Fort Wayne is a practical and affordable city for college students, with low housing costs, a growing dining and arts scene downtown, and a strong regional job market in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. It lacks the nightlife of a larger college town but offers a comfortable and low-stress living environment.

For most students, a car is strongly recommended in Fort Wayne. Citilink bus service is limited in frequency and coverage, and the city's layout is suburban and spread out. Students without a car should prioritize housing within walking or biking distance of campus.

Fort Wayne is one of the more affordable rental markets in Indiana, with one-bedroom apartments typically ranging from $650 to $1,100 per month near PFW. Shared housing and student-oriented apartment complexes can reduce costs further.

Fort Wayne offers a range of activities including the Rivergreenway trail system for outdoor recreation, a revitalized downtown with bars, restaurants, and arts venues, and regional attractions like the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Parkview Field. The city also has a variety of part-time job opportunities for students in retail, food service, and healthcare.

The neighborhoods closest to PFW are located in northeast Fort Wayne along and around Coliseum Boulevard, Maplecrest Road, and the Lima Road corridor. Northcrest and Georgetown are the most frequently mentioned student neighborhoods in proximity to campus.