15 Best Things to Do in Lawrence, KS

Explore Your City, Support Local, and Make the Most of Your KU Years

Discovering Lawrence as a University of Kansas Student

Living in Lawrence isn’t just about classes, football games, and late-night study sessions. It’s about immersing yourself in one of Kansas’ most vibrant, creative, and welcoming communities. Just beyond the edges of the KU campus lies a whole world of local flavor, artsy hangouts, vintage finds, and unforgettable vibes. Whether you're craving late-night eats, looking for weekend plans, or just need a new spot to clear your head, Lawrence has something for every Jayhawk.

Here are 15 must-visit spots in Lawrence, KS that every KU student should experience before graduation. All off-campus and full of local charm!

Food & Drink

• 1900 Barker Café & Bakery
  Address: 816 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66046
  Why go: Artisan bakery and café known for sourdough, pastries, and specialty coffee.
  Website: 1900barker.com


• Mass Street Soda
  Address: 1103 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Retro soda shop with over 1,000 varieties of craft sodas and candies.
  Website: massstreetsoda.com


• Lawrence Beer Company
  Address: 826 Pennsylvania St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Local brewery serving craft beers, wood-fired pizza, and patio vibes.
  Website: lawrencebeerco.com


• John Brown Underground
  Address: 7 E 7th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with creative drinks and cozy underground atmosphere.
  Website: freelawrence.com


• Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
  Address: 1011 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS
  Why go: Local ice-cream spot with fun flavors, waffle cones, perfect treat hangout.
  Website: sylasandmaddysicecream.com

Arts, Culture & Books

• The Dusty Bookshelf
  Address: 708 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Used & collectible books, comics, vintage pulps, and reading nooks.
  Website: dustybookshelf.com


• Raven Book Store
  Address: 809 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Independent bookstore highlighting local authors, poetry, and mystery novels.
  Website: ravenbookstore.com


• Love Garden Sounds
  Address: 822 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Iconic indie record store featuring vinyl, CDs, and live in-store shows.
  Website: lovegardensounds.com


• The Granada Theater
  Address: 1020 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Historic venue hosting concerts, film screenings, and student-friendly events.
  Website: thegranada.com


• Lawrence Arts Center
  Address: 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, Kansas 66044
  Why go: Contemporary art exhibits, performance art, frequent shows & community arts; energetic place to see what’s new.
  Website: lawrenceartscenter.org

Shopping & Vintage

• Antique Mall of Lawrence
  Address: 830 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Multi-floor antique and thrift shop with vintage clothing, records, and collectibles.
  Website: facebook.com/lawrenceantiquemall


• Wild Man Vintage
  Address: 939 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Vintage clothing (1940s–1980s), multi-floor store, lots of accessories; unique style finds at decent prices.
  Website: wildmanvintage.com


• Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market
  Address: 824 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Fresh produce, food vendors, and live music in a lively community setting.
  Website: lawrencefarmersmarket.org

Nightlife & Entertainment

• Gaslight Gardens
  Address: 317 N 2nd St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Outdoor beer garden with live music and a relaxed student vibe.
  Website: gaslightgardens.com


• Replay Lounge
  Address: 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  Why go: Arcade bar featuring pinball, retro games, and a fun nightlife scene.
  Website: facebook.com/replayloungeusa

Explore, Support, Repeat

As a University of Kansas student, your time in Lawrence can be more than getting a degree. Take the time to get to know this one-of-a-kind city. Supporting local businesses, hanging out in community spaces, and stepping outside of your comfort zone are all part of what makes the Jayhawk experience unique. So go solo or grab a friend, try something new, and find your own favorite local spots.

See you on Mass Street 💙

FAQ

• What are the best food spots for KU students in Lawrence? Local favorites include 1900 Barker Café & Bakery for artisan coffee and pastries, Sylas & Maddy’s for ice cream, and Lawrence Beer Company for pizza and brews.
• Where can KU students experience arts and culture in Lawrence? The Dusty Bookshelf, Raven Book Store, Love Garden Sounds, The Granada Theater, and the Lawrence Arts Center are must-visits.
• Are there good shopping and vintage options in Lawrence? Yes, Antique Mall of Lawrence, Wild Man Vintage, and the Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market are great spots for unique finds.
• What are popular nightlife spots for students in Lawrence? Gaslight Gardens and Replay Lounge are popular with KU students for live music, arcade games, and a fun social scene.
• Why should KU students explore beyond campus? Exploring off-campus helps students support local businesses, discover Lawrence’s unique culture, and create lasting college memories.

5 Benefits of Signing Your Lease Early as a KU Student Living in Lawrence

When you start looking for an off-campus apartment at the University of Kansas, it might surprise you how early students are signing their leases. In Lawrence, it’s common for students to start looking a year in advance.

At Proxi, we understand the stress and uncertainty that can come with trying to find your home away from home. We’ve helped hundreds of students navigate the leasing process, and we know how important it is to find the right place for your college years.

Whether you are a freshman looking into leaving the dorms or a returning student ready for a change, it’s time to understand the benefits of signing your lease early as a student at the University of Kansas.

What Do We Mean by “Early”?

At the University of Kansas, “early” really depends on your priorities and situation. KU Jayhawks involved in competitive programs can sign leases more than 12 months before the intended move-in date. But for most, students start getting their off-campus housing spots for next fall in October of the current year.

Here at Proxi, we typically begin renewals and new leasing early in the fall semester. So if you want your choice of floor plans, roommates, and parking options, it’s almost time to find your home in Lawrence.

5 Reasons to Sign Your Off-Campus Housing Lease Early in Lawrence, KS

• Lower Rates and Leasing Specials
  

  Most KU off-campus apartments use tiered pricing, which means that the earlier you sign your lease, the lower the rate is likely to be. As more units are leased, prices usually go up.

  Signing early can help you secure the best possible rate, especially at high-demand properties. Even if prices only rise incrementally, you’ll definitely notice those changes adding up over the course of a 12-month lease.

  Off-campus student housing properties also usually offer leasing specials early in the leasing season. These can include waived fees, gift cards, and discounted VIP rates. Signing early puts you in the best position to take advantage of these limited-time offers.

• Better Chance of Securing Parking
  

  Parking around the University of Kansas can be a challenge, especially during peak class hours or game days. While some students rely on biking or walking, many still prefer to have a car on campus.

  Parking spaces at off-campus apartments can be limited. By signing early, you have a better chance of reserving a spot that is close to your unit or near amenities. Waiting too long can leave you without a parking space or force you to rely on street parking.

• More Floor Plan and Room Options
  

  One of the most overlooked benefits of signing early is having more options. The earlier you begin the leasing process, the more likely you are to get your preferred floor plan, unit location, and bedroom layout. It’s pretty much first come, first serve.

  Plus, some units offer exclusive features such as balconies, upgraded finishes, or proximity to the pool or clubhouse. These amenities are ones most KU students don’t want to miss out on. If these features are important to you, signing early gives you the best chance to secure them.

  This also applies to individual bedrooms. In multi-bedroom floor plans, some rooms may have the most windows and natural light, be slightly larger, or in quieter locations. The earlier you sign, the more flexibility you and your roommates will have to choose the best arrangement.

• Flexibility in Roommate Selection
  

  It doesn’t matter if you know who you want to live with or are still figuring it out, what’s important here is the flexibility.

  If you have chosen your roommates, signing your leases around the same time ensures the leasing office can place you together. If you wait too long, there may not be enough availability in a single unit to accommodate your group.

  On the other hand, if you’re still looking for roommates, most housing communities offer roommate matching services that can help connect you with people who share your interests and habits. When you wait too long, the pool of available matches becomes smaller, sometimes making it harder for you to find the right fit.

  Pro tip: Talk with the leasing team if you are waiting for others to sign so they can hold your spot. We’ll always try our best!

• Reduced Stress and Increased Security
  

  This one right here. We already know college life is demanding, and housing is one area where planning ahead will make a difference. Signing your lease early provides peace of mind and removes one of the biggest tasks from your to-do list.

  Once your housing is secured, you can begin thinking about furniture, décor, and logistics without the stress of finding a place last-minute. You’ll have more time to coordinate with roommates, prepare for your move, and get excited about your new space.

  Securing your apartment early allows you to enjoy the rest of the school year knowing that your living situation for the next term is already taken care of. Seriously, don’t wait until finals to find housing unless you want the most stressful semester of your life.

If You Want to Live in KU Off-Campus Housing, Sign Your Lease Early

From lower rates and better room options to increased flexibility and peace of mind, there’s really no reason to procrastinate.

At Proxi, we’re here to help you find the right KU off-campus home just for you! Our team is happy to answer your questions, walk you through the floor plans, and help you and your roommates secure your ideal apartment.

Interested in living at Proxi?
Contact our leasing office to schedule a tour or learn more about our floor plans, rates, and availability. We’re excited to help make Lawrence, KS feel like home!

FAQ

• When should KU students start looking for off-campus housing? Many KU students begin their search in October for the following school year, though some sign leases more than 12 months in advance.
• Why does signing early save money? Most off-campus apartments in Lawrence use tiered pricing, so signing early locks in lower rental rates and leasing specials.
• How does signing early help with roommate arrangements? It ensures you can live with your chosen roommates or use matching services while the pool of available matches is still larger.
• Are parking spots guaranteed at KU student apartments? Parking is often limited, but signing early greatly improves your chances of securing a convenient spot.
• What’s the biggest benefit of signing early? Peace of mind. You can focus on school and preparing for your move knowing that your housing is already secured.