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These 50 cities are home to the world's best universities

Although their universities are lauded across the world, some of these cities might not get the recognition they deserve.

League tables consider many factors when ranking universities, not least the standard of teaching and quality of research.

One often overlooked element, however, is location. Many students are willing to move across the country or even abroad just to attend a certain reputable university, sometimes with little knowledge of the city in which they will be based.

So, Business Insider is here to help. Below is a list of the 50 cities that are home to the world's best universities, and a little bit about what you can expect from each.

We have used The Times Higher Education Guide's latest world ranking to pull this together. Where cities host more than one highly regarded university, we have used the top-ranked institution to decide the city's position in our list.

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Keep scrolling to find out the 50 cities that host the world's best universities — and what else makes these destinations unique.

St Louis, Missouri, USA.

University: Washington University in St Louis (=57th in the The Times Higher Education Guide)

St Louis in Missouri is probably best known for its university and the "Gateway Arch," built in the 1960s. Students can also revel in the local barbecue scene and blue music nightlife.

The St Louis university there is ranked joint 57th in The Times' Higher Education world rankings thanks to its medical school and high teaching standards score.

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Berlin, Germany.

University:Humboldt University of Berlin (=57th)

Boasting world-famous tourist destinations including the Reichstag Building and Brandenburg Gate, Berlin proudly embraces its divided past, resulting in a thriving art and music scene since the Berlin wall fell in 1989.

What's more, the city also boasts the highly prestigious Humboldt University of Berlin — a pioneering institution, which has shaped the relationship between education and research over the last 200 years, according to the Times Higher Education Guide.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.

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University:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (56th)

With a population only 60,000 in the most recent census, Chapel Hill is one of the more rural locations on the list. Nevertheless, this town is home to the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which places 56th in the Times rankings thanks to its schools in medicine and social sciences.

Chapel Hill labels itself "the southern part of Heaven," a phrase used by author William Meade Prince circa 1950, who grew up in the town.

Manchester, UK.

University:University of Manchester (55th)

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This British city has a rich industrial past, and has become an increasingly popular cultural hotspot over recent years thanks to its plethora of museums, galleries, theatres, and booming nightlife scene.

Manchester's industrial background is reflected in its university's prestigious engineering and economics schools.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

University:University of Minnesota (53rd)

Home to many cultural landmarks, such the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, this Minnesota city has a thriving art culture.

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What's more, Minneapolis is also home to one of the largest universities in the US. With a prestigious social sciences department and strong graduation prospects, according to the Times guide.

And with notable alumni including eight Nobel Prize laureates, two Pulitzer Prize winners, and two vice-presidents of the United States, it's easy to see why.

Davis, California, USA.

University:University of California, Davis (=51st)

If it wasn't for its Bicycling Hall of Fame, or the Manetti Shrem Museum on the university's campus, Davis would almost always be outshone by nearby Sacramento when it comes to passing tourism.

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This city, with a population of a mere 67,000, is also home to the University of California at Davis, which ranks 43rd in the US and joint 51st in the world thanks to its department of life sciences and high teaching standards.

Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

University:Brown University (=51st)

Rhode Island's capital city, home to the prestigious Brown University, is full of tranquil, landscaped parks and historic and sleek architecture. College Hill, in particular, boasts some of the most picturesque houses in the state, according to the city's website.

The Times' guide states that, since opening in 1764, "Brown has offered the best in educational innovation, leading-edge scholarship and research, and opportunities for community-based service learning," which contributes to the Ivy League school gaining joint 51st place in the world league table.

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Austin, Texas, USA.

University:University of Texas at Austin (50th)

The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World", Austin's blues, soul, and country music scene on the famous Sixth Street attracts thousands of tourists every year.

What's more, Austin boasts Formula One's Circuit of the Americas racetrack and hosts many global tech giants including Apple, Samsung, and IBM.

As a result it's no surprise that the Texan state capital also contains a world renowned university.

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Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.

University:Hong Kong Institute of Science and Technology (49th)

This idyllic peninsula, located within a national park, looks more like somewhere you'd escape on holiday rather than go to get a degree.

Nevertheless, this Eastern region of Hong Kong is home to the world-renowned Hong Kong Institute of Science and Technology, which was founded in a mission to assist "in Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development" and "has gone beyond the wildest dreams of many", according to the Times Higher Education Guide.

Santa Barbara, California, USA.

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University:University of California, Santa Barbara (48th)

The University of California, Santa Barbara specialises in Liberal Arts with schools also excelling in life science, engineering, and computer science in the Times rankings.

This city in the centre of California's coast, containing streets lined with Mediterranean-inspired houses. It is the perfect destination for tourists and students alike looking to cycle, surf, or climb the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains.

Canberra, Australia.

University:Australian National University (47th)

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Nicknamed the "Bush Capital," Australia's relatively small capital city of only 390,000 is surrounded by forests and farmland, and sits on picturesque Lake Burley Griffin.

Despite often being overshadowed by Australia's other cities, however, Canberra is still home to the Australian National University.

The institution scores highly due to its "international outlook" — a statistic which considers the university's proportion of international staff, students, and research papers.

Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

University:University of Wisconsin-Madison (45th)

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Madison, known for its rich farming and immigration histories, is also home to the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison. The college town is also known for containing plenty of cafés, bookshops, pubs, and restaurants — more per capita than anywhere else in the USA, according to TripAdvisor.

This university, of some 50,000 students, has been home to multiple pioneering achievements through the years, including the discovery of vitamins, the cultivation of embryonic stem cells, and — more recently — the discovery of a new human species.

Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.

University:University of Hong Kong (44th)

This residential district of the autonomous Chinese region is also home to the country's highest ranking university — the University of Hong Kong.

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With 111 professors ranking in the top 1% scientists globally, according to the Times' league table, the university is ranked best in the world for its dentistry degrees and seventh for education degrees.

Heidelberg, Germany.

University:Heidelberg University (=43rd)

Home to Germany's oldest university, Heidelberg also boasts a plethora of beer gardens and taverns, according to reviews on TripAdvisor — making it an ideal student location.

The Times' guide states that both the city and the university "

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Montreal, Canada.

University:McGill University (42nd)

The largest city in Quebec boasts an underground (literally) shopping network, a botanical garden, a fine art museum, a biodome containing multiple eco-systems, a basilica, and

What's more, the city's McGill University is also considered the 42nd best university in the world by the Times Higher Education Guide, thanks to the quality of its research and its social sciences department.

San Diego, California, USA.

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University:University of California, San Diego (41st)

The University of California, San Diego's esteemed reputation gained 41st place in the Times' guide thanks to multiple high-flying stats, including the institution's low student-to-staff ratio.

The Times' guide states: "

Leuven, Belgium.

University:KU Leuven (40th)

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Known for its breweries and stunning Gothic architecture, Leuven is a Belgian cultural hotspot often overlooked by tourists who'd rather opt for the nearby and considerably more crowded Brussels.

As well as picturesque squares and historical war memorials, Leuven boasts the world renowned KU Leuven — Belgium's highest ranked university that was declared Europe’s most innovative university by Reuters for the last two years. The institute also offers multiple courses taught in English.

Tokyo, Japan.

University:University of Tokyo (39th)

Japan's bustling capital boasts everything from ornate castles and scenic public parks, like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, to the heaving finance and technology districts of Akihabara and Marunouchi. With a vast population of nine million, there are plenty of things to do.

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What's more, this Japanese metropolis is also home to the prestigious University of Tokyo — the 39th best university in the world and the crown jewel of Japan's network of higher education institutions.

Vancouver, Canada.

University:University of British Columbia (=36th)

A popular filming location, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains and invites outdoor pursuits, according to the business network LabCities. It is also home to thriving art, theatre, and music scenes.

One of the most recognisable components of the Canadian city's skyline is the interactive science museum "Science World," where visitors can take part in multiple digital and situational science-based exhibits.

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Champaign, Illinois, USA.

University:University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (=36th)

This city in central Illinois boasts an incredible contemporary art gallery, public library, and sporting facilities, thanks to the thriving University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that resides here.

The whole city benefits from the University's stellar facilities, funded by endowments from the institution's extensive and impressive list of alumni, including 11 Nobel Prize winners and 18 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

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University:

The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, ranked joint 33rd in the Times Higher Education guide, is renowned for its work in the local community. Students are encouraged to get involved in community service projects in order to develop practical workplace skills, according to the university's website.

Atlanta's role in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement has resulted in multiple civil rights centres and museums across the city, which document the city's rich cultural and historical past. Further downtown, visitors can find both the National Historic Site, a memorial dedicated to Atlanta-born Martin Luther King Jr., and the world's largest aquarium.

Melbourne, Australia.

University:University of Melbourne (=33rd)

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This coastal city is teeming with leisure parks, museums, and art installations. In the city centre, visitors can peruse the plazas, bars, and restaurants along the Yarra River in Federation Square, or head down to Southbank to see the Melbourne Arts Precinct's array of permanent and temporary galleries and installations on show.

Australia's second most populated city is also home to the joint 33rd best university in the world, according to the Times' guide. Thanks to its prestigious reputation across multiple research fields, and having spent $1.17 billion (AU) on research expenditure in 2014 alone, the University of Melbourne has consistently climbed the Times' rankings over the past four years.

Lausanne, Switzerland.

University:

Home to the International Olympic Committee's headquarters, as well as the Olympic Museum and Lakeshore Olympic Park, Lausanne's picturesque settings and scenic European architecture makes the city a worthwhile destination for tourists and a tranquil home for students.

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Lausanne boasts the world renowned École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne — the world's best "young" university, according to the Times' list, and joint 30th in the world overall.

Munich, Germany.

Universities:LMU Munich (=30th)Technical University of Munich (46th)

Best known for Oktoberfest — arguably the most famous beer festival in the world — Munich is also home to two of the world's best universities.

The Technical University of Munich came 46th in the Times Higher Education rankings, while LMU Munich climbed to joint 30th thanks to its prestigious arts and humanities and physical science schools.

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Beijing, China.

Universities:Peking University (29th)Tsinghua University (35th)

China's 3,000-year-old capital has plenty of historical sites and modern attractions to draw in visitors. Alongside the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, students and visitors can also experience Beijing's bustling Back Lakes District — full of boutiques and local businesses.

With a vast population of almost 22 million, according to the latest census, Beijing hosts two of the world's best universities — Tsinghua and Peking, which place 35th and 29th respectively in the Times Higher Education Guide.

Stockholm, Sweden.

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University:Karolinska Institute (28th)

Karolinska Institute in Stockholm places in the top 10 universities in the world for medicine and health studies. The university is relatively small compared to most of the institutions which feature on the Times' list, with only 6,000 students.

Nevertheless, Karolinska's strong values and desire to "contribute to the improvement of human health via research and teaching" contributes to the university's strong educational ethos.

With plenty of historical architecture, museums, castles, and opportunities for island-hopping, Stockholm's cultural roots are just as prevalent as the Swedish city's lively, contemporary scene of independent shopping districts and vibrant nightlife.

Edinburgh, UK.

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University:University of Edinburgh (27th)

Best known for Edinburgh Fringe Festival's month-long celebration of theatre, comedy, and street performers in August, Scotland's historic capital's long-established relationship with the arts is just as prevalent in its educational facilities. The University of Edinburgh ranking 11th best in the world for arts and humanities subjects.

Seattle, Washington, USA.

University:University of Washington (=25th)

The state of Washington’s largest city, Seattle's bustling tech industry is home to the headquarters of both Microsoft and Amazon. Other claims to fame include the flagship Starbucks store in Pike Place Market, a prominent live music scene, and the nearby Olympic Sculpture Park.

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Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland according to travel site Voyjer. What's more, it is also home to the prestigious University of Washington which consistently places in the US's top 10 universities.

Singapore.

Universities:National University of Singapore (24th)Nanyang Technological University (54th)

This island city-state is a global financial centre with a rich, multicultural history. As well as being home to an almost century-old Chinatown and various ancient places of worship, Singapore boasts sleek and stylish leisure districts in Marina Bay and Kampong Glam.

Singapore is also home to two of the world's best universities — Nanyang Technological University, and the National University of Singapore, which placed 54th and 24th respectively in the Times' guide.

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The latter of the two is considered one of the best universities in the world for international outreach thanks to its world-class international student exchange and internship opportunities.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

University:Carnegie Mellon University (23rd)

Located in the Pennsylvanian city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is one of just 25 universities to be admitted to the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum, according to the Times Higher Education rankings.

The Andy Warhol museum and other art venues demonstrate the city's cosmopolitan, bohemian side and highlight its cultural advances.

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20. Toronto, Canada.

University:University of Toronto (22nd)

Ranking highly across both teaching and research, and with social science, medicine, and arts and humanities schools that rank in the world's top 20, the University of Toronto offers over 700 undergraduate degree programmes to its student body of 60,000.

On the University's website, it calls the city of Toronto "one of the most dynamic, vibrant cities in the world, one which places a high priority on arts and culture, and diversity and tolerance". Students can lounge in one of the city's many green spaces, or party it up in over a hundred nightlife venues.

19. Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

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University:University of Michigan (21st)

The University of Michigan is considered the 21st best university in the world by the Times Higher Education's Guide, thanks to its quality of research.

The university itself came from "humble beginnings," according to the Times' profile of the university, and claims that cows owned by the university faculty once used to graze on the campus grounds. Now, however, Ann Arbor is a city of more than 120,000 and is home to multiple museums and well-maintained public gardens.

Evanston, Illinois, USA.

University:Northwestern University (20th)

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Only 10 miles from Chicago, Evanston is home to Northwestern University — made

Ithaca, New York, USA.

University:Cornell University (19th)

Set in the scenic city of Ithaca, Cornell University is one of the seven Ivy League universities which feature in the Times Higher Education world top 50, and one of 28 US cities which make this list.

Cornell contains four schools which features in the world's top 20 in their respective fields: Medicine, life sciences, social sciences, and physical sciences. Cornell is also ranked the eighth best university in the US by the Times' guide.

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Durham, North Carolina, USA.

University:Duke University (18th)

Home to prestigious Duke University, Durham in North Carolina is part of the "Research Triangle" region, known for its technology companies and scholarly institutions.

In the Times' guide, Duke scored a perfect 100% for "Industry Income" — which

Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

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University:Johns Hopkins University (17th)

This seaport city with a rich Civil War history offers shops, upmarket sea food, and attractions like Civil War–era warship the USS Constellation.

In addition, Baltimore is home to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, which ranks 17th in the world on the Times' list, and boasts the world's eighth best medical school and 11th best life sciences department.

New York City, New York, USA.

Universities:Columbia University (16th)New York University (32nd)

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Home to internationally acclaimed tourist attractions such as Broadway, Central Park, Madison Square Gardens, the Empire State Building, multiple galleries, countless museums, and one of the most famous skylines in the world — it's no wonder New York City also has a couple of the world's best universities under its belt.

New York University reached 32nd place in the Times' most recent world rankings, while Columbia placed 16th in the world thanks to its excellent teaching standards and the world's sixth best arts and humanities school.

Los Angeles, California, USA.

University:University of California, Los Angeles (14th)

Los Angeles' reputation for creating some of the world's best film and television has attracted many superstar actors, directors, and producers from all over the world to one of the world's most elite neighbourhoods — Hollywood.

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What's more, LA's University of California, Los Angeles is equally as reputable in academic circles, and the Times Higher Education ranks the university 13th in the world for having a positive global reputation.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

University:University of Pennsylvania (13th)

Since the Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1776, Philadelphia has become one of America's most reputable historic sites.

Travel website Lonely Planet describes "Philly" as having all of the glamour of New York City and Washington, DC, while still retaining small-town charm". What's more, this well-preserved historic city also contains thriving art and street food scenes.

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New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

University:Yale University (12th)

This coastal city's reputation for learning — thanks to being home to the world renowned Yale University — has attracted some of the world's best academics to the area, which in turn has cultivated a prestigious network of museums and preserved landmarks across New Haven and surrounding towns.

Yale's excellent reputation is reflected in the university's teaching and research standards, as graded by the Times Higher Education Guide. What's more, the institution also boasts the world's third best social sciences department.

Chicago, Illinois, USA.

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University:University of Chicago (=10th)

Known for its bold architecture and thriving local food scene, Chicago is a US city on many people's bucket lists thanks to its long list of attractions.

What's more, the University of Chicago has its own lively, pioneering nature and community, according to the Times' guide, which states that the institution was at "the forefront of major academic endeavour and discovery" in North America. With seven of its departments scoring in the top 20 of their respective fields worldwide, it's easy to see why.

Berkeley, California, USA.

University:University of California, Berkeley (=10th)

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Home to the free-speech and disability-rights movements, Berkeley is a US hot spot for intellectual conversation, according to Lonely Planet, and is "one of the most vocal activist populations in the country."

Its educated, liberal attitudes lend themselves to its thriving student community at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, and the city is often way ahead of the mainstream when it comes to environmental and political issues.

Zürich, Switzerland.

University:

Zürich has a reputation for being a world-renowned centre of economics and finance, and is one of the European universities that has produced the most billionaires alive today.

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The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich, often referred to as ETH Zürich, is one of these institutions, and climbed to a respectable ninth place in the most recent Times' Higher Education world rankings.

But it isn't all strictly business. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai in the Swiss city are bursting with vibrant nightlife, and students can be found partying late into the night in the Niederdorf district.

London, UK.

Universities:King's College London (=36th)London School of Economics (=25th)University College London (15th)King's College London (8th)

This British city is home to the most universities from any one location to make it onto the Times' list.

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Despite being one of the most expensive places in the UK for students to attend university, London's prestigious reputation as a historical, artistic, and musical talent breeding ground makes it one of the best places in the country to attend university.

Students can peruse local markets in Camden or Spitalfields, visit historical sites like the National Portrait Gallery or the National History Museum, and enjoy the thriving food and nightlife scenes on Brick Lane and in Shoreditch.

Princeton, New Jersey, USA.

University:Princeton University (7th)

This college town of only 16,700 inhabitants is home to one of the most prestigious North American education institutions today — Princeton University.

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This Ivy League university's notable alumni include 40 Nobel laureates, 17 winners of the National Medal of Science, five recipients of the National Humanities Medal, and two American presidents.

Other than its university, this small municipality does not have much to offer students or visitors, according to the town's TripAdvisor page, however individuals can reportedly attend a "ghost and vampire tour" through ancient university structures.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Universities:Massachusetts Institute of Technology (5th)Harvard University (6th)

Home to both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, which climbed to fifth and sixth place respectively in the Times' most recent guide, Cambridge in Massachusetts has been home to more than 130 Nobel Laureates, 30 heads of state, and 58 National Medal of Science winners during their time at one of the two prestigious universities that reside here.

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Situated across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge boasts plenty of c, bars, and bookstores to accommodate for the thriving student network. Visitors can attend the Harvard Museum of Natural History, or take a Segway tour around the historic city's streets.

Cambridge, UK.

University:University of Cambridge (4th)

Consistently considered one of the best and most prestigious universities in the world, the University of Cambridge ranks highly in the Times' guide on the quality of its research, its teaching, its international outlook, and its reputation.

Many of the university's colleges feature stunning historical architecture and maintained gardens that students, visitors, and locals alike can enjoy. What's more, the city of Cambridge is also home to many thriving live music venues and is a regular stop for many high-profile musicians on their UK tours.

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Stanford, California, USA.

University:Stanford University (3rd)

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and "known for its entrepreneurial spirit," Stanford University was ranked third best university in the world in the Times' guide.

Its list of notable alumni includes 30 living billionaires and 17 astronauts. Google’s co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin also met at Stanford while pursuing doctorate degrees, however neither ultimately completed their theses.

This area of Santa Clara County contains little beyond its prestigious university, with only a third of the people that pass through the area every day actually living there. Beyond the university, visitors can attend one of three contemporary sculpture gardens, or the stunning Bing Concert Hall.

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Pasadena, California, USA.

University:California Institute of Technology (2nd)

Ranked the second best university in the world in the Times Higher Education's most recent league table, the California Institute of Technology — sometimes referred to as Caltech —

Oxford, UK.

University:University of Oxford (1st)

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As well as being named the Times Higher Education guide's best university in the world, Oxford ranks in the top five in the world across the majority of its schools and departments, and is considered best in the world for medicine.

Nicknamed the "city of dreaming spires" by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold, Oxford has the youngest population of any city in England and Wales. Nearly a quarter of its residents are university students, which gives the city a youthful and student-driven atmosphere, according to the university's website.

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second oldest surviving university.

According to the city's page on TripAdvisor, top local attractions include multiple natural history museums and stunning architectural sites. Visitors can partake in a canal boat tour of the local area or sit down for a pint at one of the hundred pubs in Oxford, in proper student fashion.

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