<p>So perhaps this is a strange question for a sophomore but I've been looking at colleges just for the fun of it and I have found a lot of wonderful American universities and colleges but none of them satisfy all of my interests. So I started wondering about international schools and it would be nice if anyone could recommend colleges/universities. I'm going to refrain from putting my grades, testing scores, and budget simply because I want to hear about all the colleges and universities there are just so I can get a feel for them.</p>
<p>I'm interested in a place with the following qualities:
1. Strong or well known writing program and visual arts program
2. In or near a city (a more laid back city filled with bookstores, coffee shops, music stores, thrift stores, organic food)
3. Co-ed
4. Diverse (racially, religiously, sexually, anything along those lines)
5. Place that values intellect, curiosity, and knowledge</p>
<p>Your description of the city made me think of Melbourne completely, so the University of Melbourne might be a good fit. They have a very strong visual arts program located at the Victorian College of the Arts which is a part of the University but has its own campus and admissions. The university of Melbourne is very difficult to get into (I think its ranked about 30 something in world rankings, so above some of the Ivy Leagues etc) and its ranked first in Australia. </p>
<p>RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) is known as the top school for design in Melbourne, and they offer very strong programs in visual arts and creative writing. The whole school is for the most part focused on creative endeavors (from photography to architecture to industrial design) so you would be in a very creative environment and amid like minded people. RMIT is smack in the middle of the city and Melbourne is in a suburb full of amazing restaurants right next to the city (literally a 5 minute walk-if that). Hope some of this information helps! I live in Melbourne and I was accepted to Melbourne University, with lots of friends at RMIT, so I know quite a bit if you have any other questions. I myself have deferred and am awaiting my (hopeful!) offers from US universities. </p>