When I decided to attend Eastern Kentucky University, I had no idea how great the city of Richmond, KY was as well. Going away to a college can be scary for some individuals, and for others, it's the most exciting time of their lives! Everyone will always consider their original hometown their "home," but Richmond, KY really is my "home away from home," and I'm sure many of you would have to agree. So what makes Richmond, KY so special to us college students? Read below to find out!

1. There is an endless amount of restaurants we can eat at, both fast food and sit-down.

2. Rent is affordable when we move off-campus.

3. There are plenty of outside activities in the area, like Jigg, Lake Reba, and the Pinnacles nearby.

4. And for those who prefer the indoors, we have Galaxy bowling, movies, and shopping.

5. You can drive to pretty much anything in Richmond within 10-15 minutes. (Unless you get stuck in EKU/Model traffic...bummer.)

6. Discounts! Happy hour at Casa, All you can eat wings at Hooters, Tacos at Nuevo, the list goes on and on.

7. Plus there are always bar specials for those who are 21+.

8. Local restaurant favorites that are affordable and delicious! If you don't know where to go, Jackson's and Apollos never disappoint.

9. Besides the big name department stores, we also have amazing local boutiques in Richmond, KY! Adorabelles, Pink Elephant, and Olive You just to name a few!

10. We also have access to three major grocery stores. (And when you're on the hunt for microwaveable potatoes and ramen, you need those extra stores!)

11. When it's 2:00 a.m. and you need to fill up on food, Taco Bell and Cookout are always on point!

12. When Richmond businesses provide us with so much free stuff we don't know what to do with it all.

13. When the main roads get busy, there are plenty of alternate routes you can take.

14. There are a lot of opportunities for part-time jobs while we are in school.

15. You pretty much have access to everything you need by living in Richmond, KY as a college student!