Sprawling grounds and manicured gardens: these university campuses in Malaysia are in a class of their own.

1. University Sains Malaysia, Penang

The second oldest university in the country, Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) campus stretches across 416.6 hectares of land. Depending on what time of the year it is, tree-lined boulevards here are scattered with flowers from a variety of Tecoma trees. Peaceful spots here include the grounds surrounding two adjoining lakes, Tasik Aman and Tasik Harapan—both serve as catchment areas to prevent from floods.

2. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's (UTM) main campus boasts 10 residential colleges, each containing a cafeteria, a multi-purpose hall, common rooms, a tennis court and varied student accommodation which can collectively house over 14,000 students.

The campus is also home to the Sultan Ismail Mosque which overlooks a peaceful lake, known as Taman Tasik Ilmu UTM.

3. International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor

Is it any wonder that International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is sometimes called the 'Hogwarts of Malaysia'? The university's majestic blue-roofed structures and rustic study halls are surrounded by immaculately kept gardens.

The Gombak campus contains student living quarters, two sports complexes with Olympic-sized swimming pools, a library, a post office, a medical clinic and three banks. The stunning Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque here, located in what is known as the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue, is the spiritual and physical centre of university life.            

4. Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Perak

Located on a 400-hectare site in Bandar Seri Iskandar in Perak, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is also home to the beautiful Masjid An-Nur mosque, the design of which cleverly creates a floating-like illusion, reflecting tall over the serene waters of the surrounding lake.

Fun fact: The UTP Information Resource Centre is an awe-inspiring library that contains over 210,000 volumes of printed and digital materials.   

5. University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor

Situated in Semenyih, Selangor, in many ways the University of Nottingham Malaysia recaptures the scenic snapshots of varsity life of its UK namesake, from sprawling green grounds and a peaceful lake with ducks to the Great Hall in the Trent Building; you can even find a bright red telephone booth here. Unsurprisingly, the large and colourful 'Nottingham' sign on campus is a favourite spot for photo-taking. 

6. University College of Technology, Sarawak

Futuristic and sophisticated, University College of Technology Sarawak's campus looks like it could have emerged from the set of a sci-fi film. The university prides itself on its prestigious platinum Green Building Index rating, a testament to its sustainability and green energy initiatives. The campus here also has its very own Technology Park, the unexpected backdrop of several wedding photoshoots in years past.

7. Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Universiti Malaya is the nation's oldest university, and the grounds of its Kuala Lumpur campus are so extensive that you'll need a car to get from one end to the other. The Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden here (where the Rare Plants and Orchid Conservatory can be found) has long been a favourite outdoor spot among students and alumni. Other picturesque spots like the Tree House area and the Varsity Lake also hold much sentimental value. 

Source: AsiaTatler