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Experience EKU Beyond the Classroom

Being an EKU Colonel means building upon what you learn in the classroom by embracing the opportunities and experiences EKU offers. Foster your intellectual, physical, and social development through programs and services that challenge and support you as you develop attitudes, abilities, and skills for life-long learning.

But that’s not all EKU does to ensure Colonels fully realize their potential. Resources like the Colonel’s Cupboard and Colonel’s Closet assist students who may be experiencing food insecurity or need toiletry items or clothing. EKU students can be assured their needs are met so they can focus on their coursework.

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Key Resources

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Student Pickleball Tournament

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Explore Life at EKU

Your college experience is what you make of it. Make the most of your time at EKU.

  • Follow your passions and make a difference by volunteering.
  • Make memories that last a lifetime through Student Life & E3 events.
  • Join a community of dedicated and supportive students who share your goals and values by joining a fraternity or sorority.
  • Develop your leadership skills and abilities with our leadership programs.
  • Embrace your hobbies and interests through hundreds of student organizations and clubs.

Discover your true calling at EKU. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, from associate to doctoral degrees.

Group of smiling EKU students enjoying student life.
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Campus Recreation

Housing at EKU

Your First Year

Your first year at EKU is an exciting time of new opportunities. It can also be a challenging time. EKU offers a number of programs for first-year students to help you navigate the transition to college life.

All first-time freshmen start their official EKU experience with orientation. This is a day where they interact with EKU offices, faculty and staff, learn important information about life at EKU, meet other future Colonels, and most importantly register for first semester of classes. Admitted students who have paid their Colonel Commitment Fee will receive an email with information about selecting an orientation date that best fits their schedule when orientation registration opens. After students select their orientation date, they will receive a pre-advising survey email which will help our academic advisors build their first semester schedule.

Your FYE will start with Big E Welcome – a series of events your first weekend on campus that will help you build friendships, equip you with skills to excel in the classroom and welcome you to the EKU experience. Other events and experiences are offered throughout the year to help you embrace campus life and make the most of your time as an EKU Colonel.

Student Life & Campus Facilities

EKU has invested in a number of campus improvements ensuring our Colonels have modern and well-equipped spaces that support their education and overall wellbeing.

Recreation & Fitness
Campus Dining
Student Wellness
Campus Events

Experience the Campus Beautiful

Experience EKU at your convenience using our Virtual Tour. You’ll find information about campus housing, academic buildings, athletic facilities and so much more. After taking the virtual tour, be sure to schedule a time to visit campus and apply for admission.

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Richmond & Surrounding Areas

Whether you prefer the relative peace and quiet of a small town or all the buzz of a large city, living in Richmond while you attend Eastern Kentucky University offers the best of both worlds. Richmond is a fast-growing but still quiet community of about 35,000 where the Bluegrass region and all its scenic horse farms meet the foothills of the rugged Appalachian mountains. Just 25 miles north, an easy drive on I-75, is Kentucky’s second-largest city, Lexington, population 322,000. Other large cities within an easy two-hour, all-interstate drive are Louisville, Ky., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Knoxville, Tenn.

Richmond Centre offers a great selection of stores in a beautifully landscaped open-air environment located on exit 87 from I-75 — just one mile from campus. Stores include Belk, JC Penney, Michael’s, Home Goods and T. J. Maxx, to name just a few, along with a variety of restaurants. Richmond Centre also houses Cinemark Theatre featuring 12 screens playing the newest releases. A variety of other shopping venues can be found in downtown and throughout the city.

  • EKU Center for the Arts is Central Kentucky’s premier live entertainment and arts destination.
  • Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center offers special rates for college night.
  • Lake Reba Recreational Complex has something for everyone featuring nature trails, batting cages, putt-putt golf, horseshoes, boating, fishing, a playground, Gibson Bay Golf Course and Paradise Cove Water Park.
  • E.C. Million Memorial Park is perfect for a leisurely day out with walking trails, two playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic tables and shelters.

Quick and Easy: Popular fast-food restaurants are plentiful in Richmond. Many are located close to exits 87 and 90 just off I-75.

Leisurely Meals: Well-known restaurants in Richmond include Olive Garden, Logan’s Roadhouse, Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster. Most are conveniently located on exits 87 and 90.

Local Flavor: For a variety of food with local flair, Richmond is home to:

  • Madison Garden – wide array of food in a fun environment
  • The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub – great food and live music
  • Babylon Café – traditional Greek and Mediterranean food
  • Purdy’s Coffee Co. – soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked treats
  • Thai Smile – Thai food for every pallet from mild to mega-hot
  • Casa Fiesta and Casa Café – for EKU Colonels with a taste for Mexican food

Exit 87:

  • Best Western Holiday Plaza 859-623-9220
  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott 859-353-4860
  • Comfort Suites 859-624-0770
  • Hampton Inn 859-626-1002
  • Holiday Inn Express 859-624-4055
  • Tru By Hilton 859-544-6312

Exit 90:

  • Days Inn 859-624-5769
  • LaQuinta Inn 859-623-9121
  • Red Roof Inn 859-625-0084

EKU News & Updates