Colleges that look like Hogwarts

“I solemnly swear…….”

This is Rita Skeeter from The Daily Prophet, officially back in the Muggle world. But I've not come with empty hands. I bring with me, great news- All of you, Muggle-born who are eagerly waiting for your Hogwarts letter, the letters that were destroyed after the last battle of Hogwarts (tsk!) unfortunately. I bring you in collaboration with Dream Medicine Educon Pvt. Ltd. a list of 14 colleges that look like Hogwarts in your, what do you call it? The real world.

14 colleges that look like Hogwarts

Oxford University
 

This one has been a dream of many students across the globe anyways for its high quality of education, excellent faculty, job opportunities, etc. But what if, I tell you this university not only serves you academically but will also satiate your fictional curiosity? In the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry and other kids ascend a stone staircase to reach the Great Hall, a real Hall of Christ Church college. The moving staircase in the movies also lookalike the one at Oxford university giving you Hogwarts college real-life vibes.

University of Coimbra, Portugal
 

J.K. Rowling herself taught English for several years at the University of Coimbra in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. The black robes in the University inspired what the students are supposed to wear in Hogwarts. So, this has to make a place in our list of colleges that look like Hogwarts.

Also, Portugal stands out to be one of the most interesting Best Places to Travel across the world!

University of Glasgow, Scotland
 

Near Kelvingrove Park, the gothic style of the University of Glasgow can be easily misunderstood as an actual Hogwarts building. The courtyard has an uncanny resemblance to the grounds where Harry first learned to fly his broomstick in the Sorcerer’s Stone. It is rumored that the actual shooting of the movies was done at the University of Glasgow. It may or may not be true but that’s no reason to not include this university in the list of colleges that look like Hogwarts.

Durham University
 

The cloister in Durham Cathedral, a covered walkway originally built for monks who would worship, exercise, and teach within the walls has an uncanny resemblance with the walkway Harry and his friends used to reach their classes at Hogwarts. Also, Durham University has been ranked 6th in the UK in the Sunday Times Good University Guide. The university’s castle and the cathedral have been designated as UNESCO world heritage sites. So, rightfully, it is listed here as the college that looks like Hogwarts.

University of Edinburgh
 

After 1993, J.K. Rowling shifted to Edinburgh to stay closer to her sister and wrote a considerable part of seven books of Harry Potter in and around the cafes near the University of Edinburgh campus. The University of Edinburgh is 14th in the world in the 2022 QS World University ranking. Hence, it is on the list of colleges that look like Hogwarts.

Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania
 

This college made it to the list of colleges that look like Hogwarts because not only it is famous for its architectural history and gothic beauty similar to Hogwarts but it also has home flags similar to the four Hogwarts house banners. Bryn Mawr College is a liberal arts college for women initially created to give women an educational equivalent to the Ivy League, which were traditionally all men. Hermione stans! Assemble.

University of Cambridge
 

All colleges, especially King’s have formal dinner traditions in architectural-rich Halls, academic gowns or black robes, and magnificent balls. Trinity, St. John’s, Clare, and Magdalene host the best balls. The libraries of the University of Cambridge are also quite similar to the library of Hogwarts school. It is also ranked 2nd in the QS World university rankings. All the more reason to include this university in this list of colleges that looks like Hogwarts.

University of Notre Dame, Indiana
 

South Dining Hall opened in 1927 is one of the finest examples of gothic architecture which perfectly resemble the Hogwarts dining hall. The only difference is there are no magical ceilings, floating candles, or magnificent cuisines prepared by elves. However, the university has preserved its original murals, stone fireplaces, oak tables, chairs, modern kitchen facilities, and a new food court design. In 2009, the Norte Dame Food Services also hosted a harry potter-themed dinner which the students very much enjoyed. Hence, it earned its place in this list of colleges that look like Hogwarts.

St. Olaf College
 

St. Olaf College is known for its unique liberal arts study program, world-renowned music groups, choir, and orchestra much like Hogwarts Frog choir led by Professor Filius Flitwick. They also celebrate harry potter night every year. They also threw a grand dinner party when “the Deathly Hallows part 1” premiered back in 2010.

Swarthmore College
 

Swarthmore College is passionate about its love for Harry Potter. They actually celebrate a Harry Potter-themed- Yule Ball every year. This college in Pennsylvania founded in 1864 is known for its tall trees covered, lush-green campus, academically challenging, and friendly people. They even switch the college newspaper from “The phoenix” to “The Daily Prophet” every winter. What more can you ask for to make it to the list of schools like Hogwarts?

Mount Holyoke College
 

It is a private liberal art women’s college that is gender diverse and welcomes female, transgender, and non-binary students in Massachusetts. It is also known for its stunning architecture, magnificent buildings, and ceiling-to-floor library that will make Hermione Granger jump for joy. However, what really makes this college stand out is a rumor regarding a former student who passed away and roams in the halls of the college just like Moaning Myrtle.

Khalsa College, Amritsar
 

Up until now, you must have noticed only colleges/universities situated abroad in this list of colleges that look like Hogwarts. But, don’t you worry; my desi Potterheads, India has always been a land of fine architectural history and a little bit of magic. One such college is Khalsa College in Amritsar established in 1892 by the leaders of the Singh Sahab Movement to achieve the aim of excellence in higher education and the welfare of youth. It is also popular among students across the country for its tall minarets, impressive architecture, and grandeur of history, which is magical in its own right.

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

Established in 1869, It is a private, autonomous Catholic college for higher education that not only has notable alumni - Neerja Bhanot, Ali Fazal, Aditya Roy Kapur, Zeenat Aman, Mandira Bedi, and many more but the campus is highly influenced by Catholic culture that will surely give you Harry Potter vibes. The wooden floors, stained glass windows, high-arched ceilings, and rusty white-brown pillars will surely satiate your curiosity about the Hogwarts world.

Banaras Hindu University

BHU established in 1916 is a renowned institute of learning all over the globe. It has produced a large number of scholars, artists, scientists, researchers, and great freedom fighters. This university, located near the banks of river Ganga already comes with a lot of cultures, history, myths, and the magical city of Kasi but has an uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts due to its Indo- gothic architecture, 1300-acres lush green campus, well-maintained roads, a temple, and airstrip. It also owns a grand library with a rustic charm full of ancient to latest books that will overjoy any Hermione stans.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of Colleges that look like Hogwarts in and outside of India. Harry didn’t really have a choice in which school he wanted to go to, in fact, the school chose him. But you have a choice and if you wish to experience your higher education in a magical place, feel free to visit Dream Medicine Educon or comment down below.