In the fall of 1945, WWII had just ended, and colleges anticipated increased enrollment from students on the G.I. Bill. Soldiers had received free cigarettes while enlisted, so it’s not surprising that the habit remained when they returned home. Tobacco companies had initially targeted the military during WWI through the distribution of cigarettes to servicemen, and by WWII, they were included in rations. The Red Cross even distributed free cigarettes to the troops.
Despite mounting evidence in the 1950s of the adverse health effects of smoking and tobacco use, the military continued to include cigarettes in rations until 1975 (wikipedia). Old habits died hard. This image from the fall of 1945 shows a student lighting up before class.
Swollen enrollment meant swollen ashtrays.
Pipes were popular, as evidenced by students, as well as advertising.
I admit it; I enjoy the smell of pipe smoke. 
Even student protesters paused for a smoke break.
And as we know, sex sells. Hence, the cigarette girl. She was the Coyote Ugly of cigarettes.
In the event that some students may have forgotten their ABCs, this strikingly colorful ad on the back cover of this Jayhawker reminded them. Chesterfield=home runs!
I Don't Get It 