Experience in Lawrence, United States by Shanna

What is it like to live in Lawrence? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lawrence will always feel like home. The time spent there were the best years of my life and I will always treasure coming back to visit. Lawrence, or Ltown, is defined by the University of Kansas. Everyone bleeds crimson and blue. The school spirit expands past the students and involves the whole town. Lawrence has something for everyone. There are concerts, great restaurants, tailgating for football games and of course Allen Fieldhouse. And whatever you can't do in Lawrence, Kansas City is only a short 40 minute drive away.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lawrence?

Whether Greek life, house parties or the bar scene is your thing, we have it all in Lawrence. Walking around on campus you would think that everyday is game day. School spirit is high at KU and everyone is proud to be a Jayhawk. Even though the state of Kansas is quite conservative, Lawrence and KU are very liberal and open to all sorts of different people, lifestyles, etc. Lawrence also has a hippy vibe which you can feel when you walk down Mass St. (Massuchessets Street).

How much does it cost to live in Lawrence?

You can find apartments as cheap as $200 and then you can find some for more than $1000. There are so many different varieties of housing in Lawrence that it honestly depends where you want to live and what amenities you are looking for.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lawrence? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are wanting to live with a big group of people, close to the stadium or near the Hawk/Wheel you will need to lock down a place almost a year in advance. These are prime spots and go very quickly. But if you aren't picky on where you live, then you won't have an issue. There are lots of huge apartment complexes throughout Lawrence that have pools, busses to campus and lots of open apartments each year.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Campus food is great. And all I have to say is CRUNCHY CHICKEN CHEDDAR WRAPS. You will thank me later. Restaurants on Mass are all good. From cheap wings at Jeffersons to sushi at Yokohoma. Lots of different options and variety.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lawrence?

If you are around during basketball season and can score KU basketball tickets, don't miss it! Allen Fieldhouse is simply magical. You will not find another place like it. Here during the fall? Go tailgating on the hill and enjoy drinking with alumni, students and fans.

Walk around the beautiful campus and then check out the view from the roof at the Oread Hotel. Go to Sandbar in the evening and order a Dirty Banana shot and a Shark Attack (but don't try to go unless you are 21+).

Lousies West for best bloody marys you will find or big schooners for cheap. Sneak into any of the apartment pools in the summer and join the party.

Monday nights go to Freestate Brewery where they have their pints half off.

Is it good to eat out in Lawrence? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

FreeState Brewery- best food in lawrence hands down and they brew their own beer too! My favorite dishes are the Vella Chicken Flautas and Artichoke Tomato Tortellini. There hummus and queso are also amazing appetizers!

Yokohoma - I've lived in NYC and been to Tokoyo and the place that I still crave when I want sushi is Yokohoma. Soooo good. Crunchy Munchy Roll and Fire Dragon (spicy) you can't go wrong!

Jeffersons - Amazing wing specials each week and they are delicious. They also have great appetizers like fried mac & cheese bites, fried pickles etc.

The Wheel Pizza - try it with honey. I know it sounds weird but it will change your world.

Zen Zero - great pad thai and you get so much that it lasts at least two meals.

Salty Iguana - iguana dip soo good.

The Casbah - gourmet burgers and truffle fries. need I say more?

Quintons - amazing sandwiches and soup that comes in breadbowls. really cheap too

Is the nightlife good in Lawrence? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is fun and varied. If you like the Greek scene, there are always frat parties happening every week that you can go to. Lots of house/apartment parties as well. The majority of the bars are located on Mass St. Depending on the scene you want there are different places for everyone.

Live music--- hit up the Replay or Jazz Hous (they also have karoake on Mondays or Tuesdays)

Lousies on Mass -- Don't try and go if you aren't 21. Thursday night they have schooners (32 oz) for less than $5.

Sandbar- Also strict on IDs so be 21! very fun themed tropical bar. Great music, fun drinks and fun toys/props/costumes!

The Wheel, The Bull & The Hawk- close to campus, a lot of greek attendees and the place to be on gamedays, mom/dad's weekend, $1 on Wednesdays at the hawk.

The Cave- dance club in the basement of the Oread

Eldridge - Thursday night half off Martinis

Wayne & Larrys - good spot to watch basketball games and they have bowling

Yacht Club - another good spot to watch games and they have towers of beer for really cheap

Quintons - good spot to drink, they have an icebar upstairs

Tonic - fun dance spot

What advice would you give future students heading to Lawrence?

Practice your Rock Chalk Chant. Get ready to have the time of your life, meet wonderful people and be fully enveloped into KU life.