The Ultimate Guide to KU Graduation 2027

The Neighborhood Breakdown: Where to Actually Stay

If you're from out of state, looking at a map of Lawrence can be deceiving. Here is the honest truth about where to book:

• The Oread Neighborhood (Tennessee St & Kentucky St): The absolute gold standard for graduation. You are sandwiched right between the stadium and Downtown Mass St. You can walk to commencement and walk to dinner. Most of StayAwhile's premium retreats are located exactly here.
• Downtown / Mass Street: Fantastic for dining, shopping, and nightlife. It's vibrant and fun, but be prepared for a steep, uphill walk to the stadium on graduation morning.
• West Lawrence: You'll find newer, larger homes here, which is great for massive family gatherings. However, you must drive to campus. Be prepared to leave hours early to fight traffic and hunt for parking.

The "Getting Ready" Factor

This is the #1 thing families forget. You will have 4 to 8 people trying to shower, do hair, and iron clothes at the exact same time on graduation morning. A standard hotel room with one bathroom will cause massive stress. When booking a short-term rental, prioritize the number of bathrooms, large mirrors, and spacious living areas where the family can comfortably gather before heading to the stadium.

The Timeline: Don't Wait Until Spring

Lawrence is a small town that temporarily explodes in population during graduation weekend. Here is your booking timeline:

• Accommodations: The best properties (walking distance) are booked 9 to 12 months in advance. If you wait until January, you will be staying in Topeka or Kansas City and driving 45+ minutes.
• Restaurant Reservations: Do not expect to walk into Merchants or 715 on graduation weekend. Book your celebration dinners 6 months in advance.