Life At City of Knowledge

Studying at Drake on the campus of City of Knowledge means more than spending time in a classroom. Between comfortable on-campus housing, a lively plaza right outside your door, and a growing roster of sports and wellness programming, you’ll get the full college experience in the heart of Panama City.

Life At City of Knowledge

Optional Student Housing and Meal Plans

The City of Knowledge’s Lodging Complex offers comfortable accommodations in both single- and double-occupancy rooms. Living on campus is optional for students. Each room is fully equipped with a private bathroom, hot water, air conditioning, cable television, phone and WiFi service, a safety deposit box, a balcony overlooking the interior gardens, a spacious closet, a desk and chair, and a personal refrigerator. Housekeeping services are provided twice per week.

Each floor features shared kitchenette facilities with a microwave, coffee maker, full-sized refrigerator, sink, kitchen utensils, and waste and recycling facilities, plus common areas including study rooms, recreational lounges, and self-service laundry facilities with coin-operated machines.

Within the campus, you’ll also find a restaurant plaza, health clinic, pharmacy, sports park, internal transportation routes, a swimming pool, and a gym—complimentary for Drake students.

Housing and Meal Plan Costs

Single Room Cost per Student

Single room cost per student
	Monthly	Per Semester*	Per Academic Year
Housing only	$1,300	$5,200	$10,400
Meal plan only	$1,050	$4,200	$8,400
Housing + Meal Plan	$2,350	$9,400	$18,800

Double Room Cost per Student

Double room cost per student
	Monthly	Per Semester*	Per Academic Year
Housing only	$700	$2,800	$5,600
Meal plan only	$1,050	$4,200	$8,400
Housing + Meal Plan	$1,750	$7,000	$14,000

Where Campus Life Happens

La Plaza at the City of Knowledge boasts a diverse array of cafes, restaurants, and shops, attracting visitors and pedestrians to campus and serving as the community’s main meeting point. Frequent activities like the Urban Market and local bazaars bring entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their products around the Plaza—making it the perfect social space for Drake students, faculty, and staff to connect.

Explore local events at La Plaza

Wellness & Recreation

Drake University is bringing its sports clubs and intramural programming to the City of Knowledge, designed to foster community, wellness, leadership, and school spirit while giving students meaningful ways to stay active outside the classroom.

Students in Panama will collaborate directly with Drake staff to help launch and shape these programs—whether you’re interested in organizing leagues, forming club teams, or leading recreational activities, you’ll be able to boost your resume through leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Participants will have access to high-quality athletic facilities within the City of Knowledge, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, and multipurpose sports fields, supporting everything from soccer, basketball, and volleyball to fitness-based programming and informal recreational activities.

Drake students at the City of Knowledge also get access to Fitness on Demand. This platform gives students guided workouts and fitness classes anytime, anywhere, so every student can prioritize health and wellness, regardless of your schedule or experience level.