Some parents may recoil in horror with these simple words: “Mom, Dad—I want to look at going to college in New Orleans.” Images of 24-hour drinking establishments and Hurricane Katrina flashbacks may haunt many parents’ dreams. But I’m here to let you know as a New Orleans alum: Everything’s going to be OK.
It’s been said that New Orleans is a drinking town with a college problem. With more than 10 higher-learning institutions within the city limits, it may surprise some to learn about the amount of educational opportunities in the Big Easy.
Students interested in business, culture, music and community service will find that New Orleans is a very fulfilling city. From a jazz concert at a local restaurant to artist lectures and more, there is something to do every day in the Crescent City. For students interested in giving back and making a difference, one of the silver linings of Hurricane Katrina is that the city’s non-profit and community service sectors had a huge boom. Grassroots organizations have set up shop in the area to help facilitate the hurricane healing process, and the organizations are often dependent on the help of local students.
Getting Around
Unless you plan to travel outside of the city of New Orleans, a rental car is unnecessary. NOLA can be a confusing place to navigate if you don’t know where you’re going; not to mention the streets are often pockmarked with potholes, making some streets a rental car death trap.
Fortunately, most places you’ll want to visit are located right on or close to the city’s emblematic streetcar lines. Despite a complete closure of the historic lines after Katrina, the city recently reopened the last of the damaged sections. A streetcar ticket costs $1.25/trip; or get a three- or five-day VisiTour Pass, available for $5 and $12, respectively.
If a streetcar can’t get you there, taxis in New Orleans are plentiful and affordable. Most can be hailed on the street, or call United Cab, the city’s largest taxi service, at 504-522-9771.
Calling Baton Rouge
Although New Orleans is home to more than its share of colleges and universities, a stroll through any part of the city will reveal the city’s most popular college: Louisiana State University (LSU). Which isn’t even in New Orleans—it’s in Baton Rouge, located 90 miles to the northwest. Purple and gold flags and banners adorn most homes and vehicles. New Orleanians are not shy of their Tiger Pride.
The school boasts nearly 30,000 undergraduates, mostly in-state students. However, if you’re drawn to the allure of a large school with big football games and an even bigger party scene, LSU may be the place for you.
If you’re serious about looking at LSU or just want to save money, consider flying into Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), which sometimes offers better deals than the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY). Use this tool to compare costs.
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage on places to stay while visiting the Big Easy. However, families coming strictly to inspect colleges may want to remove themselves from the French Quarter hullabaloo and become more focused on what a non-tourist life may be.
The Hampton Inn is always a popular choice for parents visiting their New Orleans college student, thanks to its prime location on the streetcar line right in between Uptown and Downtown. Also, the city’s hotel district is filled with family-friendly options, like the Avenue Plaza Resort and the Prytania Park Hotel if your family would like the option of being closer to the Crescent City action.
For prospective Tulane University students, the school has secured special rates for families planning on checking out the Green Wave campus. A list of participating hotels can be found here. Read more in our New Orleans Hotels and B&Bs article.
What to See and Do
Sites on or near each of the campuses covered here are highlighted on the following pages. For more suggestions, read our New Orleans: City of Dreams overview article.
Next: Day One—Uptown Schools
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