1. Another Degree of Success
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  3. Campus & Community

Campus & Community

As part of a vibrant city with a culture as unique as the food on your plate, Â鶹AV works hard to welcome its student body into the community and culture of one of the Happiest Cities in America. 

Lafayette, located in Southwest Louisiana, is a buzzing, vibrant city that offers graduate students plenty of research and networking opportunities. It is also, simply put, just a fun place to live. Our diverse cultural history has helped this area become a community that prides itself on music, dancing, food, and celebrating life. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch has named Lafayette the “Happiest City in America.†

With numerous festivals, great food, museums and art galleries, live music, and a variety of outdoor activities, Lafayette has something for everyone. 

Read our blogs on Lafayette culture on and off campus 

Graduate News

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Fun in Lafayette

Three students wearing Laginiappe Day 50th anniversary shirts

Lagniappe Day

Lagniappe Day is one of our most enduring traditions. Every April, we have canoe races in Cypress Lake, a 20,000-pound crawfish boil, and great music just for students.

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Main Stage at Festival International

Festival International de Louisiane

is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. The annual five-day festival transforms downtown Lafayette with seven stages of music, endless food options, and art from around the world. And best of all, it's free!

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Chubby Carrier playing his accordion at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

Lafayette's biggest display of Louisiana French music and culture happens next to campus every fall in Girard Park. Â鶹AV's , , and the all help put on this four-day, five-stage festival.

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Downtown Lafayette neon sign lit up at night

Downtown Alive!

Downtown Lafayette's free concert series features bands from every genre: Cajun and Creole, zydeco, rock, covers, blues, and more. Every Friday night, you'll find some of Lafayette's best musicians performing in our downtown parks at Downtown Alive!.

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Campus Safety and Security__

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We strive to keep our community safe for our students. The Â鶹AV Police Department provides an Annual Security Report including statistics concerning crime that occurred on-campus and off-campus University property.__

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Grad Student Resources

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_ Recreational Sports__

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What We Do

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Rec Sports empowers students to be active. We oversee the campus gym and fitness center, pool, club and intramural sports, fitness classes, and personal training.

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Grad School Events

We offer opportunities year-round to meet other grad students, engage in professional development opportunities, and be recognized. 

 

Explore Lafayette

Grad school is much more than just going to class, writing papers, and doing research. Having a community of support and being a part of the community is essential. It’s important to step back every now and then and participate in campus events, meet new people, embrace the local culture, and explore your surroundings.  

Explore the Lafayette area that you'll soon call home!

Visit the largest international music festival in the U.S.