North Carolina State University, Raleigh

North Carolina State University campus in Raleigh is shaped like a long rectangle with many open spaces going down the middle. On the east end is the tall impressive Memorial Bell Tower, surrounded by beds of flowers. Near here is Halloday Hall, a pretty building built in 1889. Walk west through it and you come to an alley of lovely red camellias, and the relaxing Yarbrough Court, with swirly statues, flowers, and trees to study beneath. Next is the grand Court of North Carolina, a huge recessed open space. The grass here is the kind that dies in winter so it's only pretty for half the year. The tall, old trees here are gorgeous. People hang out on the lawn and sit on the walls that curve around on either side. Walk uphill and you reach Gardner Arboretum, a small area with a few flower beds, trees, and a bench swing for romantic souls.

Next walk by The Atrium, where everyone gathers to get food at lunchtime, sitting out at the tables that face the Brickyard, a huge paved area of patterned brick. The Brickyard has some little hills where people hang out on the lawn, also the kind that dies in winter. Past the Brickyard, Port City Java is a nice place to hang out if you need a rest- enjoy its attractive brick interior. Next, walk through Free Expression Tunnel, a busy thoroughfare of pedestrians in a tunnel painted in all colors, with lights above, also painted. It's fun! You come to a lovely part of campus, Wolf Plaza, where three big animal sculptures add a great sense of place. Skateboarders have fun here. The Talley Student Union is nearby, as are some lovely rows of trees where students study on benches between buildings.
Lastly, check out Tucker Owen Beach, a grassy area with sand volleyball, where students hang out in bikinis when it warms up in April. Music plays on a boom box and it's a happening scene.
This central chain of open spaces that runs through campus is the nicest part of campus. It is sandwiched between more industrial buildings that aren't nice. 
Along Hillsborough Street, on the north end of the long rectangle, are many places that cater to students: Cup A Joe, Chipotle, Insomnia Cookies, Jubala Coffee.
Spring (April) is a nice time to walk around campus because of all the blossoming trees, though I had an insane allergy attack that is hard to forget.
Some places to check out nearby are: Pullen Park, with a lake and carousel, JC Raulston Arboretum, with huge wonderful flowers in spring, WRAL Azalea Garden, best in April, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, which has wonderful sculptures inside (come and pray for good grades and internships to follow you!), Morgan Street, with some cute cafes, Glenwood Ave, a long row of many bars, Dorothea Dix Park in early July for the sunflowers, NC Museum of Art, which is free and has fashionably landscaped grounds to walk around, and Cameron Village Shopping Plaza, an upscale area with restaurants.
A bit further away, an eleven minute drive, check out Lake Johnson Greenway, for a great hike.

Directions

It's always hard to park on university campuses. I parked in the West Lot, which is for visitors. I could not figure out how to pay, therefore I didn't pay, and luckily didn't get a ticket. There were no pay machines in sight. The West Lot is a long walk from the first nice part, Tucker Owen Beach, but it is a huge, distant lot so you're likely to find a space. It's also open-air, not a structure.

Click on map for interactive view