When the leaves turn gold and the air starts to crisp, there’s no better place to be than Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Students spill out of residence halls onto Back Circle, coffee in hand, laughing between classes. The glow of Old Morrison and the buzz of a new semester make campus feel alive with possibility.
This is fall at Transy — where campus life feels close-knit, creative and full of tradition.
Living on campus — more than just a room
At Transy, your dorm isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s where friendships start, study sessions stretch late into the night and community comes to life.
First-year students often live in Dalton-Voigt, Poole or Kincaid halls. These suite-style residence halls offer two-person rooms with shared or private bathrooms and bright lounges ideal for group hangouts or quiet study time.
Upperclass students enjoy more independence in the Rosenthal Apartments, which feature private living spaces — perfect for balancing campus life and adulting.
Every residence hall is within walking distance of classrooms, dining venues and the William T. Young Campus Center, the heart of student life. Each hall includes Wi-Fi, laundry access and shared spaces designed to help students feel at home.
“My favorite thing about dorm life at Transy is how connected it feels,” said one student. “I can walk down the hall and always find someone to grab coffee with or study with.”
Dining at Transy — fresh and delicious
At Transylvania University, food is more than fuel — it’s a way to connect.
Dining is managed by Bon Appétit Management Company, which emphasizes fresh and made-from-scratch meals that cater to all tastes and dietary needs. The Great Hall, located in the Campus Center, serves a rotating menu of hot entrées, salad and soup bars, vegetarian options and desserts.
For quick bites, Gratz Perk Café is a student favorite, serving locally roasted coffee, pastries and grab-and-go options in a relaxed setting.
Students choose from several meal plans plus flexible dining dollars loaded onto their Crimson Card, which can also be used for laundry, vending and the campus bookstore.
“The Great Hall feels like home base,” said a senior. “It’s where we hang out, eat and unwind after long days.”
Fall at Transy — a season of traditions
Autumn at Transylvania is filled with community events and time-honored traditions that make the campus feel alive.
PumpkinMania
Each October, hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins light up the steps of Old Morrison during PumpkinMania, one of Lexington’s favorite fall festivals. The event features food trucks, music and family-friendly fun as the campus glows with Pioneer pride.
Family Weekend
Parents, siblings and friends join students for Family Weekend, a celebration that includes concerts, tours and pumpkin carving leading up to PumpkinMania. It’s a reminder of the strong sense of community that defines Transy.
Greet line and class photo
The fall semester begins with a warm Transy welcome. New students join faculty and staff in the greet line, a symbolic handshake that ends with the official class photo on the steps of Old Morrison — a rite of passage for every new Pioneer.
Raf Week and spooky stories
In October, Transy honors the legacy of eccentric 19th-century professor Constantine Rafinesque with themed events and lighthearted Halloween traditions. Between costume contests and campus legends, fall at Transy is full of energy and creativity.
The Kissing Tree
One of Transy’s most iconic landmarks is the Kissing Tree, a centuries-old ash tree where, according to campus lore, couples who kiss beneath it are destined for a lifelong connection. It’s a small piece of history that still brings people together.
Why students love fall at Transy
Transylvania University offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern campus life. The community is small enough to feel personal and supportive, yet lively with opportunities to connect, explore and grow.
“There’s something about fall here,” said one student. “You walk across Back Circle, the leaves crunch under your feet, and you realize — this is home.”
Ready to experience Transy for yourself?
Come see campus in its best season. Schedule a visit, join us for an open house or explore our housing and dining options online. You’ll see why fall is when Transy truly shines.