Kampuses

A kampus refers to the physical area of a higher education institution where teaching, research, and student life occur. It typically includes classrooms and lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, administrative offices, student housing, dining facilities, and recreational spaces. In Indonesian and Malay contexts, kampus is the common term; for multiple campuses, kampus-kampus or kampus are used in those languages, while the English standard plural is campuses.

Campus design emphasizes a mix of learning environments and services. Elements often include academic buildings arranged around pedestrian spaces or quads, a central library, research laboratories, and student centers. Housing may be on site or nearby, with dining halls, health services, athletics, and cultural venues such as theaters or museums. Green spaces, public art, and sustainable infrastructure are common features.

Campus types vary by location. Urban campuses are integrated into cities, suburban campuses are self-contained, and rural campuses balance built form with surrounding landscapes. Planning involves a campus master plan that addresses accessibility, mobility, sustainability, and growth. Many institutions now incorporate digital or hybrid campuses that combine online learning with on-site facilities.

Historically, campuses evolved from medieval university precincts to modern multipurpose spaces designed for interaction among students, faculty, and staff. Governance is typically part of a university administration, with facilities management and safety departments maintaining the site. The campus remains a symbol of institutional identity and a focal point for academic life.