Coming to KU

Housing Options

All KU students are responsible for finding housing. KU does not make housing arrangements for students. Below are some options to get you started in your search:

On-Campus Housing

Students who live on campus say it’s more convenient, safer, and less expensive than off-campus living. KU Student Housing provides staff and resources to help students meet people of different cultures, become involved and be more connected to KU.

Student Housing offers a variety of on-campus options:
            • Traditional residence hall rooms
            • Suites with semi-private baths
            • Scholarship halls
            • On-campus apartments

Explore on-campus student housing and learn about signing an online contract at www.housing.ku.edu.

Naismith Hall

Privately-owned student residence hall housing very close to the KU campus at 1800 Naismith Drive. To learn more, visit www.livenaismith.comor call 1-785-843-8559.

Off-Campus Apartments and Houses

A variety of off-campus apartment and house rentals are available throughout Lawrence.  Some are close to campus, but others may require transportation (such as a bus or car).  When looking for off-campus housing, keep in mind the distance to campus and whether it is located on a KU bus route (if you do not plan to purchase a car).

Types of housing available
Apartment: Sometimes called “flats,” apartments are single-level housing units that typically include bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and personal bathrooms.
Studio:  A studio is a type of apartment with just one large room that functions as the entire living space (with no separate bedroom).  Studios are typically a cheaper one-person housing option.
Townhouse: A multi-story housing unit (with stairs) that is connected to other housing units (similar to an apartment).
House: A free-standing, unattached unit, sometimes including a yard.
Duplex: A house that has been divided into two private living spaces (intended for two different lessees).


Typical price range of monthly rent in Lawrence:

Studio Apartment: $400-600
One-Bedroom Apartment: $400-700
Two-Bedroom Apartment: $500-1000 (typically split with a roommate)
Three-Bedroom Apartment: $800 - $1200 (typically split with two roommates)
Duplex: $800-$1200
House: $800 - $1500

 

You may find information at these web sites:

Hotel Information

If you need temporary lodging once you arrive in Lawrence, there are many hotels throughout the town:

  • If you need temporary lodging once you arrive in Lawrence, there are many hotels throughout the town:
    The Oread (Closest hotel to campus )

    • 1200 Oread Ave.
      1-785-843-1200

    • Best Western (Second-closest hotel to campus)
      2309 Iowa Street.
      1-785-843-9100
    • Days Inn (Third-closest hotel to campus)

    730 Iowa Street
    1-785-841-6500

Transportation Within Lawrence

Lawrence Transit System: the public bus service in the City of Lawrence.  All Lawrence buses are free with a KU ID card.  Before you get your KU ID card, you can ride the bus for a $1.00 one-way fare or a $2.75 day pass (purchased on the bus).  You must have exact change.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.  Buses do not run on weekends or holidays.  Most routes stop running by 6:00 pm.
Find a list of routes and times here: http://www.lawrencetransit.org/pages/routes. ‘

  • KU on Wheels is the transit system for KU and is a division of the Lawrence Transit System.  You can find more information here: http://www.kuonwheels.ku.edu/

SafeBus:  a nighttime bus route throughout Lawrence, including downtown.  SafeBus operates Thursday through Saturday typically from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.  It is free with a KU ID card. 
            - Find route information here: http://safebus.ku.edu/sb_routes.shtml

SafeRide: a free car service  that operates seven days a week from 10:30 pm to 2:30 am when the semester is in session.  To schedule a pick-up, you must call 785-864-7233.  You must have a KU ID card to use SafeRide.  It will only transport you to your place of residence.
            - For more information, visit: http://saferide.ku.edu/sr_how_to_ride.shtml

K-10 Connector:  If you are taking classes at Johnson County Community College or the KU Edwards Campus, you can take the K-10 Connector to get from the Lawrence campus to Overland Park.  It takes around one hour transit time and costs $3 each way.
            - Find more information here: http://www.thejo.com/pdf/maps/710.pdf

Taxis: Several taxi companies are available in Lawrence.  Typical fares are $8-$12 dollars each way per car.  A 10% tip to your taxi driver is considered polite.
            - For a list of taxi companies, visit: http://local.yahoo.com/KS/Lawrence/Travel+Lodging/Taxi+Services

Transportation to/from the Kansas City airport:  The ISSS office has compiled a list of possible airport transportation shuttle companies.  To find airport transportation options, visit: http://www.iss.ku.edu/prearrival/getting-to-ku.shtml


The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.