<p>I've searched CC for similar threads, but everyone keeps saying colleges in Florida and California, and I do not want to be in either one of those states.</p>
<p>I'm from a coastal town in Connecticut, and I love the ocean and nature.</p>
<p>I'm a strong believer in the fact that your college experience won't be worthwhile or satisfying if you're in a location you dislike, which is why I am being very specific about where I want to be. :)</p>
<p>Does anyone know of any schools that...
1) are near the ocean (the mere thought of being landlocked gives me an anxiety attack)
2) have somewhat distinct seasons (it cannot be warm year round, and at the same time, no extreme winters)
3) preferably on the East Coast, although this is flexible</p>
<p>Currently, what majors the school offers is unimportant because I do not know what I want to do and will most likely go into college undecided.</p>
<p>I don’t see why you’re against Florida and California. Here in southern California, UCLA is 5 miles away from the ocean. Pepperdine, UCSD, and UCSB are both walking distance away from the beach (I think). </p>
<p>Anyways, if you’re that picky, then maybe NYU and Columbia? Yale too. </p>
<p>You say that a pretty big factor in your college choice is if there is a beach nearby (and other location stuff). But honestly though, you won’t even be going there as much as you think you will. You’ll be busy with studying, work, and clubs. I know several out of state kids at UCLA came here expecting to go to the beach all the time and they don’t go as often as they imagined (though they still do). Same case for me. We’re all busy with other stuff.</p>
<p>theespys69 - It’s not that I’m against Florida or California, I’m more so against the heat. I get dehydrated easily, and it is especially bad during the hot months. Plus, I need seasons, and those typically aren’t found in places like California or Florida. Yes, location is a major factor in my college decision. Why go to a place where I won’t be entirely happy? And to be honest, it’s not that I enjoy going to the beach to run and frolic in the waves - I just like the ocean views and find them to be reassuring and relaxing. The beaches here are only usable for about 3 months of the year, but that doesn’t necessarily stop me from going to them and just taking in the views. Sounds lame, but whatever. I enjoy the beach for the scenery, and not so much for the sun and surf. Plus, like I mentioned before, being landlocked would give me anxiety.</p>
<p>The weather around UCLA is around 60-80 for the vast majority of the year. There’s a cool breeze most of the time. I’d imagine places that are practically on the beach (like UCSD, UCSB and Pepperdine) would be even cooler. If you go inland it gets hot but not around here.</p>
<p>The lack of seasons is an understandable concern though.</p>
<p>Well you won’t be at college during the hot months (unless you do summer sessions). And in California it never gets too hot. But if you want seasons, then yah California isn’t the right place. Definitely do consider location as a factor in choosing colleges (I mean I did it too) but just realize that you probably won’t be able to go to the beach as much as you think you will since you’ll be busy. But if your college is right next to the beach, then you might be able to study there instead of your room if you’re into it (I know a few people who did this).</p>
<p>I lived in the Northeast and now live in SoCal. I can honestly say it is much more humid and hot in the northeast. It hasn’t been 90 yet in southern california. It was 70-75 today.</p>
<p>How about the Pacific Northwest? The seasons thing is kinda sketchy, the weather here certainly isn’t monotonous, but it’s also arbitrary and doesn’t like to confine itself to labels such as “winter”. But generally it’s pretty mild, staying above 30 in the winter and below 85 in the summer, so no intense Cali heat</p>
<p>University of Washington and University of Puget Sound are the best of the Seattle area, both near the Puget Sound.</p>
<p>Depending on exactly how close you need to be to the ocean, you could check out Portland schools as well, they’re about an hour away from the coast I believe…</p>
<p>“and below 85 in the summer, so no intense Cali heat”</p>
<p>kenzie1992- unless you’re talking about inland, this is inaccurate since it usually doesn’t go over 85 near the coast. And it’s dry and humid, so 85 over here is actually bearable even when it happens</p>
<p>Having been to the campus multiple times, the College of the Atlantic fits your location desires perfectly, being right on the ocean and having nature trails while also being close to Acadia National Park. It’s also in Maine, so there are definite seasons.</p>
<p>OPsaid: “Plus, I need seasons, and those typically aren’t found in places like California or Florida.”</p>
<p>This is hilarious!! California stretches well over 800 miles North to South, from arid desert-like conditions near the coast south of San Diego to almost Portland, Oregon like climate near Humboldt. </p>
<p>That said, we all need non-rational reasons to winnow the number of college, and if the OP wants to forget the entire Golden State, I say fine . . . too many people live there any way.</p>
<p>I’m getting some great suggestions. The Pacific Northwest is especially appealing to me, so thanks for that idea!</p>
<p>Kei-o-lei - There is a vast difference between experiencing seasons and driving hundreds of miles for a climate change. Therefore, my decision to rule out California is indeed rational, unlike your post.</p>
<p>Seriously, if you want ocean, you want the University of British Columbia. Vancouver is SURROUNDED. You can see it out the windows of some dorms (though it probably won’t happen freshman year, sorry). There’s got to be at least ten beaches near campus. Seagulls and cranes everywhere.</p>