Student Series: ABCs of the MKY
Welcome to the wonderful town of Murray, Kentucky! We hope you've settled in comfortably. Whether you're embarking on your college adventure for the first time or transferring to Murray State, we are absolutely delighted to have you here. This blog is the ultimate guide to student life in Murray. Stick with us, and let's go on an exciting journey from A to Z and explore everything you need to know about your new home!
Arboretum
The Doran Arboretum at Murray State is a fully accessible horticultural display, public garden and educational laboratory located on the Pullen Farm of MSU. Visitors can gaze the seasonal, native plants and flowers, partake in a lovely picnic on the lawn, or simply sit back and enjoy the view. We recommend climbing “the mountain” and watching the sunset for a breathtaking evening activity.
Burrito Shack
A local eat close to campus is Burrito Shack. B-shack, as it is known around town, has become a local and student favorite over the past ten years. The Caribbean-style menu offers many options for vegetarians, and the homemade pineapple salsa is instantly addictive.
Campus Life
Looking to get involved on campus but don’t know where to start? There are plenty of opportunities to dive into campus life! You can join the Student Government Association (SGA) to help shape student policies, participate in Sports and Recreational activities to stay active and meet new friends, engage with Residential College Council (RCC) while living both on and off campus for community-building events, or explore Greek Life for a growing network of social and philanthropic activities. Each group offers unique experiences to enhance your college experience and connect with others.
Donuts
The perfect place for study groups is Murray Donuts. Freshly made daily, Murray Donuts has a luscious variety of donuts to choose from, but the entire second floor is set up with small tables and chairs, creating the perfect studying environment. Many Murrayians' favorite local donut shops, Murray Donuts also serves specialty coffees, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and fruit! Try the maple bacon donut - it’s a local fav!
Equine Center
The Rudolph Equine Education Center houses the Murray State Equine Science program as well as the Equestrian team. Little do people know this center is open to the public. Stop by to see horses grazing in wide pastures, or follow their Facebook page to see when they have shows and tours!
Farmers Market
The Downtown Court Square is especially busy during the months of May to October. Saturday mornings fill 5th and Maple Streets with vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. A favorite stop of students, visitors, and locals alike, the Downtown Farmers Market is sure to become a favorite morning tradition!
Gear Up Cycles
Want to explore Murray and Calloway County up close? Interested in biking but don’t want to go alone? The bike experts at Gear Up Cycles go on weekly group rides designed for cyclists of all levels. Gear Up is in the University District, just down the street from Stephano’s Trattoria. Don’t forget to bring your own bike and safety gear!
Historic Downtown
One of the most beautiful areas in Murray to explore. The Downtown Historic District includes stops like the Historic Post Office, the Diuguid House, and the National Hotel. Explore Court Square and dive into the rich history of Murray on a downtown walking tour! Tour guides are available at the Murray CVB (206 S 4th St.), or download a copy from www.tourmurray.com.
Ice Cream at DQ
Those craving a sweet treat can find themselves at our local Dairy Queen. But this isn’t just any DQ… it’s a special DQ. Our Dairy Queen embodies the nostalgic nature you feel in many parts of our small town. Since opening its doors, the establishment has operated the same way, trickling down to the original recipe for the rich, tasty ice cream we all know and love. It operates from March to October, so pile into a car with friends, drive down to Main Street, and enjoy their original ice cream recipe before Oct. 31!
Jam Session
Murray, Kentucky, offers vibrant spots for students to enjoy live music and jam sessions. Tap 216 offers a cozy setting where you can browse a diverse menu and enjoy local talent performing throughout the night. Hop Hound Brew Pub provides a laid-back atmosphere with craft brews and great music. Big Apple Grill and Bar pair hearty food with local bands for memorable live music performances.
Kiosks
Stationed around town are three kiosks with information about Murray. Find listings of all the local restaurants, shops, and itineraries to inspire your day! Check out this TikTok that explains them in more detail!
Lovett
Located in the heart of Murray State’s campus, Lovett Auditorium is one of the four original structures from 1926. This building has hosted thousands of events, from world-renowned artists to performers and speakers. It hosts one of the largest campus traditions, All Campus Sing, on the front steps every spring.
Murals
Over two years, artists decorated our downtown with murals to celebrate our local history, promote local shopping and dining, and highlight the community. Ten murals adorn our town walls, and we are proud to showcase such admirable works. Take a leisurely tour in the afternoon to view the artistic masterpieces and snap a pic while you’re at it! Don’t forget to tag us!
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a great way to make the most of your college career and to prepare for life after graduation. Luckily, Murray State provides several opportunities to do just that. Each semester, the university hosts career fairs for students to speak with prospective employers and graduate schools. Joining student organizations like those mentioned under the letter C also provides students with outreach and valuable experience working with others.
Outdoors
So many opportunities await to get a breath of fresh air! Murray has several parks to explore, like Central Park, which includes a dog park, skate park, Rotary Amphitheater, and the community theater Playhouse in the Park. Chestnut Park comprises walking trails, basketball courts, and baseball and softball fields. If swinging clubs is your thing, Miller Memorial Golf Course is the place for competitive and recreational golfers. As we approach the fall, finding the perfect pumpkin is a popular activity to enjoy the cool weather. There are plenty to choose from, with six pumpkin patches around Calloway County. Read our Guide to Pumpkin Patches to learn what each has to offer!
Pogue Library
On the edge of campus stands the beautiful Pogue Library. Special collections, university archives, and oral history collections are all housed here. Students wishing to have a quiet studying atmosphere while surrounded by decades of history and captivating architecture should explore this campus wonder for themselves.
Quilt Trail
Stories of families and friends come alive while driving along the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail. More than 60 barn quilt squares are displayed on barns and large buildings throughout Murray and Calloway County. The stories of these families are shown through historic quilt patterns. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon drive and discover amazing insight into our community's background.
Rudy’s
The oldest restaurant in Murray boasts the best breakfast in Murray, too. Rudy’s has been on the square since 1931. As traditional meat-n-three for lunch and dinner, there is a long list of southern veggies and meats fixed every day in rotation. Much like Dumplins’, everyone has a favorite.
Study Abroad
Every student has the opportunity to study abroad. The Murray State Education Abroad office is there to guide students through the process and enhance student knowledge in their field through experiential learning and cultural immersion. Those interested in this opportunity should stop by the Education Abroad Office (131 Blackburn) for information or open advising.
Tradition
Murray State is rich in traditions that span generations of students. Show your Racer Pride by participating every year!
All Campus Sing: Every spring, Murray State’s quad is filled with students, faculty, alums, and families to watch the largest tradition on campus. Sigma Alpha Iota raises money for their philanthropy, People to People, which provides material assistance to schools in need. They also collect musical instruments and other materials for their alma maters.
Racer One: Clear the track! Racer One has been running the track after every home touchdown since 1976! The victory lap is accompanied by the Racer Band’s “Fight Song” and cheers from fans exuding Racer Pride!
Shoe Tree: A cherished tradition dating back to the 1960s, the Shoe Tree represents the love stories of Racers who found their "sole mates" while attending Murray State. Couples return to campus to participate in this romantic tradition by nailing their shoes to the tree, usually with their wedding date written on the shoes. You'll see a few baby shoes pop up as couples return to nail a baby shoe once they've started a family.
Wells Statue: In the middle of the Murray State quad stands a statue of Rainey T. Wells, the founder and former president of the university. He stands on the west side of Pogue Library, holding a diploma. Students at Murray State hold the stigma that, by rubbing that part of the statue, they will pass all of their finals. You can see on the corner where many people have continued that tradition year after year.
Homecoming: The annual Homecoming parade is an opportunity for students to show up and show out with their creativity, artistic skill, and teamwork. Main Street is flooded with handcrafted floats, decades of alumni, and the beloved Racer Band. The parade is followed by festivities at Tent City. Before the homecoming game, the back of Roy Stewart Stadium hosts almost 50 tents representing Greek Life, student organizations, academic departments, and residential colleges. Thousands of Racer alumni return to Murray State to celebrate and showcase their enthusiasm for their Alma Mater.
University Discounts
Bring your student ID to one of these establishments and get a discount on your meal! Read this Student Series blog to see an updated list of all places that offer discounts to Murray State students.
Visitors Center
That’s us! The Murray CVB is located at 206 South 4th St. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Serving the community and answering whatever questions are thrown our way is what we love to do. Stop by our office to chat, pick out some stickers, or take a picture in front of our mural!
Wrather Museum
The Wrather West KY Museum was constructed in 1924 as an administrative building and was the first permanent building constructed on campus. This historic building was used for campus classes, pep rallies, plays, and student activities. It was also home to the bookstore, dining room, and post office. Today, it serves as a hub to promote the social, cultural, and economic development of Western Kentucky and the region as a whole. The museum is open to the public free of charge.
X-Mas in Murray
Christmas in Murray really is the most wonderful time of the year! From ice skating on Maple Street to The Christmas Parade, our town is always full of holiday merriment. Be sure to take an evening drive down Main Street at the end of November to see our downtown glowing with festive lights and decorations.
Yummy Eats
Murray has an abundance of local restaurants and hidden gems that students frequent. Stop by Dumplin’s for a famous dinner roll, or head to Willow Bistro and sit outside for a relaxing lunch with a breeze. Try one of the Murray-themed sushi rolls at Jasmine or the Racer Chicken at the Keg. We may be a small southern town, but we are full of big flavor!
Zen
Stay active while enjoying a relaxing yoga session at one of the many fitness centers around town! The Barre: Murray is a yoga studio that offers classes for every comfort level, from beginner to more intense workouts. Want to stay fit while staying on campus? The Wellness Center provides yoga classes throughout the week with several instructors. Finding time to stay active is important to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle!
