Tour KU Blog Post
(SPRING 2021) - I created this blog post as part of an application for a student blog/vlog grant provided by CAPA the Global Education Network. In the application, I was asked to create a 500-word blog with photos. I was given the following prompt:
You have an acquaintance from high school who is in their Junior year and exploring their college options, but they don’t have the time to tour every school they’re interested in. You’ll have to show them the highlights of your university virtually, so they have a better understanding of what it’s like to attend and live there. Show them why you think they’d love it as much as you do using a blog post including your original photos.
Here is the blog I wrote.
CALLING ALL FUTURE JAYHAWKS
My name is Anna, and today I am going to give you a tour of my little slice of paradise where I currently study… The University of Kansas.
I understand that it has been hard (or nearly impossible) to attend in-person campus tours this year. This is why I am here today to show you some of the best spots on campus and give you a better idea of what it is like to attend school here. I will also provide you with some insider information I wish I knew about each place before starting school here. Nothing scandalous, just some tips you can pass along to the friends you will make here.
First, we start at what I call home base for all Jayhawks.
Kansas Memorial Union photographed by Anna Wiksten
This place has anything and everything you will ever need. A place to study? The Union has it. Chick-fil-a? The Union’s got it. Need to buy books for class or KU merch? The Union has it. If there is one place on campus you need to know inside and out, it would be the Union.
Next, I will take you to the ugliest building on campus.
Wesoce Hall photographed by Anna Wiksten
Personally, I love this building. Ask any other student on campus, and they will tell you it is the ugliest and most complicated building on campus. In this case, it is not what is on the inside that counts. It is what is on the outside that makes Wescoe a hub for student activity. The area outside Wescoe is often referred to as ‘Wescoe beach.’ Pre-COVID, you could find tons of students hanging around here on the concrete benches listening to music, talking with friends, or interacting with tables from various student organizations.
Now, let’s check out some student living.
Daisy Hill photographed by Anna Wiksten
In total, there are nine dorms on campus. Six of the dorms are located on Daisy Hill. These dorms are Ellsworth, Hashinger, Lewis, Oswald, Self, and Templin. There is a lot that happens here. On Friday nights, KU’s Student Union Activities programming board will host events right outside of the Daisy Hill Commons. Here you can meet tons of other students living in the same area as you.
I highly recommend attending karaoke night.
Last stop, basketball.
Allen Fieldhouse photographed by Anna Wiksten
It would be a crime not to take you to the most sacred spot on KU’s campus. Basketball is a big part of KU’s history. The first basketball coach, Dr. James Naismith, wrote the rules of basketball, literally. Each year, there is an event held at Allen Fieldhouse known as ‘Late Night in the Phog.’ This event marks the beginning of the basketball season, and it is a MUST go-to event. Did I mention it was free? In 2019, Snoop Dog came and performed. How do you think KU is going to top that?
I hope you have enjoyed my little tour of campus. KU admissions have a very helpful website if you want even more information about KU.
AND
I hope to see you on campus next year.
