University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is famous for its traditions and campus life, especially Jayhawk Basketball and the “Rock chalk!” chant. Founded in 1854, KU is both the flagship and the largest university in Kansas.

Points of Pride

• KU is ranked in the top 120 schools in the U.S. and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

• KU has 13 schools, offers more than 370 degree programs and teaches 40+ foreign languages

• KU’s student body is made up of students from all 50 U.S. states, including many students from California, Chicago and Texas, who flock to KU to experience traditional college life and traditions.

• KU’s 2,200+ international students come from more than 100 countries and are an important part of the 28,000 students on campus. 

Watch the videos below to learn more: 

KU's Jayhawks

Campus Life

Jayhawk Basketball

What can you do in Kansas? 

Just a short drive from Kansas City (try the barbeque!), KU is located in the city of Lawrence, a quirky college town with a vibrant downtown and a large number of restaurants, shops, art galleries, music venues, award-winning architecture, parks, lakes, bike and hiking trails and fun things to do. On campus, ISEP exchange students are welcomed into the Jayhawk family and encouraged to get involved in student life. Please visit the Student Involvement and Leadership Center for additional information. Learn more about campus here: http://unmistakablylawrence.com/#/gallery/recent 

• Show Details

  Main Campus

  Lawrence, Kansas, United States

  20,000+ on Campus

  <100,000 residents in Lawrence

  Language(s) spoken on campus: English

  KU’s beautiful campus sits at the top of Mount Oread, overlooking the city of Lawrence and the Kaw Valley. 

  KU has extensive academic facilities, including a new business building, new facilities for engineering students, two libraries, a student union, museums, the Dole Institute of Politics and performing arts centers. The beautifully landscaped KU campus has won national attention for its design.

  Lawrence is a classic college town with a friendly atmosphere and fun nightlife. It is known for its art and music scene, along with its wide array of local specialty shops, cafés and restaurants. Students are encouraged to get involved in the community, and community events include the Haskell Pow Wows, Busker Fest, Holidays under the Lights, Free State Festival, Final Friday Art Walks, Jayhawk Basketball games, football games and more. 

  A special program for exchange students, the Jayhawk Exchange Friend Program, pairs each new international student with an American student. The Jayhawk Exchange Friends are study abroad returnees who volunteer their free time to get to know incoming exchange students and help in the process of welcoming them to the University of Kansas. In addition, KU has more than 600 registered student organizations, offers numerous community service opportunities and a variety of intramural sports. International students have many opportunities to engage in campus community.