Transylvania University
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Transylvania University

4.2
·125 reviews·Lexington, United States

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is Kentucky's first university, boasting historic architecture and a serene, intimate campus.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

July 4th evenings

Enjoy patriotic concerts

CrowdMedium
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Transylvania University

Transylvania University

Best Time

July 4th evenings

Enjoy patriotic concerts

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is Kentucky's first university, boasting historic architecture and a serene, intimate campus.

4.2
(125 reviews)

"The architecture is sublime, with so many very lovely old trees and staggering history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Safe Walking Routes

The area between Rupp Arena and W Second St is generally safe, but avoid wandering too far past Transy at night.

🌳 Campus Ambiance

Enjoy the serene atmosphere with beautiful old trees and stately homes surrounding the historic campus.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Admire sublime architecture and stately homes surrounding the campus, showcasing a rich historical ambiance.

Beautiful Old Trees

Beautiful Old Trees

Stroll beneath the shade of numerous lovely old trees that enhance the picturesque and serene campus setting.

Patriotic Concerts

Patriotic Concerts

Experience the Lexington Philharmonic's patriotic music concert on campus, a beloved July 4th tradition.

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Campus Charm & History

Explore a historic campus founded in 1780, the first university in Kentucky. Admire sublime architecture and lovely old trees, set within a neighborhood of stately homes. It's a small, intimate university with a rich history.

Lexington Location Perks

Located in Lexington, KY, Transylvania University is conveniently situated near attractions like Rupp Arena. The surrounding neighborhood is generally safe, but it's advised not to wander too far past campus boundaries at night.

Best Times

When
July 4th evenings
Why
Enjoy patriotic concerts
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Campus tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Henryetta #opossum #campus #transylvania #lexington #lexingtonky #opossumsoftiktok #possum #possums #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
@emstudioarts
258K likes • 1.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Safe Walking Routes

The area between Rupp Arena and W Second St is generally safe, but avoid wandering too far past Transy at night. Reddit

🌳 Campus Ambiance

Enjoy the serene atmosphere with beautiful old trees and stately homes surrounding the historic campus. TikTok

Catching up from the weekend! #patrioticconcert #lexington #july #kentucky #transylvania #4thofjuly
@jeterky
4.6K likes • 40K views
My newest reel for the Transylvania University in Romania. 🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴
richard.brissette.70gmail.com0
232 likes • 9.1K views

🍽️ Vegetarian-Friendly Dining

The new dining hall offers great options for vegetarians and vegans, welcoming the public for meals. Instagram

🏛️ College Tour Experience

Tours are informative and friendly, ideal for prospective students looking for a small, intimate university feel. Instagram

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence! For five decades, @ussportscamps has been shaping athletes, building champions, and creating unforgettable memories across the country — and there’s no better place to experience it than Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. With top-notch dorms, great food, incredible basketball facilities, easy walks on campus, and of course… the world-famous soft serve...
coachlanerealtor
644 likes • 19.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Safe Walking Routes

The area between Rupp Arena and W Second St is generally safe, but avoid wandering too far past Transy at night. Reddit

🌳 Campus Ambiance

Enjoy the serene atmosphere with beautiful old trees and stately homes surrounding the historic campus. TikTok

🍽️ Vegetarian-Friendly Dining

The new dining hall offers great options for vegetarians and vegans, welcoming the public for meals. Instagram

🏛️ College Tour Experience

Tours are informative and friendly, ideal for prospective students looking for a small, intimate university feel. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(125 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Transylvania University for its stunning historic architecture, beautiful old trees, and serene campus ambiance. The welcoming dining hall and informative tours are also frequently highlighted. Some caution is advised regarding wandering too far from campus at night.

"Founded in 1780 and was the first University in Kentucky. It offers 36 major programs, as well as dual-degree engineering programs, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools"

Shawn Gannon

"Amazing campus. A lot of history here. The architecture is sublime. So many very lovely old trees. The history involved with this institution is staggering. Love the ambiance & setting of the campus. Surrounded by a neighborhood of old old stately homes."

WV Almost Heaven (Montani Semper Liberi)

"I took my daughter and her friend there for a college tour (we're from Dayton). To try to keep it brief...... The campus was VERY CLEAN, The tour guide and The Campus Visitor Coordinator was very informative and friendly. It's a small & intimate University. My daughter and my friend were both impressed, and my daughter said she can see Transy as an option! Thanks again for your time."

Preshia Griffin

What People Like

Historic architecture
Beautiful campus
Rich history

What People Dislike

Nighttime safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Transylvania University is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Visitors can typically reach the campus by car, with GPS navigation recommended. Public transportation options may also be available within Lexington. TikTok

Information regarding visitor parking at Transylvania University can usually be found on the university's official website or by contacting the campus security office. It's advisable to check in advance. Instagram

Lexington offers various transportation methods, including ride-sharing services, taxis, and potentially local bus routes. The campus is also walkable to nearby areas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Campus grounds are generally open for exploration. However, for specific events like concerts or tours, tickets or reservations may be required. Check the university's events calendar. TikTok

While the campus itself is accessible, official visiting hours for administrative offices or specific facilities may vary. It's best to check the university's website for details on tours or events. Instagram

Yes, the public is welcomed to dine at the new dining hall, which offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options for a modest price. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are available and are often highlighted as informative and friendly experiences for prospective students and visitors. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the historic architecture, enjoy the beautiful old trees, and experience the serene campus ambiance. Special events like patriotic concerts are also highlights. TikTok+1

The campus itself is generally considered safe. However, when venturing into the surrounding neighborhood at night, it's advised to stick to well-lit areas and avoid wandering too far past campus boundaries. Reddit

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is the first university in Kentucky and boasts a rich history, evident in its architecture and campus setting. Reddit

The annual July 4th Patriotic Music Concert featuring the Lexington Philharmonic is a notable tradition that draws attendees to the beautiful outdoor landscaping. TikTok

The university is described as small and intimate, with a serene ambiance enhanced by historic architecture and mature trees. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The university's new dining hall is a great option, offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals at a modest price, and is open to the public. Instagram

Yes, the new dining hall is noted for being friendly to vegetarians and vegans, providing good meal choices. Instagram

Absolutely! The dining hall welcomes the public to enjoy their meals, making it a convenient spot for visitors. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the sublime architecture, the mature trees, and the stately homes surrounding the campus for beautiful photography. The historic ambiance offers many picturesque scenes. TikTok

Yes, with its historic architecture, lovely old trees, and the surrounding neighborhood of stately homes, the campus offers a very photogenic setting. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Transylvania University can enjoy a pleasant outing exploring the historic campus grounds. The presence of lovely old trees provides shade and a natural playground for younger children. While the university is primarily an academic institution, the serene ambiance and beautiful architecture offer a calm environment for a family stroll. Consider timing your visit around public events like the July 4th concert for a more engaging experience. TikTok+1

For a bite to eat, the public-welcoming dining hall offers vegetarian and vegan options, which can be convenient for families with diverse dietary needs. The overall atmosphere is safe and welcoming, making it a good destination for a relaxed day of exploration in Lexington.

🎓 Prospective Students

Transylvania University offers a small and intimate learning environment, which is a significant draw for many students. The campus tours are highly recommended, described as informative and friendly, providing a great insight into academic programs and campus life. Prospective students often feel impressed by the university's blend of history and modern facilities, like the new dining hall. Instagram

The university's location in Lexington also provides access to city amenities while maintaining a distinct campus feel. The historic architecture and beautiful grounds contribute to a unique college experience. It's a place where students can feel connected to both the past and the present.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University holds the distinction of being the first institution of higher learning in Kentucky. Its long history is palpable as you walk through the campus, surrounded by sublime architecture and mature trees. The university is nestled within a neighborhood characterized by old, stately homes, contributing to a unique and historic ambiance that many visitors find captivating. This rich heritage makes it more than just a university; it's a living piece of Kentucky's past.

The campus itself is described as small and intimate, fostering a sense of community and making it easy to explore. The architecture is a significant draw, with many buildings reflecting historical styles that add to the overall charm. It's a place where history is not just studied but is visibly present in the environment, offering a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing experience for all who visit. Reddit

Campus Life & Events

While primarily an academic institution, Transylvania University also hosts events that are open to the public and celebrated by the local community. A standout event is the annual July 4th Patriotic Music Concert, where the Lexington Philharmonic performs amidst the university's beautiful outdoor landscaping. This tradition is a popular way to celebrate the holiday, offering a delightful evening of music and community spirit, even on hot summer nights. TikTok

Beyond seasonal events, the university's facilities, such as the new dining hall, are also accessible to the public. This dining hall is praised for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly options and modest pricing, making it a convenient and welcoming spot for visitors to grab a meal. The campus also serves as a venue for programs like US Sports Camps, highlighting its role in fostering athletic development and creating memorable experiences for young athletes. Instagram

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