Columbia, Missouri, home of the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College, has been named one of the “25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure.

What makes a good college town? According to Travel + Leisure, it’s a place where students breathe life into their communities with art, culture, social opportunities and school spirit.

“With a demographic skewing younger, towns and cities with academic institutions typically have cool shops, good food, thriving nightlife, and diverse musical acts. Beautiful natural surroundings are a major plus,” Travel + Leisure said.

In Columbia, the publication says, students will find plenty of time-honored spots to mingle over pizza or burgers downtown. It highlighted Buck’s Ice Cream, made fresh on the Mizzou campus by food science students.