There are a number of different factors students weigh when deciding where to attend college, from tuition cost and student support to program offerings and graduate outcomes. But one factor that can’t be ignored if you plan to attend on-campus courses is the culture of the surrounding community. After all, you want to be able to feel at home in the city in which you choose to study.
If you’re hoping to join a vibrant city with a small-town feel, it’s no wonder you’re thinking about attending college in Louisville, Kentucky. From a thriving downtown life to the breathtaking natural beauty of Kentucky, there’s something for everyone in Louisville, which was listed among the best small cities in the United States by National Geographic.
Here, we highlight the numerous elements this exciting city has to offer. As you continue to consider or plan to attend college in the Louisville area, treat this as your “Best Of” guide to living your best life in the city.
Why Louisville?
“I enjoy living in the Louisville area because there are always so many fun events going on around the city. Another great reason I love [it] is the friendliness of everyone,” says Reed Sparta, a junior at Bellarmine University who, among other accolades, is the Morale Chair of the Student Ambassador Leadership Team and Vice President of the Bellarmine Activities Council.
“When I am walking in Joe Creason Park or Bardstown Road, everyone is always in a great mood and super friendly. I actually chose the city of Louisville because it reminded me a lot of my hometown of Nashville — it is a growing city and there is always an exciting energy within it,” she adds.
The Louisville area is the type of hub that truly has it all. As a college student in or around the city, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an award-winning arts scene chock full of top-tier theater, music, and visual arts. If you’re more of a sports fan, you can take in the excitement of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, catch a professional soccer or baseball game, or even attend one of many major touring events in golf, racing, and extreme sports.
Residents also revel in the natural beauty of Kentucky’s sparkling lakes, majestic mountains, and soothing forests. Louisville’s parks system itself, the envy of many cities across the nation, was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1891 — the “Father of America Landscape Design” who remains famous for his work on Central Park in New York and the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
And on top of it all, Louisville has been listed among the top 13 most affordable cities and the top 11 best cities for new college graduates.
Your guide to living in Louisville
“Being a college student within the city is fantastic, because there are so many great discounts and free things to do in Louisville,” Sparta explains. For example, she notes that the Frazier Museum offers $10 admission to college students, Baxter Theater has $8 movie tickets, and all the restaurants around Bellarmine University offer 15-20 percent off food if you show your student ID.
Sparta and her friends regularly go to the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge to watch the sunset or to simply take in the view of downtown Louisville. On weekend afternoons, they frequent the shops and restaurants in the Highlands neighborhood or occasionally visit the Kentucky Science Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, or the Louisville Zoo.
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of going to college in a city like this, read on as Sparta dishes on the very best of Louisville from the firsthand perspective of a Bellarmine University student.
Most peaceful places to study
Fante’s Coffee: Sparta and her classmates love this local coffee shop. “This is where I go when I need to crank out a lot of homework. The interior has lots of seating with an event room you can rent out, and there is a cute outdoor patio,” she says.
Other spots to check out:
Best places to eat on a budget
The Post: If you’re a fan of pizza and you’re on a shoestring budget, Sparta and her buddies couldn’t recommend this restaurant more. “This is a great place to go with friends to share a pizza and breadsticks,” she says. The large portions and affordable prices can keep your share of the bill under $10.
Other spots to check out:
Best restaurants in general
Hammerheads: “I can’t say enough good things about this place,” Sparta raves. The contemporary gastropub and smokehouse is one of Louisville’s hidden gems. “The service is always excellent and their food is outstanding. Their Mac & Cheese Balls and Grit Cake are absolutely amazing!”
Other spots to check out:
Best coffee shops
Please and Thank You: This small-batch southern bakery and coffee house has become renowned in the Louisville area. “They have a cool, throwback aesthetic to their shop, and they always have great music choices,” Sparta says. “Plus, their chocolate chip cookies are the best in town!”
Other spots to check out:
Best places to enjoy the outdoors
Joe Creason Park: Sparta and her classmates love to frequent this lively outdoor space, which happens to be right next to Bellarmine University. “I love walking around this park to get my exercise in; it’s nice to see all the families and different people walking around,” she notes. “The park has a playground for little ones, and it also has these giant colorful chairs people can sit in and love to take pictures with.”
Other spots to check out:
Best places to meet new people
Louisville Silent Disco: “This company has a lot of great events they put on throughout the Louisville community,” Sparta explains. “It is a great thing to do, because you get to dance your heart out and hopefully meet some new people along the way.”
Other spots to check out:
Find your place in Louisville
Greater Louisville may be a city of about 1.3 million people, but it’s paired with a level of hospitality that has made this region legendary. If you’re looking to attend college in a contemporary city that’s filled with arts, entertainment, sports, commerce, and good food, but is still filled with the small-town novelty of getting a smile and a simple “Hello” from a complete stranger as you pass by one another on the sidewalk, you could thrive in Louisville.
“I believe that being in the city of Louisville has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone by allowing me to try new things and to create new memories with my friends and family,” Sparta says. “This city is amazing!”
If you’re craving a college experience like Sparta’s, look no further. Learn more about the close-knit campus community and big city opportunities that could await by visiting Bellarmine University’s website.