An Insider's Guide to The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

The University of Kansas is a place where fun and education co-exist as well as any other big university. No, the campus is not on a farm, cows aren't enrolled for classes either, and The Wizard of Oz is not the dean of students. Ironically, the city of Lawrence, location of the university is often considered the least "Kansas" of any city in the state. In a state largely known for being rigid and conservative, Lawrence is more easy-going, liberal, and eclectic, offering a multitude of avenues for someone trying to find their special place in the world. It's just like a lot of big college towns: host to thousands of young people with a plethora of interests and ambitions, a place to party, and a place where most anyone can find their niche if they look in the right places. While by no means the cultural Mecca of the mid-west, Lawrence has enough going on to satisfy the tastes of most anyone looking for something to do. On top of this, KU offers fine education from a respected university for very reasonable tuition. I have attended KU for 4 years now, pursuing a degree in English, and have been living in Kansas since I was two years old (I'm now 25). Needless to say, I'm very familiar with the area. My accumulated insights led me to write this essay: an in-depth perspective of life at KU. This "insider's guide" covers a wide variety of relevant topics, such as nightlife, shopping, the university itself, living (on-campus and off), things to do, and the culture. This guide has something for everyone, and after reading it you will undoubtedly gain a greater understanding of what life as a Jayhawk has to offer, its benefits and drawbacks.

The University