To get the most bang for your buck in college, get into a school with top-notch education, a great location, and… a game room, sauna, and a rock-climbing wall. Wait, what? 😳
If you’re new to the whole college search act, cool perks can be the deciding factor when torn between strong contenders. After all, everyone deserves a breather after intense study sessions.
So, take a tour of the best college amenities we’ve found across the US, and you just might find The One to give you a memorable four-year stay. 🎉
READ MORE: Stunning US Colleges That Will Make You Say ‘Dayummm’
Look for every college student’s idea of paradise down below! 👇
1. Go From A to Zzzs With Napping Pods 💤
After grueling back-to-back classes, extracurriculars, and a part-time job, a relaxing nap is a perfect fix. But instead of going all the way to your dorm, why not snuggle up in a napping pod found on campus? 😴
These college amenities are futuristic-looking lounge chairs with privacy visors, plush seats, music speakers, and light settings. 😴 They even have automatic timers set for 20 minutes so tired students can take turns — and they’re all free.
📍Schools that have this perk: Saint Leo University, University of Akron, University of Miami, Wesleyan University
2. Relax in a Water Wonderland 🌊
Of course, people who work hard and play hard will love a perk like this that prioritizes both productivity and downtime. When flying to a cheap travel destination isn’t possible, having resort-like facilities on campus (covered by your cost of attendance) is a dream. 😎
Dip in an indoor pool (with color-changing lights and a water slide), a hot tub, or a lazy river whenever you want because these are accessible anytime. Oh, and did you know you can blow off steam in the sauna? Perfect for tough school days. 😄
📍Schools that have this perk: Colorado State University, Texas Tech University, University of Maine, University of Missouri
3. Reside in Upscale Housing 🏨
Cramped spaces and barebones interiors are common in college dorms, but upscale residence halls are on a different level. You’re treated with spacious bathrooms only shared with three or four roommates that beat long lines in the showers and icky hairballs found in communal bathrooms. 🚿
READ MORE: Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate College Packing Checklist
Residence halls up the convenience for students through shared kitchens, indoor gyms, laundromats, and study rooms. Students deprived of this luxury know how hard (or expensive) it is to figure out how to do all these chores if college amenities like these don’t exist in your dorm. 😄
📍Schools that have this perk: Boston University, High Point University, Johnson University, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
4. Get Your Blood Pumping in a Rock-Climbing Wall and Rope Course 🧗
Some campuses have rock-climbing facilities, which isn’t that surprising if they have varsity teams for the said sport. But did you know that these college amenities are also accessible to all students as long as they’re officially enrolled? 👍
Rope challenge courses (like climbing trees with a harness) can be done in your university’s own or partnered forests. 🌳 A small fee may be required for upkeep (like $5 per student in Brigham Young University-Idaho), but groups like college clubs can get in for free.
📍Schools that have this perk: Boston University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Oberlin College, University of Maine
5. Blow Off Steam in The Game Room 🎮
A campus game room is the best spot to socialize and play video games with friends instead of holing up like a hermit in your dorm room or exceeding your college budget in a downtown arcade. 💸
Tired of facing screens? MIT has a famous ball pit for its students to dive in and destress, while Campell University offers billiards and board games. College amenities dedicated to play and recreation can truly zap away all that pressure to juggle your academics, extracurriculars, and personal budgeting. ✨
📍Schools that have this perk: Auburn University, Campbell University, Louisiana State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. Indulge in College Gourmet Options 🍖
Hitting the books can give you the munchies, and that’s when being close to a kitchen or dining lounge with tasty bites and drinks comes in clutch. Your school gets plus points for offering varying dining choices instead of plain ol’ cafeteria grub. 🍱
From customized meal plans that meet the requirements of the food pyramid to an upscale steakhouse for special occasions, your body and mind will be properly fueled to stay focused in class. 💪
📍Schools that have this perk: Duke University, High Point University, Washington University in St. Louis
7. Spread Paw-sitivity with Therapy Dogs 🐕
It’s no secret that petting dogs is a quick, easy, and scientifically proven way to lower stress. Some colleges who know this partner with animal caretaking organizations to have these furry angels comfort students having a ruff time. 🥺
So, where can you find them? Therapy dogs typically hang out in the library or walk around the campus during finals week or on selected dates so students can interact with them. 🐶
📍Schools that have this perk: Harvard University, Miami University, Rice University, University of Minnesota
8. Bring Out Your Inner Foodie in Specialty Dining Areas 🍳
Say goodbye to greasy food deliveries when you attend a college with the best amenities, especially one that teaches you one vital life skill: cooking.
Case in point: the University of North Dakota has a Culinary Corner offering free cooking classes making meals fit for college students. Meanwhile, foodie students enjoy healthy and diverse diets, from vegetarian to carnivore, thanks to ingredients sourced near the kitchen. 😋
📍Schools that have this perk: Bowdoin College, University of North Dakota, Kenyon College, South Dakota State University
9. Breathe in Some Fresh Air via Outdoor Trails 🍃
Whether you’re a nature lover or a professional homebody (who needs to get some occasional sun), biking or hiking on your university’s outdoor trail can be the refreshing break you need. 🌄
In case you can’t wait for your next vacation trip, consider joining your school’s running or outdoor club or volunteering for nature advocacies to make the outdoors your next hangout spot. 😄 Bonus: these extracurriculars look good on your resume.
📍Schools that have this perk: Northern Arizona University, Ohio University, University of Oregon
Your college’s cost of attendance is infinitely more rewarding when it’s also used for awesome college amenities that care for your well-being. 🤗
While gourmet food, hot tubs, and top-tier housing won’t give you the scores you want, they can be there for you all throughout the school year. ✨
