Explore the University of Kansas
Our iconic Rock Chalk Chant signals victory and sends a message to the world: Jayhawks united are an unstoppable force.
Explore the University of Kansas
Get to know KU, from classroom to campus
The University of Kansas pairs the academics of a top-tier public research university with the energy of one of America's best college towns. Here's a quick tour: what you'll study, how you'll live, where we are, what campus looks like, and who Jayhawks are.
- Academics
- Student life
- Location
- Campus
- Community
Academics
Jayhawks choose from nearly 275 undergraduate fields of study, help drive real research, and learn by doing — not just by sitting in lectures.
- A research university. As a member of the Association of American Universities, KU lets undergraduates work alongside faculty on real research.
- Learning beyond the classroom. Internships, labs, and field work turn coursework into experience employers recognize.
- Study abroad. Earn credit through programs in more than 70 countries.
- Room to explore. Exploratory Pathways help undecided students sample directions before committing to a major.
Student life
Jayhawks live in residences from historic to modern, then pour their energy into more than 600 organizations — plus one legendary student section.
- 600+ organizations. From Greek life and intramurals to academic, cultural, and service groups, there's a community for every interest.
- A place to call home. On-campus living options range from KU's most historic halls to its newest residences.
- Jayhawk game day. Cheer on 16 Division I varsity sports in the Big 12 — including basketball at storied Allen Fieldhouse.
- Lead and serve. Volunteer programs and leadership roles help Jayhawks make an impact in Lawrence and beyond.
Where is KU?
KU's main campus sits on Mount Oread, a hill in the heart of Lawrence, Kansas — a city of about 100,000 widely recognized as one of the best college towns in the country. Kansas City is under an hour east, and the state capital, Topeka, is a short drive west.
Lawrence, Kansas
A walkable college town of roughly 100,000 residents.
Under an hour to Kansas City
A metro of about 2 million known for sports and food.
Minutes from Topeka
The Kansas state capital is a short drive to the west.
Live music, arts, and food
An eclectic downtown and culture scene students love.
What is KU's campus like?
Set on a hilltop in the middle of town, KU's Lawrence campus is organized into three districts — some dating back to the university's earliest days, others recently reshaped with new facilities.
North District
Historic heart
Home to KU's most historic buildings and living options.
Central District
Newest spaces
Site of KU's newest learning spaces, student union, and residence halls.
West District
Research frontier
An expansive landscape dotted with state-of-the-art academic and research facilities.
Who are the Jayhawks?
Jayhawks raise their voices, sing in harmony, and clap in complicated rhythm — all in support of one another. That exuberance, traced through generations, fuels the excellence that's possible at KU. Our community comes from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
- 62%Of students are from Kansas
- 38%From beyond Kansas — including 10% international
- 1 in 5From racially diverse backgrounds
Figures reflect KU's published undergraduate student-body profile.
Hawk Week at the Campanile
Game day with the Marching Jayhawks
Common questions about KU
KU's main campus is in Lawrence, Kansas, set on a hill called Mount Oread. Lawrence is about 40 miles — under an hour — west of Kansas City, and close to the state capital, Topeka.
KU is a top-tier public research university and a member of the Association of American Universities. Undergraduates choose from nearly 275 fields of study, take part in real research, and can study abroad in more than 70 countries.
More than 600 student clubs and organizations — spanning Greek life, intramural and club sports, and academic, cultural, and service groups — so there's a community for nearly every interest.
The Lawrence campus sits on Mount Oread and is organized into three districts: North, home to the most historic buildings and housing; Central, with the newest learning spaces, student union, and residence halls; and West, an expansive landscape of research facilities.
It's KU's signature tradition — a slow, rhythmic "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU" that students and fans raise together, especially at Allen Fieldhouse. It's one of the most recognizable chants in college sports.
Yes. Lawrence, a city of about 100,000, is frequently named one of the best college towns in the country, known for its live music, arts, local food scene, and walkable downtown.