Become a Downtown Lafayette Local: College Student Edition

Connecting college students to the downtown community plays an important role in building vibrant energy throughout the district. Downtown Lafayette welcomes students and encourages everyone to embrace downtown as their own. Whether you’re new to Lafayette or have been here your entire life, chances are you haven’t experienced everything our downtown has to offer. There’s no shortage of tasty eateries, cozy cafes and study spots, live music, events, art, and many small businesses to fall in love with. Regardless of what day of the week you choose to make your way downtown, we’re here to highlight the must-stops and some of the coolest affordable options for college students to enjoy and take advantage of while they are spending time here.

For starters, did you know that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s campus is less than a mile away from downtown? That’s right! With places to eat, shop, study, volunteer or catch live music, Downtown Lafayette is only a walk or bike ride away for students. So, if you’re a Ragin’ Cajun or a higher-ed student attending a different school in the Acadiana area, this blog post is crafted just for you!

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Best Places to Kick Off the Morning

If you need to start your day with a cup of caffeine or want to wrap up some homework you forgot to finish the night before, you’re in luck. Downtown has incredible coffee shops and cafés. Besides, breakfast is the most important meal of the day so don’t skip it!

• Rêve Coffee Roasters
• Carpe Diem Café & Wine Bar
• AcA Café
• Black Café
• Dwyer’s Café
• Sunday’s Soda Fountain
• Ton’s Downtown

For all the weekend brunch enthusiasts out there, here are the must-stops you need to add to your list.

• The French Press
• Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
• Hideaway on Lee
• Johnson’s Boucanière

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Looking for a Quiet Place to Study?

These downtown study spots are the perfect hideout from outside distractions where you can get homework done, cram for finals, or collaborate on team projects.

• Beausoleil Books
• Lafayette Public Library
• Acadiana Center for the Arts (Lobby)

Where to Find “Everyday” Items

From local goods, fresh produce, snacks, energy drinks, medication, or even laundry detergent, make sure to swing by downtown’s corner stores and pharmacy before making a trip to Walmart…odds are, they have what you’re looking for!

• Teche Drug Store
• Pippi’s Purpose
• Amis Grocery