Student Life

Humanities
Twice each year, student, faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky Medical Center showcase their talents in the performing arts at festivals comprised of music, dance and poetry. These programs provide medical students with a continued way to express their creativity.

For more information, please visit our Humanities Web page.

Student Organizations
There are hundreds of student organizations on the University of Kentucky campus that medical students are welcome to join. In addition, the College of Medicine sponsors organizations that are of special interest to medical students. Students who are interested in forming new medical student organizations should contact Shirley Tipton, director of student services.

For more information and a listing of current organizations, please visit our Student Organizations Web page.

Experience the Blugrass
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, a city established in 1782, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is in the heart of the Bluegrass. Surrounded by scenic farmland and historic small towns, the bustling city of Lexington has small-town charm. The city hosts a wealth of opportunity to explore entertainment venues or just enjoy the southern hospitality of genuinely nice people.

Horse Capital of the World
Known for its horse farms and famous for equine sports, Central Kentucky is proudly recognized as the horse capital of the world. Home of the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile and, of course, Keeneland, it is a tradition in Lexington to enjoy the beauty, elegance and sheer physical endurance of horses. Perhaps the most anticipated time for many Lexington residents, UK students and even out-of-town graduates is to return to Keeneland each fall and spring to experience the excitement of thoroughbred racing and the amazing Kentucky weather. Here, it is quite simply a custom.

Sports
As part of the Southeastern Conference, the University of Kentucky is a competitive force in collegiate sports, especially women’s basketball, baseball, soccer, football, and, most notably, men’s basketball – the all-time winningest program in the nation, including seven National Championship titles. Beyond the Kentucky Wildcats, Lexington also welcomes spectators to professional sporting events such as the Lexington Horsemen, 2004 National Indoor Arena Football Champions, and the Lexington Legends, Lexington’s minor league baseball team.

Arts and Outdoor Activities
Lexington has abundant outlets to explore the arts. The Lexington Opera House and smaller companies, such as the Lexington Actors Guild, present plays and musicals throughout the year. Gallery hops are also held in downtown Lexington throughout the year with several art galleries featuring various forms and genres of art. Central Kentucky is also home to many local vineyards and bourbon distilleries, many of which offer educational tours of the facilities, lunches and tasting sessions. During the summer, dinner and concerts are often held in the midst of the impressive settings provided by vineyards and distilleries. Although the UK College of Medicine is in the center of the second largest city in Kentucky, worlds of outdoor activities are just a short drive away. On Elkhorn Creek or Lake Cumberland students often enjoy canoeing, kayaking or boating trips in the spring through fall months. Camp sites and rock climbing locations are also in close proximity to campus at the Kentucky Horse Park, Big South Fork National Recreation Area and Red River Gorge.

Lexington Facts

• Population: 260,512 (2000 U.S. Census)
• Median Family Income: $53,264
• Median Daytime temperature in January: 39.9F
• Median Daytime Temperature in July: 85.9F
• Average Annual Precipitation: 45.9 inches
• Ninth nationally with the highest percent of population with a college degree or higher according to the latest U.S. Census
• The Greater Lexington area is within an overnight range of 66 percent of the U.S. population

If you would like more information on a listing of annual events that is hosted by the College of Medicine, please visit our Annual Events Web page.

If you would like more information of recreational activitied available to University of Kentucky students and Lexington residents, please visit our Recreation Web page.