Top 10 College Towns for Night Owls

College is about academic achievement, finding your intellectual passion, and making lifelong business connections–and after all that, you'll definitely need to unwind.

Hit the Books and the Scene

Whether it's a small town with a big college presence, or an urban metropolis with a handful of schools, these college towns are bursting with activity.
  1. Columbus, OH. This unassuming college town is home to the revelers of The Ohio State University, which enjoys its ranking among the nation's top schools. The university's football stadium holds over 100,000, making game time a true event.
  2. Tempe, AZ. When the average February temperature is 72 degrees, why not celebrate? Arizona State students can be found partying on Mill Street while other college towns are suffering during those lean winter months.
  3. Norman, OK. A thriving Greek population is a feature of The University of Oklahoma. Athletics are important in this college town, and the OU Sooners cheer on their football team at the Big Red Rally.
  4. New York, NY. It seems like a no-brainer to include this metropolis on the list. Nightlife in New York powers through until the bars close at 4 a.m. Students attending one of the city's many colleges and universities can spend their entire academic careers exploring new hotspots.
  5. State College, PA. In a city named after the college, you know student life is going to be a top priority. State College is no exception, as the students of Penn State University dominate the nightlife. Students can even unwind on weeknights at Otto's Pub & Brewery.
  6. Austin, TX. This live music capital draws students and non-students alike, though the centrally located University of Texas campus is a hub of nighttime activity. On nights when the Longhorns win, Sixth Street is a popular destination.
  7. Gainesville, FL. Students looking to take a break from their studies can enjoy day trips to Daytona Beach or stick around town, where the 2 a.m. bar closing time and warm average temperatures keep the party going all night.
  8. Los Angeles, CA. Another big city with lots to offer, students at USC, UCLA, CSULA, and other acronym-boasting local schools are always ready for a night on the town in this entertainment capital.
  9. Tuscaloosa, AL. Fraternities and sororities have a strong presence at the University of Alabama: nearly a fifth of the campus has pledged. Alabama students cheer on their Crimson Tide football team at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
  10. Honolulu, HI. Where do you go for spring break when you already live in paradise? Students of Honolulu's public and private schools ask themselves this difficult question every year.

The Whole College Experience

Should you base your entire college decision on the school with the biggest keg parties? Probably not, but a well-rounded college town offers students an experience that balances out those long nights cramming in the library.

Sources
College Humor
USNews: America's Best Colleges 2008