Laramie, Wyoming, is a city of approximately 32,000 residents located in Albany County in southeastern Wyoming at an elevation of 7,165 feet. It is home to the University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, which is the dominant economic and cultural institution in the city. Laramie sits on a high prairie plateau between the Laramie and Medicine Bow mountain ranges, offering students and residents stunning scenery and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city has a classic college-town character with a walkable downtown, a mix of locally owned businesses, and a community shaped by the rhythms of the academic year. Winters in Laramie are long and cold with significant snowfall, while summers are mild and dry at high elevation.
Along University Avenue and 15th Street, the most popular area, with walkable access to classes, the Student Union, and campus dining.
Centered on Second Street, a short walk or bike ride from campus, with local restaurants, cafes, and retail.
Between campus and downtown, densely populated with student-friendly rental houses and small apartment buildings.
Larger apartment complexes with modern amenities at a range of price points for students who prefer more space.
Quieter, more family-oriented neighborhoods attracting graduate students and university staff.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Laramie.
Laramie does not have a municipal public bus system, and there is no regional transit service connecting the city to other Wyoming communities on a regular schedule. The University of Wyoming operates a campus shuttle that circulates among key UW facilities during the academic year, providing limited on-campus mobility for students. Students who do not have personal vehicles and live off campus will find transportation options very restricted beyond walking or biking distance.
The area immediately surrounding the UW campus and downtown Laramie is walkable and bikeable, with relatively flat terrain that makes cycling practical for students living within a mile or two of campus. Laramie has designated bike lanes on several key corridors, and the compact layout of the campus-to-downtown core supports non-motorized transportation during favorable weather. From November through March, heavy snow and ice make walking and biking significantly more difficult, and most students rely on personal vehicles during the winter months.
Laramie has abundant free street parking in most residential neighborhoods near campus, making car ownership straightforward and affordable for students. The University of Wyoming sells student parking permits for on-campus lots at a modest annual cost, and many students opt to park in nearby residential streets for free. Students considering off-campus housing should confirm parking availability with their landlord, though most Laramie rentals include on-site or adjacent street parking.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Laramie is a classic college town where the University of Wyoming defines much of the community character, offering students a close-knit, affordable living environment with access to excellent outdoor recreation. The high-altitude location means cool summers and harsh winters, but many students find the scenery and lifestyle highly rewarding.
Browse student housing near each Laramie-area university.