What is the University of Memphis like location-wise?

I'm looking at the University of Memphis and trying to get a better sense of its location. Is it an urban campus with a lively city surrounding it, or is it more suburban or rural? How accessible is it to downtown Memphis and other attractions? I'm hoping for a place with plenty of things to do and see outside of class, so I'd love to hear from students or alumni about their experience with the campus and city life.

The University of Memphis offers a lively, hybrid urban-suburban environment. It's located in the University District, an area in East Memphis which is a mix of commercial and residential developments. The campus is in fact quite spacious with lots of green, open space, so you'll have a bit of that more suburban feel, but it's definitely still located within the city limits of Memphis.

When it comes to city life, you're definitely in luck. Downtown Memphis is only about a 20-minute drive away, and that's where you'll find distinctive cultural attractions like the famous Beale Street with its blues clubs, the National Civil Rights Museum, and of course, some of the best BBQ joints in the country.

Closer to campus, you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants and coffee houses. Overton Park, which is a short distance away, has a zoo, an outdoor amphitheater, and various walking trails. Plus, the university runs shuttle services to popular nearby locations, so getting around is convenient even if you don't have a car.

That said, like any urban area, Memphis has its fair share of hustle and bustle (and traffic), so you do want to keep that in mind - it's not a small, quiet college town by any means. But if you're looking for a lively atmosphere with a booming music scene, lots of cultural events, and a diverse food scene, the University of Memphis certainly fits the bill.