What’s it like to leave your home state for college in Lawrence? We asked Colorado student Audrey Inman to tell us about her KU experience. 

 

Choosing a college is a big decision — especially if you’re coming from out of state. We sat down with Audrey Inman, an Honors accounting student from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to hear why she chose KU, how she found her community, and what makes Lawrence such a special place to call home.

Audrey jumped right in at KU, blending academics with leadership and community. As a KU Honors Program student studying accounting in the School of Business, she also works as an undergraduate teaching assistant and is active in both the University and Business Honors Programs. Beyond the classroom, she represents KU as a Student and Business Ambassador and is a member of Delta Sigma Pi and Women in Finance.

Are you considering coming to KU from out of state? Read our No Place Like KU series to see how students from all over found their place here. 

Q: Why did you choose KU?

A: My decision wasn’t really academic-driven at first — it was about the energy I felt when I stepped onto campus. KU was the only college I visited where I felt like I could be a big part of the university. I loved the idea that this is the only place you can be a Jayhawk, and I wanted to live that out.

I’ve gained so much from my decision to come here. I’ve found my community and so many opportunities to get involved. I’m a student ambassador, and I recently became a business school ambassador too. It’s been one of the best choices I’ve made here.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Lawrence?

A: I love how the university and the community go hand in hand. You can walk into any store or restaurant and see KU logos and Jayhawk fans everywhere. It doesn’t feel like students are intruding on the town. It feels like one big community.

And it’s beautiful here! Coming from Colorado, I actually appreciate the hills on campus, the old historic buildings, and how close everything is. I love everything about Lawrence.

Q: KU has a lot of traditions. Which one stands out to you?

A: There are so many KU traditions that I love, but sledding down the hill by the Campanile is one you can’t miss. I did that for the first time this past year, and it was so much fun. Big Jay and Baby Jay were out there and so it was such an experience. I hadn't gone sledding since I was in middle school, so it was back to little kid roots, which was awesome.

You're just surrounded by other KU students and families from the Lawrence community as well. That’s an experience that I really, really enjoyed. I also love the weeks of football games and basketball games.

Q: What are your favorite spots on campus to study or hang out?

A: For a fun study vibe, I love the DeBruce Center. You can hang out with friends, talk, and get work done at the same time. If I really need to get my work done with some quiet time, I love the Watson Library stacks. 

Q: How did KU start to feel like home for you?

A: Definitely because of the people. KU feels like home to me because of the people that were put in my life because I came to KU. You hear it all the time, but the people make the place, and that’s definitely why I have felt so comfortable and at home here.

Going from class to class, the faculty and the involvement that you can get at KU also make it feel so welcoming and homey. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not walking around on campus without seeing someone I know. Even though it is a larger university, I see people everywhere that I know from Colorado, also from the B school [KU School of Business] or from work. It's never hard to get involved and find your way here.

Q: What’s your most “Jayhawk” memory so far?

A: Freshman year football against OU. It was pouring rain, OU was ranked sixth in the nation, and no one expected us to win. But we pulled it off! We stormed the field, tore down the goalposts, and carried them to Potter Lake. It was surreal, and honestly one of the best days ever.

Q: How would you describe KU to students back home in Colorado?

A: I would describe KU as a place where you can thoroughly accomplish anything and be who you want to be. We have so many ways to get involved on campus, in academic areas, in social areas, in community areas. There's so much support here, so much drive and people who are proud to be here and that thoroughly shows. 

No matter where you are, you could be traveling across the world and someone would know if you said Rock Chalk, you went to the University of Kansas. That just runs so deep no matter where you are. You might be here for just four years or get a master’s here, but it's not just part of those college years of your life. It is literally forever, and there’s no other place like it.

Q: Do you run into Jayhawks back in Colorado?

A: All the time! I know plenty of students here from Colorado, including friends from my high school. But even back home, I’ll see KU hats and shirts everywhere. At the Denver airport, if I wear a KU shirt, I always get Rock Chalks!

I’ve also connected with KU alumni in my field back home. I’m interning at an accounting firm in Denver next summer, and one of the partners I interviewed with was a Jayhawk. The alumni network is amazing.

Q: How do you usually get home for breaks?

A: My freshman year I did not bring a car to campus. Every break, I flew home, and I was immediately grateful that I was only 45 minutes away from the airport. KC flies direct to Denver and that's so convenient. It's an hour and a half flight, super easy. 

Now that I have a car though, I will usually drive home for longer breaks since it's only about eight hours. Because I have other Colorado friends here, a lot of times we'll just carpool together and then that makes it fun, and cheaper too.

Q: What has your academic experience been like in the School of Business?

A: The small class sizes have been amazing. I’ve built strong connections with my professors. I’m also involved in student organizations like Delta Sigma Pi, our co-ed professional business fraternity. It’s given me leadership opportunities, networking prep, and a community outside of class.

Q: What advice would you give to other out-of-state students?

A: When you’re choosing a college, focus on finding an environment where you feel like you belong. For me, KU felt right immediately. It checked all the boxes I wanted in a school.

If you want an awesome school that has amazing sports, amazing community and really great ways to get involved, KU is 100% the place to look. For Colorado students especially, it is the perfect out-of-state school, where you don't feel like you're super far away from home. I love that about KU: because I am far enough away but also can get home quickly if I need to with a flight or drive home.