University of South Dakota - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Vermillion has never been considered a large community, which is what makes it so unique. The University is larger than the town and makes up almost half the Vermillion population. Many students would agree that USD’s population tends to control the city, especially on the weekends, which typically start on Thursday nights. Residents and business owners have learned to adapt to the students’ and faculty’s lifestyle, offering late-night movies, restaurants that deliver, and a number of volunteer opportunities. However, some areas of town, like the golf course and bluffs areas, prefer no students. Living in these vicinities can become complicated when it comes to noise complaints and parties. But, for the most part, you’ll find friendly neighbors on every block. In recent years, many of the graduates have found jobs in nearby towns and have decided to keep living in Vermillion and commuting to work, resulting in a rising population of young people compared to the state average.

Because it is a small town, Vermillion doesn’t offer much for shopping, but it does have unique downtown shops where you’ll find cute Christmas presents and tasty restaurants. In walking distance from campus, downtown Vermillion hosts normal Midwest hours, places are open till 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon on Saturdays. Some stores are open longer, however, and one downtown restaurant, R-Pizza, stays open past 2 a.m. on the weekends to provide the social scene with late-night food.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Good atmosphere and comfortable... Good atmosphere and comfortable area—boring town, though. There is not much to do or see, or maybe I haven’t attempted to find anything great, but almost all the students living on campus go home on the weekends, creating the ‘suitcase campus’ sort of atmosphere. Since no one’s here, no one in the area offers anything. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Vermillion is a town of college... Vermillion is a town of college students. It’s nice because most businesses and services cater to us. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Museums may not be the most fun,... Museums may not be the most fun, but Vermillion has some good ones. The National Music Museum has some of the oldest and most interesting instruments in the United States, and they host music education luncheons each month. I also enjoy all the areas in town that offer arts, like Tiger Art Gallery, the Coffee Shop Gallery, and the hallways in the fine arts building. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

When it is nice, the river is a... When it is nice, the river is a great place to be. A lot of the students spend afternoons and weekends along the river playing football, swimming, or grilling out. Of course, many of us drink along the banks, too, but you don’t need to drink there to have a blast. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I love being downtown window... I love being downtown window shopping on a Saturday morning. The shops in Vermillion offer a great arrangement. Don’t forget to stop at the Coffee Shop Gallery for coffee. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Vermillion:
• Vermillion has great coffeeshops with lots of entertainment, student deals, and much more. Plus, they are great places to study or take breaks.
• Vermillion is just the right size; you can walk anywhere.

Local businesses love USD students. Pick up a Student Discount Card from the Student Association and receive a discount for everything from pizza to movies.
• With the tennis courts, mini-golf course, disc golf course, and nearby Missouri River, Vermillion has some great outdoor activities and date possibilities.
• Not only can you have pizza delivered, you can also have every other restaurant imaginable deliver right to your door—subs, Italian, Mexican and Chinese.

Famous People from Vermillion:
U.S. Senator Tim Johnson
Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin

Local Slang:
Townies – Locals who have lived in Vermillion their entire life
Crazies – People who are dedicated to being the best Coyote Fans
Thong Thursday – Ladies night downtown

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