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La Crosse is a city of around 52,000 on the east bank of the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin, known for its striking bluff scenery and outdoor recreation. The city is home to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Viterbo University, giving it a strong college-town character. Downtown La Crosse sits along the riverfront with a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. The surrounding bluffs and the Mississippi River provide year-round recreation including hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing at nearby Grandad Bluff and Hixon Forest. La Crosse serves as a regional hub for the Coulee Region and offers a high quality of life relative to its size.
The areas closest to UWL, the most popular for students, with short walks to campus and easy access to the South Side's cafes, bars, and shops.
The heart of student life in La Crosse, with dense rental housing and a walkable street grid.
North of campus, quieter and more residential, appealing to students who want scenic surroundings and proximity to trailheads.
Along the riverfront, attractive for dining and nightlife access with a short bike ride to campus.
More affordable rents slightly farther from UWL.
Here's what you need to know about getting around La Crosse.
La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility (MTU) operates bus routes that connect the UWL campus area to downtown and other parts of the city. Several routes run along or near State Street, making them convenient for students living in the South Side or Bluffside areas. Bus service is affordable and a practical option for students without vehicles during the academic year.
La Crosse has one of the most bikeable environments in Wisconsin thanks to its flat river valley terrain and an extensive trail network along the Mississippi. Students living within a mile or two of campus can easily walk or bike to class in most weather, and the city maintains off-street paths popular with commuters. The bluff trail system is also a major recreational draw for active students.
On-campus parking requires a permit and can be competitive, but off-campus parking is generally available throughout the South Side and Bluffside neighborhoods. Street parking near campus is regulated during certain hours, so students with cars should review city permit zones before renting. Off-campus housing with dedicated parking is available and preferred by students who commute from farther neighborhoods.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
La Crosse is known for its dramatic Mississippi River bluff scenery, outdoor recreation, and college-town atmosphere. It is home to UW-La Crosse and Viterbo University and serves as a regional hub for western Wisconsin.
La Crosse is home to 3 universities, each with its own student housing market.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university enrolling around 10,000 students on a scenic campus along the Mississippi River bluffs in La Crosse, WI. UWL is known for its strong programs in health and exercise science, education, and business. The university sits on State Street with views of the river…
View housing near University of Wisconsin-la CrosseViterbo University is a private Catholic Franciscan university located at 900 Viterbo Dr in La Crosse, Wisconsin, enrolling approximately 3,000 students. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition of service and liberal arts education, Viterbo sits on the bluffs of the Mississippi River valley. The campus is close to the…
View housing near Viterbo UniversityWestern Technical College is a public two-year institution located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, enrolling approximately 4,000 students in technical, career, and associate degree programs. Founded in 1912, Western Tech serves students from across the Coulee Region with hands-on training in fields including healthcare,…
View housing near Western Technical CollegeBrowse student housing near each La Crosse-area university.