Great Location at the University of Minnesota

Twin Cities, Twin Campuses

The thriving University of Minnesota- Twin Cities campus stretches over 1,150 acres in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nestled around the scenic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis campus sits under the shadow of a sparkling downtown skyline. The nearby St. Paul campus is home to rolling green space and historic architecture.

At the U of M, you'll find unlimited opportunities for entertainment, culture, and hands-on experience right outside your front door. Just minutes from campus you can find an internship at the State Capitol, attend a professional sports game, shop at the world's largest mall, dine at a trendy uptown restaurant, get inspired at the Weisman Art Museum (on-campus), or kick back and relax at one of our local coffee shops.

Cultural Events

Become part of a global community and experience the world's cultures--without ever leaving the city! Explore the galleries at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Walker Art Center. Catch a show at the world-famous Guthrie Theater perched on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis' Historic Mill District, or be entertained at St. Paul's Ordway Center for the Arts. You can also check out dozens of local festivals, like the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the Festival of Nations, the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Minnesota State Fair, the Uptown Art Fair, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Internships and Careers

The University of Minnesota is the only public, Big Ten university in a major metropolitan area! Our metropolitan location is the perfect place to jumpstart your career--whether you're interested in business, government, the arts, technology and science, or media. Explore careers, build your resume, and gain hands-on experience by participating in an internship.

Interested in government? Intern as a legislative assistant in the Minnesota Senate or at another nearby government agency.

Interested in technology? Discuss your goals with a mentor at a nearby medical technology company such as Medtronic.

Interested in medicine? Volunteer to serve patients at a local care provider such as Fairview-University Medical Center.

Interested in the media? Intern at a local newspaper, magazine, or broadcast station such as the Star Tribune.

Interested in theater? Participate in a production at a Twin Cities theater such as the Guthrie.

Interested in the environment? Gain hands-on experience at various Minnesota parks and gardens, including the University of Minnesota's own Landscape Arboretum.

Interested in business? Intern at a Twin Cities-based company such as Target, Carlson Companies, or Best Buy.

Transportation

It's easy to get around campus! Many students choose to walk, bike, or Rollerblade through our beautiful campus grounds. Also, free campus shuttles run every few minutes, providing quick, convenient transportation for students on the go. You can also venture off campus to explore the city by hopping on a Metro Transit bus or light rail. Check out Parking and Transportation Services for more info on walking, biking, busing, and parking on campus.

Climate

The University of Minnesota is the perfect place for you to savor the seasons. In the spring, summer, and fall, take advantage of our sparkling lakes, miles of bike trails, and dozens of outdoor festivals. In the winter, enjoy activities like skiing or hiking, or stay cozy in our skyways and tunnels.

Campus Neighborhoods

The U of M's friendly campus neighborhoods are the perfect place to grab a meal with your friends, find a new pair of jeans, or buy that new CD you've been eyeing. These off-campus neighborhoods are as much a part of the U of M as the campus itself--and a place that many U of M students, staff, and faculty call home.

Dinkytown

Dinkytown is an eclectic collection of coffee shops, clothing stores, restaurants, hair salons, and bookstores. Dinkytown has a great history for University students. As a U of M student, singer and songwriter Bob Dylan strummed his guitar on the streets of this unique neighborhood.

Stadium Village

Sports fans and alumni proudly sport maroon and gold as they cheer on the Golden Gophers in this neighborhood, named after its many athletic venues.

Seven Corners/Cedar Riverside

Seven Corners is just blocks away from downtown Minneapolis. If you visit this campus neighborhood, you'll likely see Twins, Vikings, or Gopher sports fans hitting up the local restaurants for food before or after a game. You'll also find great ethnic eateries and shops in this area, including Indian and African cuisine.

St. Paul

Our cozy St. Paul campus offers beautiful green space with a small-campus vibe. St. Paul is home to the College of Agricultural, Food and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Biological Sciences. Students often relax at Lori's Coffee House or the St. Paul Student Center.

Want to learn more about campus neighborhoods from a real U of M student? Click here!

Ratings

The experts agree...the Twin Cities is the place to be!

• Rolling Stone ranked the University of Minnesota ninth in the country in its "Schools that Rock" competition.
• Minneapolis ranked first on the 2007 Forbes list of "Most Affordable Places to Live Well."
• The Twin Cities metro is a thriving business community, home to 20 Fortune 500 companies.
• Minneapolis ranked fifth globally in the 2007 "Worldwide Quality of Living Survey."
• The Twin Cities have more theater seats per capita than any world city other than New York.
• Minneapolis is the top city for technology in the U.S. according to the March 2005 issue of Popular Science, the world's largest science and technology magazine.
• In Travel + Leisure magazine's 2007 "American's Favorite Cities" poll, Minneapolis/St. Paul ranked first in cleanliness, second in intelligent people, and second in public parks and spaces.
• According to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, more than 40 percent of people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area say they do volunteer work--the highest rate of volunteerism in the nation.
• Minneapolis is the "Most Fun City in America," according to makers of Cranium.
• Sports Illustrated recently named Saint Paul its "Sportstown."
• Minneapolis is the cleanest city in the country according to Travel + Leisure.
• The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the nation's oldest and coldest civic celebration, going strong for over 115 years.
• Minneapolis ranked third in Esquire magazine's 2004 "Cities That Rock" list.
• The Twin Cities is home to seven professional sports teams, including the Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, Vikings, Swarm, Thunder, and Wild.
• Runner's World named Minneapolis the number-six city in the nation for running in 2005. Minneapolis has 56 miles of off-street biking and running trails that connect 22 lakes and over 180 city parks.
• Fortune magazine named the Twin Cities the fourth-best area to work and raise a family.
• The Twin Cities is the second "coolest community for young talent," according to Next Generation Consulting.
• Money magazine chose the Twin Cities as the best Midwestern city in which to live.
• The United Way declared Minnesota the best state for quality of life.