Student Life in Eau Claire
Home to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire is one of Wisconsin's most vibrant college towns. Nearly 18,000 students call the city home each year, helping shape a community filled with local coffee shops, outdoor recreation, live music, arts and culture, and year-round events. Whether you're a student, parent, alum, or visitor, this guide brings together the resources, local favorites, and things to do that make college life in Eau Claire unique.
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire)
Located along the banks of the Chippewa River just a short walk from downtown, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire is home to approximately 10,000 students. UW-Eau Claire is recognized for its strong undergraduate education, nationally respected nursing and business programs, and a thriving arts and music scene. Its walkable campus and close connection to downtown make it easy to explore local restaurants, coffee shops, events, and outdoor recreation between classes.
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC)
Just minutes away, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) serves more than 8,000 students through over 100 career-focused programs in healthcare, manufacturing, business, information technology, public safety, and the skilled trades. With hands-on learning and strong connections to local employers, CVTC plays an important role in Eau Claire's workforce and community.
Find Restaurants Near Campus
Coffee shops for studying, local spots for lunch breaks, or places to bring visiting family and friends—browse restaurants within walking distance of UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Homecoming in Eau Claire
UW-Eau Claire Homecoming returns October 2–3, 2026, bringing generations of Blugolds together for one of the city’s favorite fall weekends. There’s the Water Street parade, pregame festivities, Blugold football at Carson Park, reunions, campus events, and a city full of familiar faces. Come back, find your people, and see what’s changed and what still feels exactly the same. If you’re staying for the weekend, plan ahead and book your hotel early—rooms around Eau Claire tend to fill up quickly for Homecoming.
Eau Claire Student Calendar
| August 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Aug. 24 | CVTC Fall classes begin |
| September 2026 | |
| Sept. 2 | UWEC Fall classes begin |
| October 2026 | |
| Oct. 2–3 | UWEC Homecoming |
| Oct. 16–18 | UWEC Family Weekend |
| December 2026 | |
| Dec. 10 | CVTC Fall classes end |
| Dec. 11 | CVTC Graduation |
| Dec. 14 | UWEC Fall classes end |
| Dec. 19 | UWEC Commencement |
| January 2027 | |
| Jan. 25 | UWEC & CVTC Spring classes begin |
| March 2027 | |
| Mar. 15–19 | UWEC Spring break |
| Mar. 19–25 | CVTC Spring break |
| May 2027 | |
| May 15 | UWEC Commencement |
| May 20 | CVTC Graduation |
Visiting a College Student in Eau Claire?
Browse hotels near campus in Eau Claire below.
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Student Life FAQs
What universities are in Eau Claire, Wisconsin?
Eau Claire is home to two schools: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), a four-year public university with about 10,000 students, and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), a two-year technical college with more than 8,000 students.
What hotels are closest to UW-Eau Claire?
The Lismore Hotel and The Oxbow Hotel are the closest options, about a mile from campus in downtown Eau Claire. The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express West, Quality Inn & Suites, and Super 8 are all within a five-minute drive.
When is UW-Eau Claire homecoming?
UW-Eau Claire's Homecoming weekend is typically the first weekend of October. It includes a parade and football game at Carson Park. Visit the UWEC site for full details.
When is move-in weekend at UW-Eau Claire?
UWEC move-in for new and returning students is typically scheduled for late August, with fall classes beginning early September. Visit the UWEC site for exact dates.
What is there to do in Eau Claire as a college student?
Popular student spots include SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar, The Nucleus for breakfast, Water Street restaurants like Dooley's and Mogie's, the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market, and floating or kayaking the Chippewa River.
How far is Eau Claire from the Twin Cities?
Eau Claire is about 90 minutes east of Minneapolis-St. Paul via I-94, making it an easy day trip or weekend drive for the many UWEC and CVTC students who come from Minnesota.
What is UW-Eau Claire's mascot?
UW-Eau Claire's students and athletic teams are the Blugolds. Chippewa Valley Technical College's teams are the River Otters.
Is Eau Claire a good college town?
Eau Claire is a small city with a big-city amount going on — live music, a walkable downtown, two rivers running through the middle of it, and a genuine independent, arts-driven culture that's earned comparisons to cities like Austin and Portland. With roughly 18,000 students between UWEC and CVTC, student life shapes a real share of the city's day-to-day energy.
Is downtown Eau Claire walkable from UW-Eau Claire?
Yes. UWEC's campus sits along the Chippewa River about a mile from downtown, connected by a riverside walking trail, so most students and visitors get downtown on foot or by bike without needing a car.