12+ St Paul Campus Tips For Easy Navigation

The University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus is a vibrant and diverse community, offering a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and student activities. With its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and state-of-the-art facilities, navigating the campus can be a daunting task, especially for new students. In this article, we will provide 12+ tips for easy navigation of the St. Paul campus, helping you to make the most of your time at the University of Minnesota.
Getting Familiar with the Campus Layout

Before you start exploring the campus, it’s essential to get familiar with the layout. The St. Paul campus is divided into several areas, including the main campus, St. Paul campus farm, and Les Bolstad Golf Course. You can find a detailed map of the campus on the University of Minnesota’s website or by downloading the U of M Navigate app. Take some time to study the map, and you’ll be able to navigate the campus like a pro in no time.
Understanding the Building Codes
Each building on the St. Paul campus has a unique code, which can be confusing for new students. The building codes are usually a combination of letters and numbers, with the first letter indicating the building’s location. For example, AF stands for Agriculture and Food Sciences, while BS stands for Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Familiarize yourself with the building codes, and you’ll be able to find your way to classes, meetings, and events with ease.
Building Code | Building Name |
---|---|
AF | Agriculture and Food Sciences |
BS | Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering |
CL | Coffey Hall |
FO | Foods Science |

Navigating the Campus on Foot

Walking is a great way to get around the St. Paul campus, and with its beautiful gardens and historic buildings, you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the scenery. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the Minnesota climate can be unpredictable. You can also use the U of M Navigate app to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
Using Public Transportation
If you don’t feel like walking or prefer to use public transportation, the St. Paul campus is well-connected to the rest of the Twin Cities. You can use the Metropolitan Council’s Transit App to plan your route and track your bus in real-time. The campus is also served by several bike-share stations, making it easy to get around without a car.
- Metropolitan Council's Transit App
- Bike-share stations
- University of Minnesota's campus shuttle
Additional Tips for Easy Navigation
In addition to getting familiar with the campus layout and using public transportation, here are some extra tips to help you navigate the St. Paul campus with ease:
- Download the U of M Navigate app to get access to campus maps, building codes, and turn-by-turn directions.
- Take advantage of the University of Minnesota's campus tours to get a personalized introduction to the St. Paul campus.
- Use the Metropolitan Council's Transit App to plan your route and track your bus in real-time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the Minnesota climate can be unpredictable.
- Use the bike-share stations to get around the campus without a car.
What is the best way to get around the St. Paul campus?
+The best way to get around the St. Paul campus is on foot, as it allows you to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. However, you can also use public transportation, such as buses and bike-share stations, to get around the campus.
How do I get a campus map?
+You can find a detailed map of the St. Paul campus on the University of Minnesota’s website or by downloading the U of M Navigate app.
What is the U of M Navigate app?
+The U of M Navigate app is a mobile app that provides campus maps, building codes, and turn-by-turn directions to help you navigate the St. Paul campus. It’s available for download on the App Store and Google Play.