Have you ever dreamed of attending a school like Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series? While we may not have magical powers, there are real-life schools out there that closely resemble the iconic school of witchcraft and wizardry.
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as depicted in J.K. Rowling’s books and the subsequent movie adaptations, has captured the imagination of millions around the world. Its majestic towers, hidden passageways, and grand halls have inspired architects and designers to create schools that mimic its enchanting atmosphere.
If you have ever wished to experience a glimpse of the magical world of Hogwarts, several schools around the globe could make you feel like you’re stepping into it. From castle-like structures to ancient libraries, these schools have all the charm and mystery of Hogwarts.
Table of contents
What is Hogwarts?
In the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling, there is a fictional school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One of the most famous places in the Harry Potter universe and the central backdrop for the majority of the novels is the school.
The esteemed institution Hogwarts is where young witches and wizards learn the craft of magic. The Sorting Ceremony, a magical selection procedure for Hogwarts, divides applicants into the four houses of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Furthermore, the school is separated into various sections, each with a goal. The Great Hall serves as Hogwarts’ focal point where the students congregate for meals and other occasions.
Hogwarts Castle, a huge complex including classrooms, dorms, offices, and other services, is the major academic building. A fortification in the form of a castle, it has towers, turrets, and a central courtyard.
Students take classes on various topics inside the castle, such as Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Also, they can participate in extracurricular activities like Quidditch, a much-liked wizarding sport played on broomsticks.
The presence of numerous secret rooms and labyrinthine pathways further enhances the mystique of Hogwarts.
For instance, a magical room called the Room of Requirement only manifests when someone needs it. Another hidden chamber in the castle is called the Chamber of Secrets, and it is home to the Basilisk, a terrifying beast.
Overall, Hogwarts is an enchanted and wonderful environment that catches the attention of both readers and viewers.
Young people can learn to harness their magical skills and realize their ultimate potential in this realm of wonder and opportunity. With its enduring message of bravery, friendship, and the power of magic, the school has become a cultural symbol and never ceases to motivate new generations of admirers.
What College Was Hogwarts Based On?
Hogwarts is a made-up place, yet actual places inspired it. Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, which served as Hogwarts in multiple Harry Potter movies, served as an inspiration for JK Rowling’s castle. The castle is still open for tours today!
The structures at each of these colleges appear to be lifted directly from a Harry Potter film.
Which other universities like Hogwarts? Don’t worry if you don’t want to attend Alnwick Castle for school. There are several colleges with similarly beautiful campuses.
Read this: “Why Did You Choose This School?” How to Write this Essay | 2024
10 Best Schools That Look Like Hogwarts
Below is the list of the 10 best Colleges that look like Hogwarts that you can really attend:
- The University of Glasgow
- Oxford University
- University of Chicago
- Durham University
- Cambridge University
- University of Coimbra
- Yale University
- Boston College
- Bryn Mawr College
- The University of Vienna
#1. The University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is a Scottish institution with Gothic revival-style architecture. George Gilbert Scott, an English architect, created the original design.
The university’s exterior and interior share Hogwarts’ design and architectural elements. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
You’ll have the impression that you’re in Hogwarts, thanks to the towers, cloisters, magnificent staircases, and lawns.
Furthermore, there were numerous filming locations throughout the country because the Harry Potter films are truly set in the Scottish Highlands. In Scotland, some important locations include:
- In the Chamber of Secrets film, the Hogwarts Express travels over the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- The Scottish Highlands’ Loch Arkaig, Clachaig Gully, and Glencoe served as the filming settings for the Harry Potter movies.
- Many people think Edinburgh’s lovely Victoria Street was the model for Diagon Alley in the films.
#2. Oxford University
England’s Oxford University is a venerable institution of higher learning. Architecturally, it largely reflects English Gothic and Gothic Revival styles.
Numerous Harry Potter sequences were filmed in Oxford, England, as a fun fact. Many sequences were filmed at The Divinity School, which is a division of the University of Oxford. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
The Oxford Bodleian Library resembles the Hogwarts Infirmary quite a bit. That’s because many of the scenes were filmed there, such as when Hermione Granger sends Harry Potter and himself back in time using the Time Turner in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to spare Buckbeak from death and Sirius Black from being devoured by dementors.
Also, the Yule Ball dance rehearsals that took place here were also featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
So go to the University of Oxford if you want to experience Hogwarts. You won’t be let down!
Check this: Top 20 Pet-Friendly Colleges in the World | 2024
#3. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is the closest place in the United States to experiencing Hogwarts in its entirety.
The University of Chicago’s renowned Victorian Gothic architecture will make you think of Hogwarts. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
Its dining hall is remarkably similar to Oxford’s Christ Church, which served as the Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, where students gather to eat together.
Moreso, students, and staff at the University of Chicago use this dining hall for group meals. Like Harry Potter, they even have various houses.
4. Durham University
England’s Durham University was established in 1832.
The university appears like it belongs in the Harry Potter universe with its stunning, rustic brick stone walls and courtyard. Also with a gorgeous lake!
Durham University even offers a Harry Potter course. Sadly, they won’t teach you how to play quidditch, combat evil wizards, or prepare potions. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
Therefore, to learn more about the factors that contributed to the success of the book and movie franchise, enroll in the “Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion” module.
#5. Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge in England is built in the same early Gothic Revival style as Hogwarts. Its design will transport you to the mystical school’s halls and surroundings.
This university is an excellent replacement for Hogwarts since it includes elegant towers, tall hallways, lovely chapels, stately dining halls, and gorgeous gardens.
Also, the university’s library, where Hogwarts students typically conduct their study, is comparable to the one in Harry Potter.
You are divided into “houses” or, more accurately, “colleges,” just as in Harry Potter. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
#6. University of Coimbra
Lisbon, Portugal, is home to the University of Coimbra, which was established in 1290.
Even though it lacks the Gothic Revival aesthetic, there is one fantastic location at this university that will undoubtedly transport you to Hogwarts.
The Joanina Library at the university is certainly one of the most stunning libraries in the entire world.
One of Europe’s most exquisite libraries features elaborate carvings, concealed ladders for reaching books that are too high for you to reach, unfamiliar wood construction, and opulent painted ceilings. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
An intriguing detail about this library is that the institution uses the bat colony that lives inside to eliminate insects that could harm the books.
Also, you can read this: Best Online Colleges That Pay You to Attend in 2024
#7. Yale University
One of the most renowned universities in the world is Yale University, which is in Connecticut.
But if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series and have ever been to Yale, you know that it’s famous for being compared to Hogwarts, mainly because of its old Gothic architecture.
For instance, the structures contain ominous gargoyles that resemble those at Hogwarts. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
Long communal tables are also present in the eating halls, emulating the layout of the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
Additionally, you’ll be reminded of Professor Sprout, who teaches Herbology to Hogwarts pupils, by Yale’s greenhouses packed with lovely flora.
#8. Boston College
Massachusetts’ Boston College likewise has Gothic building styles evocative of the Hogwarts structures.
All students there refer to the Bapst Library as “the Harry Potter Library.”
You can also get to the Great Hall of Hogwarts by using the Gargan Hall in the library. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
#9. Bryn Mawr College
Like the University of Oxford’s architecture, Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania likewise features a Gothic style.
If you adore Hogwarts’ architectural design, this is an excellent college to attend because the buildings are comparable to those of Hogwarts. In addition, this is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
#10. The University of Vienna
In Austria, at the University of Vienna, there are stairs that resemble those at Hogwarts.
Of course, they are stationary, but mounting the stairs to class will make you feel like a Hogwarts student. This is one of the schools that look like Hogwarts.
The stunning university library is just like the one you’ll find at Hogwarts!
Also, check this: 15 Best Small Liberal Arts Colleges In 2024 | Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions
The massive buildings of Hogwarts Castle are similar in height to the Gothic-style structures in Bryn Mawr.
Similar Gothic-inspired buildings can be seen at other storied American campuses, like Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Hogwarts-themed parties are regularly held at Cornell’s Risley Residential College because of how much it resembles the renowned wizarding school.
Oxford College
This university is the closest thing to Hogwarts you can find—scenes from the movie were really filmed there. Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and the New College have all been used as filming locations.
In actuality, the Great Hall of Christ Church College served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts Grand Hall.
But Hogwarts was in many ways inspired by Harvard, which is perhaps why J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, said during her commencement speech at Harvard a few years ago that the university’s commencement might pass for “the world’s largest Gryffindor reunion.”
Pennsylvania’s Bryn Mawr College is located in that city.
The complex has a bell tower, a Gothic chapel that mirrors the chapel at Hogwarts, and a walled promenade. There have been comparisons between the Great Hall at Bryn Mawr and the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
In some ways, Hogwarts may be a private institution, but it is, first and foremost, a school for the wizarding community and a must for young witches and wizards who wish to develop and master their magic.
Conclusion
Even though it may not be possible for you to attend Hogwarts, you might feel as though you are thanks to this list of colleges.
Their Gothic Revival architectural designs will make you feel at home and transfer you to the Harry Potter universe.
These universities and colleges are excellent choices if you want to attend a school that looks like Hogwarts, from magnificent tall buildings to gorgeous libraries.
References
- mycollegesavvy.com/ colleges that look like Hogwarts
- farmfoodfamily.com/ colleges that look like Hogwarts
Recommendations
