20 fun college towns students say you must visit

College students love Ann Arbor, Michigan, home to the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor is known for its robust social scene thanks to a happening downtown area and great restaurants. And, of course, the University of Michigan has a historically great football program. 

Not too far from Ann Arbor is Madison, Wisconsin (by not too far, we mean in the same region of the country). There are multiple colleges in Madison, most notably the University of Wisconsin, making for an influx of diversity and a large student population. 

The Midwest is teeming with great college towns. The University of Iowa is nestled in Iowa City, Iowa, and the town and university are known for having lively nightlife; the children’s hospital is across the street from Kinnick Stadium, which makes for one of the sweetest game day traditions in the entire NCAA; and, of course, producing women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark. 

If men’s basketball is more your speed, check out Lawrence, Kansas, another Midwestern college town and home to the University of Kansas. Lawrence has a surprising amount of culture, and the student population keeps it buzzing year-round. 

Provo, Utah, is home to Brigham Young University, and it has a large Mormon population. While Provo isn’t exactly the place to go party, it’s a great town for a more relaxing weekend with great scenery, especially if you love the outdoors. 

Lincoln, Nebraska is a fun college town to visit, especially on a Husker game day. Home to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and a few other institutions, Lincoln appeals to students and adults alike. Its entire downtown area feels like another part of campus. 

Tempe, Arizona houses Arizona State University, which is historically one of the biggest party schools in the nation. Even if partying isn’t your thing, Tempe has lots to offer visitors. It’s an especially great place to visit during the school year if your college town is on the colder side. 

There are a variety of colleges and universities in Boston, Massachusetts, and it’s one of America’s major cities. Plus, it’s a coastal town with loads of history. There’s something about Boston that can appeal to everybody. 

Austin, Texas is in the same boat as Boston, though not quite to the same degree. Austin, known for being weird, has multiple pockets in its metro area with great nightlife, and it’s just as fun to explore during the day, thanks to great restaurants and museums. 

Go to Columbia, Missouri to visit the University of Missouri, better known as Mizzou. A couple of other major colleges are in Columbia, too, and there are plenty of ways for a visitor to stay entertained while there. 

The University of Colorado is in Boulder, Colorado, making the town a great intersection for people who like college life and the outdoors. At the base of the Rocky Mountains' foothills, Boulder offers many unique activities that other college towns don’t.

Not to be confused with the famed location in England and the prestigious university of the same name, Oxford, Mississippi, is the home of the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss. Ole Miss is a great example of Southern culture, with a beautiful campus and a thriving student population. 

There are lots of big cities in Florida that also have major universities — Miami, for example — but if you’re looking for a place that offers both Floridian culture and college life, turn to Gainesville, Florida. It has the University of Florida and plenty of other quintessentially Florida things to do. 

Providence, Rhode Island is a college town for the refined. Home to both Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence isn’t exactly known for great keggers and beer pong tournaments, but it does offer lots of arts and culture. 

Another eastern college town, Syracuse, New York, houses multiple colleges and offers a different perspective on New York life than the city. Thanks to its gorgeous fall foliage, it’s an especially great college town to visit in the autumn. 

Lexington, Kentucky is well known as a horse racing town, but that's just scratching the surface. The town is also home to the University of Kentucky, and some other institutions, and it's got a lot going on for college-age kids. 

Chapel Hill, North Carolina boasts the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and has plenty of Southern charm. There are great restaurants, great basketball, and great scenery. 

Fayetteville, Arkansas might surprise you. Home of the University of Arkansas, it's one of the best places to visit during football season. No one does football quite like the Southerners. 

If you want a little more of a West Coast vibe for your college town, Berkeley, California is the place. It boasts the University of California, Berkeley, and students absolutely love their college and college town. It's worth checking out. 

College Station, Texas has to be a good college town. It's right there in the name. Home to Texas A&M, College Station is known for having lots of culture, whether it's food, art, or entertainment that you're after.