If you want to find out what a college is really like, check out its YouTube channel. Schools that maintain a strong presence on the uber-popular video-sharing site feature more than just courses, lectures, and commencement speeches. So turn up the volume and tune in to some of the coolest college YouTube channels and viral videos we found.

UCLA
“Student Life” is one of dozens of playlists on UCLA’s YouTube channel, showcasing what it’s like to live and study at the school. resTV videos, from the Residential Life Television Studio, feature fun shows like “Cool Rooms,” highlighting students in their living spaces; and “Audio Feed Remix,” dedicated to making music videos for student bands.

Viral college video: The official women’s rugby club team gets fancy to play its annual Prom Dress Rugby game.

Emory University
In the “Emory Looks at Hollywood” series, profs share their insight on the physics behind “Iron Man,” the sociology of “Sex and the City,” finding spirituality in “Avatar,” and more. Another playlist highlights study abroad experiences in Uganda, France, Tibet, and other regions.

Viral college video: All the school’s a cappella groups and concert choirs perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” featuring a cameo of the college president as Vincent Price.

The Culinary Institute of America
The world’s premier culinary college features YouTube playlists for all four of its campuses (New York, California, Texas, and Singapore) as well as incredibly useful videos that explore world cuisines and feature seasonal and holiday recipes from professional chef-instructors.

Viral college video: Learn how to make a floral bouquet out of cupcakes – a Mother’s Day fave.

Carnegie Mellon University
CMU features “Prospective Student Videos,” a genius way to offer quick takes on some of the Pennsylvania school’s top programs. Students can also tag their own videos to be considered for the channel’s super-fun “Student Vids” playlist.

Viral college video: The little yellow student-developed robot “Keepon” dances to the song “I Turn My Camera On” by Spoon.

Purdue University
Playlists on Purdue’s YouTube channel highlight groundbreaking research at the Indiana college, “Boiler Bytes” TV episodes, clever public service announcements about computer security at Purdue, and more.

Viral college video: The Compliment Guys, two Purdue undergrads, set up shop every week on campus to brighten the day of everyone who walks by. The guys even took their campaign on the road for a 10-city tour in the summer of 2009.

Berklee College of Music
At the online school of Berklee College of Music, top YouTube playlists include must-see instructional videos for guitar, bass, songwriting, and music production.

Viral college video: Stefan Lessard, bassist for Dave Matthews Band, takes viewers backstage at the band’s summer 2010 tour and talks about life on the road. The seven-part interview highlights music education, life as on online student, navigating the music industry, how DMB achieved fame, and more.

Vassar College
In Vassar’s “Off the Cuff” two-minute lecture series, profs take the challenge of quickly addressing topics like the truth about zombies, life on other planets, and the science behind belief. And in “Got a Question?” an improv videographer asks students tough questions like “What did you learn today?” and “If Vassar were an animal, what would it be?”

Viral college video: The Barefoot Monkeys, Vassar’s juggling and acrobatic troupe, practices juggling clubs – and knives.

University of Minnesota
A gem among the school’s many cool YouTube playlists, the “Expert Perspectives” series features profs discussing topics like Michelle Obama’s impact on American fashion; why we like horror movies; and engineering drug-free cannabis.

Viral college video: Fascinating research in the school’s College of Education and Human Development illustrates what (very cute) babies can teach us about perception.

What are your favorite viral college videos?

-Robyn Tellefsen