibrant colors in the fall are in the Northeast. Here’s a list of our top 6 favorite New England campuses in each state:

1. The University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)

• If you’re looking for a beautiful campus in an equally beautiful and bustling New England city, UVM is for you! The campus is 460 scenic acres and just a short walk to Lake Champlain, which crosses into Canada. The fifth oldest college in New England, UVM boasts some incredibly stunning sunsets, often lighting up the campus in beautiful pink and orange hues.

1. Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA)

• The campus of this all-women college is nestled in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Not only is this 700-acre walkable campus a sight to see in the fall, but it’s been ranked as an overall beautiful campus by the Princeton Review. We recommend visiting during the foliage season and heading up to the Mt. Holyoke Summit House to enjoy some impressive views. Afterward, make sure to take a stroll through the campus’ stunning botanic garden.

1. College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME)

• Seaside gardens, endless hiking through Acadia National Park, and a rugged shoreline are just a few things to love about the campus of this small New England college. College of the Atlantic is home to only 350 students and it was specifically designed that way to provide a unique and close-knit community. No matter where you are on campus, you are a mere steps away from the ocean in a town known for summer and fall tourism. You may even sneak in a chance to view the Northern Lights!

1. Keene State College (Keene, NH)

• With views of Mount Monadnock, Keene State College’s 170-acre walkable campus really shines in the fall season. It’s nestled in a corner of New Hampshire that is often ranked by magazines as a scenic foliage drive. The city of Keene has a quaint town feel and played host to an annual pumpkin festival, drawing in thousands of tourists across New England and smashing the world record for the most carved and lit jack-o-lanterns in one place with 30,581 lighting up the city’s center.

1. Yale University (New Haven, CT)

• On top of its unique and famous architectural buildings, this Ivy League’s 260-acre campus puts on a show each fall season. Nestled in the middle of New Haven, Yale has been ranked by Forbes Magazine as “One of the World’s Most Beautiful Campuses.” In between its historical stone buildings you’ll find countless trees and greenways, allowing for awe-inspiring views in between classes.

1. The University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)

• No matter where you are in Rhode Island, you’re close to the beach and the same goes for The University of Rhode Island! There aren’t many campuses that give you the coastal vibe mixed with quintessential New England fall foliage. Spread out across two campuses over 1,200 acres, URI was named the #3 “Most Beautiful Coastal College Campuses in the United States” by Best Value Schools.

No matter where you go in New England in the fall, you’re bound to stumble upon some of the most beautiful foliage in the US. Sometimes, the best kept foliage secrets lie within our college campuses, so, skip the car traffic and head to a campus this fall to take in some breathtaking views. 

Does your college campus shine bright in autumn? Let us know in the comments!