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10 Instagram-Worthy Locations on UNO's Campus

Trying to get that perfect college life snapshot? We've got you covered.

  • contact: Jared Craig - UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu

It’s all for the gram. Whether you’re a newly admitted student or nearing graduation, the urge to take beautiful photos never goes away. Throughout our campus, you’ll find Instagram-worthy spots to take photos to remember the important moments of your life. Here are 10 of the best spots on campus to find inspiration for your Instagram.

1. Arts and Sciences Hall

At the top of the list is Arts and Sciences Hall, perhaps the most viewed place on campus. It’s the site of every graduation photoshoot, first-day-of-class photo, and even how Google presents campus. A true classic! (Tip: it's also a great location for a Maverick proposal ❤️)

As seen on Instagram:

2. Hayden House

We will die on this hill. Hayden House deserves more attention. Built in 1926 as a private home for the Hayden family, it’s the oldest building on campus, and its Tudor Revival style makes a perfect location for a photoshoot. Beyond setting up by the building, we recommend taking photos against the iron-wrought gates and brick pillars.

As seen on Instagram:

3. Pep Bowl

Situated in the heart of campus surrounded by several buildings, the Pep Bowl is a popular spot to be, especially on a nice, sunny day. Students use the grassy hills to study, picnic, and soak up the sunshine. And in the fall, the trees turn into shades of orange and yellow, and they make a perfect fall backdrop.

As seen on Instagram:

4. UNO Art Gallery

Located in the Weber Fine Arts Building, the UNO Art Gallery exhibits work from locally and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as students from Art and Art History programs. The white walls and changing exhibits can provide a crisp, clean aesthetic for your gram.

A student stands in front of a white wall with a painting on it in the UNO art gallery.

5. Mammel Hall Atrium + Rod Rhoden

Next up is Mammel Hall. UNO has plenty of statues, but nothing is quite like the giant bronze head that sits in the atrium. The head’s calm expression is begging for a post-exam selfie, whether you’re relieved that it’s over or anxious for the results.

Students pose in front of the giant bronze head statue in Mammel Hall.

Or, mix it up by touting your business skills by taking a photo in front of the stock ticker near Stedman's Café.

And lastly, head over to the Rod Rhoden Business Innovation Center. While not as classical as Arts and Sciences Hall or Hayden House, this section of Mammel offers a white backdrop, giant swivel chairs, and interesting chandeliers, offering an opportunity for lots of creative shots.

6. Criss Library

The heart of any university is the library, and Criss Library has ample Insta-opportunity. The book stacks and aisles always make for a great photoshoot. The arcade games connected to the Creative Production Lab can help mix up your vibe, and the airiness of the third floor can give your Insta Stories a great aesthetic during a much-needed study break. Just be mindful to be quiet, as other students are studying.

A student studies at Criss Library

7. Maverick Landing

Connected to Scott Crossing, the Maverick Landing’s café offers smoothies, coffee beverages, and snacks. It’s common to spot classmates here and is home to various campus events. Take one of the red booths or pose in front of a wall graphic for your content. The large windows can offer the perfect natural lighting.

A student studies at the Maverick Landing on UNO's Scott Campus

8. Milo Bail Plaza Fountain

Situated between Allwine Hall and the Milo Bail Student Center, the fountain can be a great backdrop for photos, especially during the summer months when the plaza is filled with lush green leaves and bushes. It's also a great place to cool off on a warm day.

As seen on Instagram:

9. PKI Study Lounges

The Peter Kiewit Institute is home to the College of Information Science & Technology, as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering. On the first floor, the study lounges are hard to miss with warm wooden panels, plenty of natural light, and an open industrial ceiling. While it's one of the best places to study on campus, it's also one of the best places to create content.

Students study in the PKI Study Lounges on UNO's Scott Campus

10. Maverick Monument

Last but not least, the Maverick Monument is located in front of the Health & Kinesiology Building. This is a popular site for graduation photos, but there’s really no bad time of year to snap a photo with this symbol of Maverick pride. During the fall, the trees in front of the building turn into vibrant yellow, giving the statue a wonderful backdrop. But in the colder months, the red glow from the H&K building at night can offer a cool vibe. The Maverick Monument is also the site of one of UNO’s greatest traditions: boop the nose for good luck.

A group of students pose in front of Maverick Monument

Time to find your favorite spot on campus!

We can’t wait to see which Instagram-worthy locations you discover when you become a Maverick! Plan your UNO campus visit and start scoping out your favorite aesthetic backdrops, and if you tag @unomaha, you might catch us resharing your content!

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About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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