Ever scrolled through social media and seen a picture of a university campus that looks straight out of a fairytale? From historic ivy-covered buildings to sprawling green quads, some universities boast an undeniable aesthetic appeal. And while you should never choose where to study based on a university’s appearance alone, it can definitely play into your decision.
But with thousands of universities around the world, which are the most photogenic of them all?
To find out, we decided to dig into the data and see which universities are generating the most buzz on social media. Using a seedlist of top universities in the UK and around the world, we analysed the number of Instagram and TikTok posts for each to determine which have captured the hearts (and cameras) of students the most.
The most photogenic universities in the UK
1. University of Oxford
Claiming the top spot as the UK’s most photogenic university, according to social media, is the University of Oxford. This prestigious university is famed around the world for its academic offerings – as well as its timeless beauty. It’s the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with stunning classical architecture to match.
It’s no wonder, then, that Oxford has racked up more posts on social media than any other university in the UK. There are 459,408 Instagram posts tagged ‘#OxfordUniversity’, as well as 33,500 on TikTok.
With over 40 different colleges – some dating back as far as the 13th century – there’s no shortage of impressive sights to take in at the University of Oxford.
For those looking to get a taste of the Oxford lifestyle, students can participate in Oxford summer programmes with Immerse Education. This will include experiencing life on campus and engaging in lessons taught by Oxford tutors, helping to prepare young students for their academic future.
2. University of Cambridge
Following close behind Oxford and claiming the second spot on the list is the University of Cambridge. With 335,459 posts tagged ‘#CambridgeUniversity’ on Instagram and 20,000 on TikTok, Cambridge’s picturesque campus is a clear favourite among social media users.
Just like Oxford, Cambridge is renowned for its academic excellence, as well as equally stunning aesthetics. Steeped in history as the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, its architectural beauty is a captivating blend of styles, ranging from Gothic to modern.
3. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham ranks as the third-most photogenic university in the UK, capturing the attention of social media with 160,482 Instagram posts and 2,850 on TikTok tagged ‘#UniversityofBirmingham’.
While not quite as steeped in history as Oxford and Cambridge, Birmingham still boasts its own unique charm. The university’s architectural style is varied, ranging from red brick to more contemporary buildings, creating a visually interesting campus.
| Rank | University | Number of Instagram posts | Number of TikTok posts |
| 1 | University of Oxford | 459,408 | 33,500 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | 335,459 | 20,000 |
| 3 | University of Birmingham | 160,482 | 2,850 |
| 4 | University of Manchester | 151,899 | 2,422 |
| 5 | University of Glasgow | 146,499 | 2,354 |
| 6 | King’s College London | 113,588 | 4,595 |
| 7 | University of Leeds | 134,663 | 2,623 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | 103,270 | 3,649 |
| 9 | Newcastle University | 113,924 | 2,445 |
| 10 | University of Nottingham | 108,704 | 2,390 |
The most photogenic universities in the world
1. University of California, Los Angeles
With nearly 2 million Instagram posts and over 100,000 TikTok posts tagged #UCLA, the University of California, Los Angeles reigns supreme as the world’s most photogenic university according to social media.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, the campus offers a beautiful blend of Californian sunshine, palm trees, and collegiate Gothic architecture. Whether it’s capturing a view of the iconic Royce Hall or snapping a selfie at the top of the Janss Steps, UCLA provides endless backdrops for the perfect social media moment.
2. University of Oxford
As well as being crowned the UK’s most photogenic university, Oxford also snags a spot as the second-most photogenic university in the world.
Although Oxford’s 459,408 Instagram posts can’t live up to UCLA’s near-two million, it’s still a very impressive number, proving the university’s popularity online.
3. University of California, San Diego
Another Californian institution, the University of California, San Diego, comes third on the list. With a staggering 449,569 Instagram posts and 21,000 TikTok posts tagged #UCSD, UC San Diego’s beauty isn’t lost on social media users.
The campus offers breathtaking ocean views, modern architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a picture-perfect spot for students and visitors alike.
| Rank | University | Number of Instagram posts | Number of TikTok posts |
| 1 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 1,922,564 | 116,400 |
| 2 | University of Oxford | 459,408 | 33,500 |
| 3 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 449,569 | 21,000 |
| 4 | Harvard University | 318,466 | 23,100 |
| 5 | Columbia University | 385,721 | 17,700 |
| 6 | University of Cambridge | 335,459 | 20,000 |
| 7 | University of Washington | 342,376 | 10,600 |
| 8 | University of Michigan | 293,678 | 13,500 |
| 9 | University of Toronto | 310,981 | 5,053 |
| 10 | Yale University | 208,788 | 11,000 |
The most photogenic universities in the US and Canada
Considering they both rank among the world’s most photogenic universities according to our ranking, it’s no surprise to see UCLA and UCSD top the list in the United States.
They’re followed by Harvard University in third, with 318,466 posts on Instagram and 23,100 on TikTok. As the oldest institution of higher learning in the US, Harvard’s visual appeal stems from its rich history and iconic architecture.
In fourth is Columbia University in New York, which has a combined total of over 400,000 posts dedicated to it across Instagram and TikTok, followed by Boston University with 288,378.
| Rank | University | Number of Instagram posts | Number of TikTok posts |
| 1 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 1,922,564 | 116,400 |
| 2 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 449,569 | 21,000 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 318,466 | 23,100 |
| 4 | Columbia University | 385,721 | 17,700 |
| 5 | Boston University | 272,578 | 15,800 |
In Canada, York University in Toronto ranks as the most photogenic university. Like many others on the list, it offers a blend of natural beauty and modern architecture, earning over 200,000 posts across Instagram and TikTok.
Following closely behind is the University of Toronto, boasting 310,981 Instagram posts and 5,053 TikToks. With iconic buildings like University College and the surrounding green spaces, the university provides a classically charming backdrop for social media moments.
Rounding out the top three is the University of Waterloo, racking up 154,669 Instagram posts and 13,400 TikToks. That’s followed by Western University and McMaster University, both in Ontario.
| Rank | University | Number of Instagram posts | Number of TikTok posts |
| 1 | York University | 185,178 | 18,500 |
| 2 | University of Toronto | 310,981 | 5,053 |
| 3 | University of Waterloo | 154,669 | 13,400 |
| 4 | Western University | 121,709 | 15,300 |
| 5 | McMaster University | 109,023 | 6,089 |
The most photogenic universities in Australia
Across the Pacific, Monash University takes the crown as Australia’s most photogenic university. Amassing over 174,000 Instagram posts and nearly 5,000 TikTok videos tagged ‘#MonashUniversity’, its multiple campuses are a clear winner on social media.
Image: Monash University
RMIT University comes in second, with over 132,000 posts dedicated to it across Instagram and TikTok, showcasing its blend of historic buildings and contemporary architecture. Close behind is the University of Sydney, followed by Curtin University and Macquarie University.
| Rank | University | Number of Instagram posts | Number of TikTok posts |
| 1 | Monash University | 174,456 | 4,745 |
| 2 | RMIT University | 128,606 | 4,100 |
| 3 | University of Sydney | 144,682 | 1,535 |
| 4 | Curtin University | 121,279 | 1,717 |
| 5 | Macquarie University | 89,153 | 2,478 |
How to choose the perfect summer school
For many ambitious school students, the summer break is a prime opportunity to dive deeper into academics and explore future paths. Summer schools offer a wealth of enriching programmes, but with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
We’ve put together five key tips to help you find the perfect summer school experience to fuel your academic goals and personal growth.
1. Align with your academic goals
Pick a programme that deepens your knowledge in a subject you’re passionate about or explores a field you’re considering for your future studies. Look for programmes offering college-level courses, research opportunities, or workshops led by industry professionals. From architecture to economics, there’s a range of courses to explore at universities across the globe at Immerse Education to suit your interests and future goals.
2. Challenge yourself
Look for programmes that offer courses beyond your typical high school curriculum. Explore advanced subjects, delve deeper into existing interests, or tackle something entirely new. Aim for a programme that pushes your intellectual boundaries and prepares you for the rigours of college.
3. Consider the format
Think about your learning style. Do you thrive in a traditional classroom setting, or are you interested in a more hands-on experience like fieldwork, internships, or travel programmes? Pick a programme that’s in line with how you learn best.
4. Think about the location
Location can be a major perk! Choose a programme on a prestigious university campus, in a bustling city with cultural experiences, or even abroad for a truly immersive experience. At Immerse Education, we offer programmes in a variety of locations across the globe, from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge to the National University of Singapore.
5. Look beyond academics
Many summer schools offer extracurricular activities, workshops, and networking events. Choose a programme with offerings that complement your academic pursuits and personal interests, fostering a well-rounded summer experience.
Methodology
We created a seedlist of top universities around the world and in each country, then looked at social media data in order to determine the most photogenic universities.
This was done by searching the number of TikTok and Instagram posts for each university and creating a ranking from the average of the two data points.
Data correct as of 22/04/24.
