Within the borough and on campus, walking and biking are entirely practical, and many students get through daily life without a car. However, for anything beyond the immediate Shippensburg area - including trips to Carlisle, Harrisburg, or major shopping destinations - a personal vehicle is essentially necessary since there is no public transit.

Shippensburg is one of the more affordable college housing markets in Pennsylvania. Students can typically find shared apartments or rooms in houses near campus for well below the statewide average, and parking is free or low-cost throughout the borough, further reducing the cost of living compared to larger college towns.

Carlisle is the closest significant town, about 15 miles east of Shippensburg, and offers a broader range of dining, shopping, and services. Harrisburg, the state capital, is approximately 40 miles to the east and accessible by car in under an hour.

Shippensburg is a small, relatively quiet college borough with a safety profile typical of rural Pennsylvania communities. The close relationship between the university and the borough community means that the area around campus is well-traveled and familiar, and most students report feeling comfortable living and moving around the borough.

Shippensburg is well-positioned for outdoor recreation in the Cumberland Valley and surrounding ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking trails on South Mountain and in Michaux State Forest are within a short drive, and the flat valley terrain around the borough is popular for cycling and running.