So I really want to look into some colleges on the west coast, preferably in Cali with a student body that I might feel at home with. I live in colorado now so maybe WUE schools, however that isn’t necessary. I have always wanted to live close to a beach, but I really want to go to a school where I can find some like minds. I am looking into studying sociology, anthropology or forestry or something like that and so far I’ve been looking at Humboldt, UCSC, Berkeley, etc. My brother lives in Orange County and told me to look at universities near him, so I’m really looking for some suggestions. I do appreciate a collective care about the environment, and spirituality. Anything helps!
University of Nevada, Reno, even though it’s in Reno, is actually a great school for environmental studies, in all different forms. And you are right in the midst of Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, Truckee River, Pyramid Lake, etc.
Want a crazy idea? Deep Springs College. Two-year, ultra, ultra small, working ranch, FREE, run by students (really they run admissions, hiring, etc.) Students go from there to top colleges. Just check out the homepage!
Another unique school, where you very likely would spend semesters up in high terrain learning stuff,
http://www.prescott.edu/academics/index.php
Good luck!
The Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, part of the University of Redlands. Redlands is about 60 miles east of LA. At least as recently as five years ago, when my older daughter graduated from Redlands, where she was a Johnston student, Johnston students were described as hippies by many of their classmates.
Definitely UC Santa Cruz
Western Washington University, Quest (in British Columbia), Occidental, University of Puget Sound
UC Davis
Evergreen or Pitzer.
Can’t get any more hippie than Oaksterdam University in Oakland. I suppose you could somewat equate their “agricultural” program to forestry.
Do you mean Bohemian chic vibe or full on communal hippie vibe.
Quest in Canada
It’s on the East Coast but New College in Florida is about as hippie and progressive as you can get. Sometimes you’ll see students barefoot and weed is pretty popular there if you’re into that. Overall, it’s a strong LC that’s VERY affordable.
Southern Oregon U in Ashland is a WUE school and has a very artistic vibe.
I would agree that Evergreen in Olympia Washington would likely fulfill your every alternative need.
Although not a WUE school, it has a fairly low out of state cost. It’s on modified block system (like Quest and Colorado College) so you’d take one class at a time each semester.
Reed in Portland, Oregon.
I just googled and a category hippie haven colleges came up! Hampshire, Oberlin, Evergreen. There is a category for nature lovers too. I google or bing so many questions when I want info. I’m not familiar with any of the schools, preppy kids in our house.
Since you are a CO resident, be aware there is no financial aid for OOS students at UC schools. Talk with your parents to see what they can afford. Your brother living in CA will not let you qualify for CA residency status; it is almost impossible to get CA residency for tuition purposes for someone growing up elsewhere.
Evergreen State has been having some issues over the last couple of years. I consider myself somewhat liberal, but even I might be hesitant to hire someone from there.
Occidental
At UC Davis you can live in a dome and raise chickens. Google Baggins End UC Davis. It’s pretty granola-y
Pitzer
Humboldt is a WUE school, so CO residents do get a tuition break.