A student study group sits before laptops on a table in a modernly designed building

Student Life

Something big awaits you. Here, you'll encounter people and ideas from around the world that will inspire your thinking and take you down unexpected paths. Discover life on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

90%

First year students live on campus

3,682

U of M students studying abroad

900+

Student organizations

90%

First year students live on campus

3,682

U of M students studying abroad

900+

Student organizations

Meet Our #UMNdriven Students

At the U of M you can dream, and you can do. You can dive in and create. You can build and become, learn, and discover. And you can share your successes and those of everyone you meet here who inspires you. Share what makes you #UMNproud through any of our many social media channels.

Housing and Dining

When you live on campus, you'll get a jump-start on meeting new people and developing lifelong friendships while being close to classes, libraries, rec centers, restaurants, and whatever resources you need, from mental health support to work-study jobs. Nearby, the campus is surrounded by distinct and welcoming neighborhoods, so whether you commute or live close, there are endless places to discover.

Get Involved

Students come together to socialize and learn from each other in countless ways. Across campus and in every major, you'll discover purpose, community, and opportunity.

Female student speaking into radio microphone with another person in the background

Student Groups

Student groups are a great way to get involved. There are more than 900, from the Alpine Ski Team to the Capoeira Club. Join a group or start your own!

Student Groups
young man and woman looking through large orange telescope in front of U of M building at Minnesota State Fair

Community Engagement

Develop your strengths and leadership skills through service learning and other community engagement opportunities in the vibrant Twin Cities.

Community Engagement
Students of different races and ethnicities wearing sweatshirts from various sororities and fraternities on campus

Greek Life

Membership in a fraternity or sorority is an experience unlike any other. Join the more than 3,000 students who participate in Greek life on campus.

Greek Life
Lauren Stach

“The Libraries were my favorite part of the U of M. The librarians were always super helpful. I’ve spent a lot of late nights in the various libraries on campus.”

Lauren Stach '22
Biosystems Engineering
Read Lauren's story

Student Health

Your health matters. That’s why our students are automatically enrolled in student health benefits. With top-notch medical care and insurance, we’ve got everything you need to stay healthy, right here on campus.

Club Sports and Recreation

student running on the track at the Minneapolis rec center

Centered in a vibrant metropolitan community, the Twin Cities campus is also a world in itself—with miles of bike paths, numerous lakes, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area right in the heart of campus. You'll also have access to state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facilities, with programs in everything from intramural sports to outdoor recreation and fitness programs.

Recreation and Wellness

Rob Orlowski

“The U of M is such an amazing place for all genders, races, backgrounds, and orientations. You will always be accepted. I am a proud member of the LGBT community today because of the support I found during my time at the U.”

Rob Orlowski '12

Arts and Culture

Art plays a meaningful cultural and educational role throughout the U of M campus, inspiring students to think differently about their world. With more than three dozen public artworks and the magnificence of Northrop, the Weisman Art Museum, the Bell Museum, and the West Bank Arts Quarter, inspiration is just a step away. Meanwhile, the Twin Cities is also home to a dynamic arts community. The Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Guthrie Theater, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts are just a few examples.

Abby Kohut-Jackson

“Being on the cross country and track teams has been one of the most formative experiences I have had at the U. Competing at this level has pushed me to get the absolute most out of my abilities, both for myself and for the team.”

Abby Kohut-Jackson '22
Neuroscience
Read Abby's story

Safety

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is incredibly important. Students receive real-time safety alerts via text message, and alarm buttons and emergency phones are located throughout campus. Parking facilities, skyways, and tunnels are monitored 24 hours a day with the aid of security cameras, and campus escorts are available to bike and walk with you to and from campus locations and nearby neighborhoods—just call 612-624-WALK.

Getting Around Campus

The Twin Cities campus is centered in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation. You can pedal your own wheels or hop on a Nice Ride or electric scooter.

Not a cyclist? Free Campus Connector shuttles will carry you everywhere on campus, while buses and light rail guide you swiftly around the Twin Cities. And don’t worry about staying warm in winter—we’ve literally got you covered with an underground tunnel system.

Student riding a NiceRide bicycle across pedestrian bridge with Weisman museum in background

 

Lauren Hamilton

“After living in Southern California for eight years, I of course moved here for the weather. Kidding! In all seriousness, the admissions team and current students I spoke with were welcoming, and exuded a pride in the school and community that was unmatched.”

Lauren Hamilton '25
Law
Read Lauren's story

News

Left: Three students in an uniform work together at a desk. Right: Professor Kendall King
Expert Alert

Multilingual student education

As Minnesota schools have a growing amount of migrant, refugee and multilingual students, College of Education and Human Development Professor Kendall King can speak to trends in migration, multilingualism and teacher needs. 

Undergraduate Admissions Next Steps