Student Series: A Guide to Living in Murray as a Student

First off, welcome to the Friendliest Small Town in America! We are so excited you decided to continue your education with us at Murray State University. We know what it’s like moving into a new city, new home, new atmosphere… and all the stress coming with it. We are here to help make this transition an easy one! Here is a guide on where to find the basics in Murray.

Where to Get Your Oil Changed

When it comes to car maintenance, it is important to find places with the most helpful staff, and won’t take all afternoon. Our go-to place for an oil change is Grease Monkey, and here’s why: they are super friendly, quick, and they even send you reminder emails whenever it is time for your next oil change! Can't make it to Grease Monkey?

Meineke Car Care Center is another great place that can take care of you and your car. They are a little bit of a further drive outside of campus, but don’t fret; the guys are fast and efficient getting you in and out in a timely manner.

Where to Buy Your Groceries

There are two grocery stores in close proximity to campus, Walmart and Kroger. Walmart is great for everyday necessities, including school supplies, beauty essentials and basic pantry staples. Their curbside pick-up is also available and free to use! Kroger is across the street and provides a larger selection of produce, dietary restricted products or other healthier options to fit your lifestyle. If you are looking for nontraditional specialty groceries, check out Main Street Market located downtown. The shelves are stocked with an array of artisanal offerings that range and cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Let's not forget to mention the Downtown Murray Farmers Market for handmade products and fresh produce grown within Calloway County. The market is open through the end of October, every Saturday from 7 to Noon.

Where to Register to Vote

As an American citizen, it is important to practice your right to vote! During your college years, you can become easily discouraged with finding where to vote and who to vote for. Luckily, the Calloway County Courthouse makes it easy for everyone living in Murray, even our students at Murray State University. The County Clerk's office, located on the second floor of the court house in Downtown Murray is a one-stop shop to register to vote, locate a polling place, and get an absentee ballot. Don't forget to provide your proof of residence in order to vote in Calloway County!

Where to Fix My Tire

Blowouts, nails, and flat tires are bound to happen to anyone with a car, especially away from home. It can be hard deciding where to go when things begin to go south, so here is a few affordable options in town. In Murray, we have excellent shops that can fix you right up! Ace Tire Service is a Murray “go-to” tire center with outstanding customer service and friendly staff who won't take advantage of your small budget. They will get you in and out quickly, leaving you with quality work worth your money. If you can’t make it there and are looking for a quick service, we suggest you stop in at Melvin’s Tire Store. They are known for their great service, great prices and great people.

Where to Send Mail

Keeping in touch with family and friends from home is easy with our Post Office and UPS store. Open a P.O. Box at the post office to receive mail, and send packages at the UPS store. The UPS store even offers services like binding and printing for group projects for classes. The Post Office is located across from the Cheri Theatre at 1105 Chestnut St., and the UPS store is located close to Maurice's at 632 N 12th St. If you can't get off campus, the Murray State Post Office on the second floor of the Curris Center is also a great location to send or receive your mail.

Where to Visit a Doctor

Caught a bug or broke a bone? We have three walk-in clinics in town that are open during the week and into the weekends. Closest to campus is Fast Pace Urgent Care, a facility that treats minor injuries and illness, located at 506 N 12th St. Further south of town is Murray Medical Associates, located in Murray-Calloway County Hospital, featuring a full staff of physicians and nurse practitioners to treat any medical needs. Primary Care is located at 1000 S 12th St. and offers specialized services like MRI imaging, CT scanning, cardiology care, much more for serious conditions on top of their care for minor conditions. All of these locations offer later hours and weekend appointments.

Where to Study Off-Campus

Photo: Robyn Pizzo

Into the thick of the semester, finding a quiet place to get away and study can be difficult. Luckily, we have a few local coffee shops in town that are hot spots for knocking tasks off your to-do list. Right off the court square is 5th and Main Coffees, located in the lower level of New Life Christian Bookstore and serves fine teas, espresso drinks and baked goods to snack on while you study. Another great hidden study spot is the upstairs of Murray Donuts. The upstairs houses comfortable seating and table space to use while you snack on a flaky donut...or two! To top it all off with a place that many locals frequent, Shaffer Coffee boasts an industrial yet homey environment that encourages students to stop in with friends and occupy a table for a while.