Kansas State UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for Kansas State University. Free for students.

Public Research University in Manhattan, KS. Operating on a semester system.

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Free for all Kansas State University students. No credit card required.

22K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

41

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Summer 2026

The semester, explained for Kansas State University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Summer 2026
Campus terms
85
Local details
35

Academic calendar

Summer 2026 runs May 18, 2026 – Aug 21, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

45 entries
  1. Summer 2026Relevant now
  2. Summer 2026 First 6-Week SessionSummer 2026 First Six-Week Session
  3. Summer 2026 Full 12-Week SessionSummer 2026 Regular 12-Week Session
  4. Summer 2026 First 4-Week SessionSummer 2026 First Four-Week Session
  5. Summer 2026 8-Week SessionSummer 2026 Eight-Week Session
  6. Summer 2026 Second 4-Week SessionSummer 2026 Second Four-Week Session
  7. Summer 2026 Second 6-Week SessionSummer 2026 Second Six-Week Session
  8. August Intersession 2026
  9. Fall 2026 Five-Week First
  10. Fall 2026 Eight-Week First
  11. Fall 2026
  12. Fall 2026 Five-Week Second
  13. Fall 2026 Eight-Week Second
  14. Fall 2026 Five-Week Third
  15. January Intersession 2026-2027January Intersession 2027
  16. Spring 2027 Five-Week First
  17. Spring 2027 Eight-Week First
  18. Spring 2027
  19. Spring 2027 Five-Week Second
  20. Spring 2027 Eight-Week Second
  21. Spring 2027 Five-Week Third
  22. May Intersession 2027
  23. Summer 2027 First 5-Week SessionSummer 2027 First Five-Week Session
  24. Summer 2027 First Five-Week Session
  25. Summer 2027Summer 2027 Full Ten-Week SessionSummer 2027 Regular 10-Week Session
  26. Summer 2027 First 4-Week SessionSummer 2027 First Four-Week Session
  27. Summer 2027 8-Week SessionSummer 2027 Eight-Week Session
  28. Summer 2027 6-Week SessionSummer 2027 Six-Week Session
  29. Summer 2027 Second 5-Week SessionSummer 2027 Second Five-Week Session
  30. Summer 2027 Second 4-Week SessionSummer 2027 Second Four-Week Session

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Campus language

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85 terms

A

AAC
Academic Achievement Center, an office providing tutoring, coaching, and academic support services.
Aggieville
The historic entertainment and dining district located directly across from campus.
ARH
Association of Residence Halls, the student organization representing those living in campus housing.

B

BAP
Beta Alpha Psi, the premier honors organization for financial information students (accounting, finance, and MIS).
BSU
Black Student Union, a prominent cultural and advocacy organization.

C

Call Hall
Commonly used to refer to the dairy bar in Call Hall known for its campus-made ice cream.
Call Hall
The Call Hall Dairy Bar, famous for student-made ice cream and dairy products.
Cat's Pause
A convenience store and snack bar located within the K-State Student Union.
Cats
Short for Wildcats, the university's mascot and collective name for students.
Cats' Cupboard
The on-campus food pantry providing food and hygiene products to students in need.
Cornerstone
The coffee shop located in the Wefald Hall/Kramer Dining Center area.

D

Derby
The Derby Complex, which includes Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West residence halls.
Derby
Derby Dining Center, the largest dining facility serving the eastern residence halls.
Derby Complex
The cluster of residence halls on the east side of campus, including Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West halls.
Derby Side
The cluster of residence halls (Haymaker, Moore, Ford, West) located near the Derby Dining Center.
Dining Dollars
Funds included with meal plans that can be used at retail food locations on campus.

E

EMAW
Every Man A Wildcat, the university's primary rallying cry and slogan.

F

Fake Patty's
Fake St. Patrick's Day, a massive annual student-led celebration held the Saturday before Spring Break.
Ford
Ford Hall, an all-female residence hall on the east side of campus.
FSL
Fraternity and Sorority Life, the collective term for the Greek community on campus.

G

Goodnow
Shorthand for Goodnow Hall, often paired with Marlatt as they share a dining center.

H

HALO
Hispanic American Leadership Organization.
Haymaker
Common shorthand for Haymaker Hall, a large traditional residence hall.
Honors House
The Marlatt Hall honors floor or the specific living-learning community for honors students.

I

IFC
Interfraternity Council, the governing body for the university's social fraternities.

J

Jardine
The Jardine Apartment Complex, used by upperclassmen and families.
JP's
JP's Sports Grill, a popular restaurant located in the Jardine Apartment complex.

K

K-State 8
The university's general education program requiring courses across eight different areas of knowledge.
Kramer
The Kramer Complex, which includes Goodnow, Marlatt, and Wefald residence halls.
Kramer
Kramer Dining Center, serving the western residence halls including Wefald, Goodnow, and Marlatt.
Kramer Complex
The cluster of residence halls on the west side of campus, including Goodnow, Marlatt, and Wefald halls.
Kramer Side
The cluster of residence halls (Goodnow, Marlatt, Wefald) located near the Kramer Dining Center.
KSDB
The student-run radio station (91.9 FM) based in the K-State Student Union.
KSF
K-State First, the university's first-year experience program.

M

Marlatt
Shorthand for Marlatt Hall.
Moore
Moore Hall, a residence hall located in the Derby Community.

O

Octagon of Doom
The nickname for Bramlage Coliseum, specifically referring to its intimidating atmosphere during basketball games.
On-the-Go
The university's takeout meal program available at the main dining centers.
OSAS
Office of Student Activities and Services, the hub for student organizations.

P

PHC
Panhellenic Council, the governing body for social sororities on campus.
Putnam
Putnam Hall, a residence hall in the Strong Community.

Q

Quick Cats
Campus convenience stores located in various residence halls and the Union.
Quik Cats
On-campus convenience stores located in various residence halls and the Union.

R

Radina's
Local coffee shop chain with multiple locations across campus, including the Union and Hale Library.

S

SAB
Student Advisory Board, typically referring to the group advising the Dean of a specific college.
SGA
Student Government Association, the primary student governing body.
SMC
Student Media Corporation, the entity that oversees the Collegian newspaper and Royal Purple yearbook.
Smurth
Smurthwaite Scholarship House, a cooperative living community for women.
Smurthwaite
Smurthwaite Scholarship House, a cooperative living community for women.
Strong
The residential complex encompassing Boyd, Putnam, and Van Zile halls.
Strong Complex
The collective name for the Boyd, Putnam, and Van Zile residence halls.
StuFo
Student Foundation, a philanthropy-focused student organization that runs the K-State Proud campaign.

T

The Bill
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the home of K-State football.
The Complex
The Derby Complex, referring to the cluster of residence halls (Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West) served by the Derby Dining Center.
The Derb
A common student nickname for the Derby Dining Center.
The Derby
The Derby Complex, consisting of Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West Halls.
The Derby Complex
The group of residence halls served by Derby Dining Center, including Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West.
The Derby Side
The cluster of residence halls on the east side of campus, including Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West.
The Dirty Ford
Ford Hall, an all-female residence hall often referred to by this nickname in student circles.
The Ghetto
A colloquial (and sometimes controversial) term used by students to describe the older rental housing area north of campus.
The Hay
Haymaker Hall, a large residence hall on the east side of campus.
The Hill
The cluster of residence halls located on the eastern side of campus, including Ford, Haymaker, Moore, and West.
The Honors House
Commonly refers to Marlatt Hall, which houses the University Honors Program residential community.
The Kramer
The Kramer Complex, consisting of Goodnow, Marlatt, and Wefald Halls.
The Kramer Complex
The group of residence halls served by Kramer Dining Center, including Goodnow, Marlatt, and Wefald.
The Kramer Side
The cluster of residence halls on the west side of campus, including Goodnow, Marlatt, and Wefald.
The Little Apple
The nickname for Manhattan, Kansas.
The Octagon of Doom
A nickname for Bramlage Coliseum, referring to its eight-sided shape and intimidating atmosphere for opponents.
The Quad
The central grassy area between Hale Library and Eisenhower Hall where students hang out.
The Res
A general shorthand for the residence halls or the residential side of campus.
The Smurth
Smurthwaite Scholarship House, a cooperative living community for women.
The Strong
The Strong Complex, consisting of Boyd, Putnam, and Van Zile Halls.
The Strong Complex
The collective name for the Boyd, Putnam, and Van Zile residence halls.
The Union
The food court area within the K-State Student Union featuring various fast-food vendors.
The Union Food Court
The collection of fast-food vendors located on the ground floor of the K-State Student Union.
The Ville
Common shorthand for Aggieville.
The Ville
While often referring to Aggieville, students living in Jardine Apartments sometimes use it to describe the apartment community feel.
The Wabash
The Wabash Cannonball, a signature school dance and song performed at athletic events.
The Zoo
Haymaker Hall, a residence hall traditionally known among students for its high energy and social atmosphere.

U

UPC
Union Program Council, the student-led group that organizes campus events like movies and concerts.

V

Van Zile
Van Zile Dining Center, a smaller dining hall serving the Strong Community.
VZ
Van Zile Dining Center, a smaller dining hall often used for specialized meal options.

W

Wabash
Refers to the 'Wabash Cannonball,' a traditional school song and high-energy dance performed at sporting events.
Wefald
Refers to Wefald Hall, the newest residence hall on campus.
West
West Hall, a residence hall in the Derby Community.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

35 details
Ahearn
Ahearn Field House, a historic building used for volleyball and indoor sports.
Anderson
Anderson Hall, the iconic limestone administrative building that serves as the face of the university.
ATA Bus
The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency, which provides bus service around campus and Manhattan.
Bosco
Bosco Student Plaza, the outdoor gathering space located directly outside the Union.
Bramlage
Bramlage Coliseum, the home arena for K-State basketball, often called the 'Octagon of Doom'.
Canvas
The online learning management system where professors post assignments and grades.
Cardwell
Cardwell Hall, known for housing the math and physics departments.
Cat Cash
A debit-like account on the Wildcat ID that can be used for purchases at various campus locations.
Cat's Cupboard
The on-campus food pantry available to students facing food insecurity.
Cat's Pause
A convenience store and lounge area located on the second floor of the K-State Student Union.
CatCash
A debit-like system where students can load money onto their ID card for use at campus shops and printers.
DARS
Degree Audit Reporting System, the official tool used to track progress toward graduation requirements.
Dead Week
The week before final exams, officially known as 'Student Prep Week,' where major exams are restricted.
derby_dining_center
Derby Dining Center
Dining Dollars
Funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail food locations like Radina's or the Union.
eID
Electronic ID, the username and login credential used to access K-State email and online services.
Hale
Hale Library, the main campus library.
K-State 8
The university's general education program requiring students to take classes in eight diverse areas.
kramer_dining_center
Kramer Dining Center
KSIS
K-State Student Information System, the portal used for enrollment, checking grades, and financial aid.
Lafene
Lafene Health Center, the on-campus student medical and wellness facility.
Navigate
A student success app used for scheduling advising appointments and tracking academic progress.
Octagon of Doom
Bramlage Coliseum, the university's basketball arena, nicknamed for its intimidating atmosphere.
Powercat
The official stylized wildcat head logo of Kansas State University.
SafeRide
A university-sponsored program providing safe transportation home for students within city limits.
Seaton
Seaton Hall, the primary building for the College of Architecture, Planning & Design.
The Bill
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where the football team plays.
The Bram
Bramlage Coliseum, the arena where K-State basketball games are played.
The Link
The enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting the K-State Student Union to the Business Building and parking garage.
The Octagon of Doom
The student nickname for Bramlage Coliseum, specifically during intense basketball games.
The Rec
The Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex, the main campus gym and fitness center.
The Stack
The multi-level book storage and study area within Hale Library.
The Union
The K-State Student Union, the central hub for student life, food, and the bookstore.
WID
Wildcat Identification Number, the unique 9-digit number used for all official university business.
Wildcat ID
The official university identification card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Summer 2026 runs May 18, 2026 – Aug 21, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
85 approved campus terms and 35 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · Kansas State University

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What we’ll email you about

  • Jun 20

    Finalize housing contract and room selection

    Required · source

  • Jul 1

    Submit final high school transcripts

    Required · source

  • Jul 1

    Upload immunization records to Lafene

    Required · source

  • Aug 24

    Tuition and fees payment deadline

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

DormWay is still mapping student communities at this campus.

We only show recommendations once we have enough public sources for Kansas State University.

These are things we discovered. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

Recommendations are based on public campus sources. We do not endorse student organizations.

Using DormWay at Kansas State University

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Life in Manhattan for Kansas State University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Manhattan.

Timezone

Central Time (CT)

Median Rent

$910

Cost of Living Index

88

Student Population

21,081

City Transportation

Walkability

45

Bikeability

52

Public Transit

ATA Bus

Nearest Airports

Manhattan Regional Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

54°F

Avg Snowfall

17 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

K-State Parking Garage

garage • 270 public timed stalls, 500 student preferred, 400 faculty/staff preferred, 130 reserved

Located near the K-State Student Union; enforced 7 a.m. to midnight M-F.

East Bramlage Lot (H2)

surface_lot • High (recommended for Park 'n' Ride)

Primary lot for Park 'n' Ride shuttle service.

Lot D1

surface_lot

Located west of the Student Union at Denison and Anderson Avenue.

Upcoming Events

What's happening at Kansas State University

Kansas Turf and Ornamentals Field Day

August 6, 2026

John C. Pair Horticultural Research Center, Haysville, KS

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at Kansas State University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

40 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

1930 College Heights (Honors House)

Capacity: 200

Room types: single, double, triple

4th Street Apartments

Room types: apartment

Boyd Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: double

Cram Hall

Room types: standard rooms

Derby Complex

Room types: double, suite

Derby Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, triple

Engineering Hall

Room types: not specified in search results

Ford Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: double

Goodnow Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: double

Haymaker Hall

Capacity: 540

Room types: double

Honors House

Room types: single, double

Jardine Apartment Complex

Room types: apartment

Jardine Apartments

Capacity: 1,500

Room types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom

Kramer Complex

Capacity: 200

Room types: single, double

Kramer Hall

Room types: not specified in search results

Leasure-Hall

Room types: single, double, triple

Marlatt Hall

Room types: double

Moore Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: double

Pat Crimmins Hall

Room types: suite

Patterson Hall

Capacity: 540

Room types: single, double

Pittman Hall

Room types: not specified in search results

Putnam Hall

Capacity: 550

Room types: single, double

Ramada Hall

Residence Halls (general K-State housing options page)

Room types: single, double, triple, quad

Show the remaining 16 housing options

Schlichting Hall

Room types: not specified in search results

Schlyer Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, triple

Schulze Hall

Schulz Hall

Room types: apartment

Smurthwaite Hall

Room types: standard rooms

Smurthwaite Scholarship and Leadership House

Capacity: 45

Room types: standard

Smurthwaite Scholarship House

Strong Complex

Capacity: 550

Room types: single, double

Strong Hall

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, triple

Towers Hall

Van Zile Hall

Capacity: 550

Room types: double

Wanamaker Hall

Room types: standard rooms

Waters Hall

Wefald Hall

Capacity: 540

Room types: double

West Hall

Capacity: 291

Room types: double

Wide Hall

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@kansasstateu.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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