"The cost of living in Lubbock is decent compared to other college towns, and there is enough to do if you need to take a break from studying every now and then. The people have been nice, and the city is very easy to navigate."

"The town is built around the university and thrives during any game season. Football is an extremely popular, though most students consider Tech a basketball school. Tech has a popular bar scene located on Broadway."

"Bellingham is increasingly expensive and good housing is hard to find at a reasonable price. That said, it's a very fun place with a lot of cool things to do. There's lots of outdoor recreation options, but there's also fun options for us homebodies."

"I find Bellingham to be a great place to live. There are so many different restaurants and attractions to visit. It's a great place to live as a college student. However, if I didn't attend WWU I probably wouldn't live here because depending on where you live in Bellingham it can be fairly expensive."

"Flagstaff is so so beautiful. The weather is unpredictable at times but it's worth it to see the beautiful snow in the Winters. I don't feel there is a poor amount of amenities here in Flagstaff. Cost of living is like California but otherwise pretty good."

"It is such a beautiful, small town! The downtown area is super cute and always well-maintained and clean! It is definitely a great town to live in if you love to do outdoor things such as hiking! There's also the Arizona Snowbowl nearby, the Grand Canyon is only about an hour away, and Sedona is super close! There's also a bunch of other national parks (saw a crater, old lava tubes, and an inactive volcano!)"

"A great place to go to college and live in the town. Fayetteville is always full of life, whether it's during the day or at night! This place has tons of things to do, shops, activities, parks, walking trails, coffee shops, and so much more!"

"So far I've had an incredible time living in Fayetteville. The city has a strong community that promotes the arts and celebrates diverse cultures. The natural landscapes are beautiful, and downtown events are dynamic. However, there's a need for better public transportation."

"There is so much to do in Knoxville. There is a large population of students living on campus in student apartments on The Strip and houses in Fort Sanders. There is also a great amount of students living off-campus, across the river. With downtown Knoxville growing, nightlife is as well. Old City is the up-and-coming spot to hang on the weekends with many new bars and clubs opening up."

"I have never felt unsafe on campus and there are so many fun things to do in Knoxville. Students need to try the restaurants in Market Square because they are fantastic. There are also so many opportunities for people to get involved here and meet great friends."

"The town is a very cozy place to be in. While there isn't much good food on campus, there are places like FireStone Grill, Eureka, and other food stores that have great food. Transportation is alright, if you are a student, taking the bus is free and that can take you throughout the city well enough."

"San Luis Obispo is definitely a college town. It is relatively safe, has an active population, and a variety of places to eat at. Although SLO is more expensive than its neighboring towns, I would recommend living somewhere in the area due to the variety of things to do (go to the beach, go hiking, see the bubblegum wall, etc.)."

"Durham is a great little town for college. Even though its small, it is a very close knit community. Downtown has just what you need and if you wanna go off campus its a short drive to a major city and other surrounding towns with lots of things to do."

"There are a lot of good restaurants here. Being in rural New Hampshire, it is not very diverse, but Portsmouth and Dover are not far away. Durham is a very safe place to live, and the school is very active to address any safety concerns."

"Great area to live in! I am off-campus, but nearby and the neighbors are great! There are great food options and nightlife. I am into art and the art scene is pretty strong. Lots of great people to network and hang out with."

"Raleigh is a great city and NCSU is spread across the city. Student population is also spread throughout and there is a decent amount bars and clubs close to the main campus. Amazing and food and restaurants to explore and most of the city's to-do activities are close by"

"There are a few things to do like hiking and biking, the nightlife isn't bad especially if you live on campus which is right near the best parts of downtown. If you enjoy football you should check out the team, if not there are plenty of clubs for people to join."

"Boise is beautiful in all the seasons. There is a river running right through the middle of the city with a path that runs for miles. Good for walking biking or running. Easy to navigate from place to place and there are a ton of restaurants and micro pubs to choose from. Great hiking and skiing. The mountain is 20 minutes away."

"This is a college town at its core. Great amount of bars and places to work, as well as places to eat. It's also very safe and students make up the majority of those here, so its so much fun and very safe when out day and night."

"Oxford is great! Extremely safe, as a female I never once felt unsafe. There are quite a few restaurants that span most cuisines. The nightlife is excellent too- tons of bars. Downsides are the distance from actual cities and the lack of social activities besides going to bars."

"West Lafayette is a typical college town. About 80% of the population is students so its quite an active town. We have college football and basketball games during the season. The town gets a little silent during the holidays but apart from that it's a great place."

"I haven't had any issues when living off campus in West Lafayette at all. The neighborhood I live in is quiet and full of great people. There's a wealth of things to do, much of which is very close to campus or just a short drive from campus. Beware of the rental companies though, they're very good at squeezing money out of unsuspecting students"

"Amazing college town. Not apples-to-apple with Madison or Bloomington - as Evanston is a stunning Chicago suburb - on the beach! The 'El' runs right through town -- a direct shot to Chicago. Great places to eat."

"Evanston is a great place to live. It has a mix of small-town city vibes, with multiple easy travel options to get to Chicago in 30-40 minutes. Lots of great places to eat and there are multiple housing options at every price point"

"Tucson is great and the Mexican food is second to none. There is also the beautiful scenery and surrounding desert so it is definitely a great experience for anyone who has never lived in this type of climate."

"The off campus life is great around Tucson especially living close to the university. The bars and clubs on university are always a fun time as you will make friends with strangers. My personal favorite bar is the hut for the dance floor as it gets crazy when the DJ is blasting the music."

"It is a beautiful and quirky town. The town is easy to navigate for the most part. There are options to entertain nearly everyone from shopping, to nightlife, to nature walks, and more."

"I love Lawrence. The college students breath life into the community. Overall it's a very diverse community that is very friendly. The city cares about the environment and there are plenty of opportunities to be active."

"State College has a vibrant blend of academic energy and small-town charm. It's fairly liberal and forward-thinking here. The downtown area is lively and fun to hang out in. I do feel that it's a very safe environment for students."

"The experience living here as a student has been amazing so far! There's a wide range of wonderful stores and places to shop and a bunch of places for relaxation. Also, if you like spending time in the wilderness, its about a 5 minute drive until you are in the middle of beautiful farmland back country. I could not be more happy to be living here!"

"Columbia is a great city. It has small town charm while still providing a ton of opportunities for social activities and potential jobs! The downtown area is super cute with a lot of nice stores, and housing is not too expensive!"

"It's very affordable to live here and provides the best platform for those looking to work and study. It's also a good town to start off your career, if you're not interested in moving to big cities or don't want to go to a smaller town."

"There are a lot of bars and a lot of restaurants. Bloomington even has a street known for its high amount of international restaurants from cuisines from all over the world! The apartments can be a bit expensive, especially closer to the West side, so I do think living on campus is easier."

"Bloomington is absolutely gorgeous in the summer, and even prettier in the fall! There's a business on every street, and the night life is booming. Almost every person I've talked to has been able to get a job in Bloomington"

"The town boasts a diverse population and a wide variety of shopping, dining, and working options. The community here is incredibly welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. Its convenient location also allows for an easy commute to Raleigh and Durham, both of which offer their own unique appeal and are worth visiting."

"Chapel Hill is a charming midsize college town that offers nearly everything you could need, without the hectic pace and overwhelming feel of a big city. As it's a college town, most of the entertainment is veered towards students and younger adults"

"The longer I lived here, the more appreciation I got for the landscape. If you come to Blacksburg definitely experience the famous football games, tailgates, and downtown bars, but also make sure you take advantage of the lesser-known gems around you. Make time for the hikes, biking trails, cool walking paths, and so much more. You'll be missing out on so much if you don't."

"The best part of the nightlife and city is the Blacksburg Transit Bus system. It is so easy to get on and off wherever you need to be in and around campus, whether that be off campus or in the city or surrounding areas. Plus its free and they have an app called the BT app that tells you exactly what routes the busses are and you can schedule a trip so that you know what bus you have to take for your specific destination."

"The city offers a wide variety of diverse food options, along with plenty of events and activities to enjoy. If you're a food lover who appreciates having numerous choices nearby, this is an ideal place for you. Plus, with Charlottesville's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s perfect for those who enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and mountain biking."

"The area is vibrant, with plenty to do at any time. It's mostly home to college students and retirees, and you can expect a lively atmosphere day and night. The city's growth, driven by the university's expansion, has brought a lot of new energy and opportunities. I've found that there's always something to enjoy without spending a fortune.!"

"Iowa City has a warm, inviting atmosphere, with friendly locals and a charming downtown. With the University right next to downtown, it is really convenient for students. There's a great restaurant-scene with lots of good food. There's numerous coffee shops too. I've also found the city to be extremely safe."

"The cost of living in Iowa City is fair, and the education available is great. Lots of variety in entertainment and many progressive programs and opportunities for all to connect with others."

"Great town, great night scene compared to other small towns as there are 5 colleges in the area. Also Northampton is next door so there is always other things to do. Amherst itself is gorgeous and a great walking town when in the center."

"The town really caters to students and there are a lot of places in the surrounding towns as well for students to live. There are a lot of great places to go out to eat (Lili's and Joy Bowl are two of my favorites). You can find housing that is on both ends of the cost spectrum depending on what you are looking for. The town parking passes are cheap which is a plus because the parking at UMass is overpriced by a lot. People tend to party Thursday through Sunday, so you can always find a party on the weekend. The PVTA is the local bus service and it typically runs until midnight and covers the surrounding area as well as the UMass campus. Riding the PVTA is free and convenient for students."

"Ithaca, New York, is a quintessential college town. The city's slogan, "Ithaca is Gorges" is truly well-fitting. The nearby colleges, especially Cornell, are exceptional. The music scene is vibrant, the scenery is breathtaking, and the restaurants are some of the best I've experienced. As for the winters, they arent as harsh as people make them out to be. Just dress warmly, and you'll be all set!"

"I moved to Ithaca to attend college, and after a year I was already calling it home! The city has a strong sense of community and is dedicated to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups through marches, protests, and gatherings, often held in the charming Ithaca Commons. Ithaca is also full of community spirit, with events like Apple Fest, Ice Fest, Chili Fest, and Porch Fest happening throughout the year."

"Ames is a college town. Meaning it is active during the school year, but during breaks the town is calm. It offers various types of restaurants, and you can always find the one that fits your taste bud. Overall, it's an affordable place to live for college students."

"Loved it, and it helped that we had a bigger city of Des Moines when Ames felt too small. I would tell future students that if they like the midwest feel then this is a great option for school. It's beautiful in the fall which all the warm colors and big trees and it attracts a lot of welcoming types of people. It had a very different feel than any school I visited on the coasts. Everything was a bit more relaxed here."

"The city is overall very friendly; it's easy to get around by walking or uber (parking can be a hassle). There are so many areas for socialization, Pearl St. 29th St., and many others. Busses are around frequently so getting around Boulder is easy but so is commuting from Broomfield or Denver if need be."

"Boulder is one of the best towns in the country in my opinion. The biggest issue is the cost of living given the fact that so many other people feel so much like I do. You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, tons of outdoor activities, as well as great restaurants and bars. There is never a shortage of things to do in Boulder."

"Berkeley is amazing. If you live near campus, it is very easy to walk to many different stores, restaurants, etc. There is often music playing somewhere and regular street vendors. Public transportation is readily available and easy to navigate. The city is encouraging of promoting social causes, and there are many protections in place for homeless individuals. However, cost of living is not great."

"Berkeley is a one-of-a-kind city to live in. Can't say there's anywhere really like it. Extremely diverse student and local population, with lots of civic activity. Close enough to Oakland and SF if you need cultural experiences."

"Gainesville is a great city. The university is the heart of the city bringing in diversity and great culture. Gainesville is quite granola and quaint. It is a wonderful place with lots of natural beauty and resources close by such as springs and hikes."

"Gainesville has a lot of variety and diversity for different cultures, would recommend looking around a bit to explore what they have to offer! I would say that Gainesville has decent public transport, since it's free for students to use the rts bus. They could be a bit unpredictable at times, but it's still nice to have free public transport."

"Lots of nightlife. I'd highly recommend the Comedy Club. The city is definitely a college town, but there is enough going on outside of the university for students to branch out of the college lifestyle. Lots of housing cooperatives."

"Overall, Madison is one of the nicest small cities I've ever lived in. While the winters can be especially cold with the lake effect, the food and atmosphere is definitely worth it. For Wisconsin, it has quite a diverse population of students and residents."

"Ann Arbor is a big college town. There are a ton of different bars and restaurants and things to do! I really enjoy it and everyone is really chill. It is overall a very progressive city. I have taken many of my old high school friends to visit U of M and they have mentioned how diverse the community is."

"Ann Arbor is certainly a busy and lively town throughout the year. As a college town, there are always places to see and explore with friends and family, so that means there is always something to do. I can appreciate the energy that the city has, especially on important days, such as game days, and seeing everyone come together to show school spirit."

"Athens is a great town for college and has one of the best night life scenes in the country. There are also bike lanes everywhere and a plethora of Athens Transit and UGA Transit bus routes to get you all around town if you don't have a car."

"Living in Athens is AMAZING. 10/10 I recommend it. The social scene is always popping, no matter what day of the week it is. It also has a great music/arts scene if you're looking for it.There's so many food options, and not just in downtown Athens, even though that's the most popular. You have to be open to exploring new options!"