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Bowling Green, Kentucky is the state's third-largest city, set in the rolling country between Louisville and Nashville, and Western Kentucky University gives it a strong student current. WKU sits on a hill just south of a compact, walkable downtown, with the Hilltoppers shaping the rhythm of the place. Campus and downtown sit close enough that student life spills between them, especially along College Street and State Street toward the historic square at Fountain Square Park. Green space is easy to find, from the riverfront trails along the Barren River to the cave-riddled karst landscape the region is known for. Fall Saturdays pull the crowd toward Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium, and festivals keep downtown lively year-round.
Put you close to class and the city's shops, markets, and the square at Fountain Square Park.
The spot for students who want to be near the stadium, arena, and Nick Denes Field, with apartment complexes built for the crowd.
Blend walkability with quick campus access for students who want both.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Bowling Green.
The city runs GO bg Transit, a public bus system with routes that reach the WKU campus and several popular stops, and WKU students can buy a discounted unlimited semester pass. The university also runs a free campus shuttle that loops the Hill and connects key buildings. Near the Hill, the bus and shuttle cover most of your week. Plenty of students keep a car for trips to Nashville or Louisville.
Walking is comfortable between campus and downtown, where College Street and State Street keep shops and the square within reach. Biking works on flatter routes, though the WKU Hill lives up to its name. The university runs a simple bike rental program for getting around. Students near the Hill handle most of the week on foot and bike.
Plenty of students keep a car for grocery runs and trips to Nashville or Louisville, but near the Hill the bus and shuttle cover most of your week. On-campus parking requires a permit, and spots near the Hill can be tight. Apartment complexes along the corridors typically include parking. Plan ahead if you bring a car to campus.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
It varies by location and how new the building is. One-bedroom apartments commonly run around $800 to $1,100 a month, and rooms in shared units or houses near WKU often land $450 to $700 per person. Newer purpose-built student complexes along University Drive sit higher, while older houses between the Hill and downtown can be friendlier on the wallet.
Browse student housing near each Bowling Green-area university.