No Wheels Needed: KWU Coyotes Thrive on Foot

Walkable activities for Coyotes near campus 

Students at Kansas Wesleyan University have embraced the college lifestyle and adapted to life in Salina. The city offers many establishments and activities within distance of campus – convenience stores, restaurants, parks, and bars – making it easy for students to enjoy their time in town without needing a car. 

This setup is ideal not just for students without a vehicle on campus, but also for those who have one and would rather not risk losing their parking spot, given the limited space available. 

According to the article “Five ways colleges are coaxing students out of their cars”  by the Community Environmental Council (CEC)  it states “American colleges and universities are leaders in reducing driving and promoting sustainable transportation”. KWU is part of the ongoing national push to get students out of their cars and onto their feet. Here is a look at some of the spots students say make that possible. 

Kwik Shop: The Staple 

Talking to students around campus, one spot came up

 again and again as the most popular walk within reach: the Kwik Shop gas station just west of campus, at the intersection of Ninth Street and Claflin Avenue.

Diego Davis, a 21-year-old football player from Houston, TX, said he loves the spot because he can always count on it for a late-night snack to help him reach his calorie goals for the day. Other students echoed that sentiment, pointing to the convenience – easy access to snacks, energy drinks and nicotine products, all a short walk from the dorms. 

Even students who have a car on campus said they appreciate having Kwik Shop nearby, whether they are running low on gas or need some quick air in their tires.

 The Library: More than just drinks

North of campus on Santa Fe Street sits The Library, a local sports bar that came up often in conversations with students. It’s a favorite not just for the drinks and food, but for the chance to hang out with teammates and classmates. 

C.J. Buckhalter, a 23-year-old former football player & current student from Hattiesburg, Miss., said, “I like going there because I get to hang out with all my friends and former teammates, and no one is left out just because they don’t have a car.” 

The Library also welcomes students under 21, offering food and entertainment for anyone looking to spend time off campus. Its short distance from the dorms means students without a vehicle still have an easy way to unwind outside of class and athletics.

Bogey’s: Good food, good job opportunities

Bogey’s, a local fast-food restaurant just off campus, has become a favorite for a couple of reasons. Students go there for burgers and fries without spending money on gas to get there – and for some, it’s more just a place to eat. 

Bogey’s has hired a number of KWU Coyotes over the years and currently has just a few on staff. For students without a car who still want to earn spending money, it’s a rare opportunity to work close to home without needing transportation to get to a job. 

Why it matters

Unlike a bus pass or bike rental, walking to these spots costs nothing and requires no waiting, just a few steps. For many students, that convenience shapes how they spend their weekends and the time between classes. Elise Alva has more on the bike rentals close to campus. 

As KWU continues to grow, future Coyotes should not have to worry about finding things to do off-campus, car or no car. Salina’s walkability is part of a broader shift happening at colleges nationwide, and KWU is proof that a great college experience does not have to start with a set of car keys.