Student Life

Bring Your Curiosity, Find Your Community. 

Filled with excitement and endless possibilities, campus life at Iona University offers an inclusive environment to learn, live and grow. Here, we cultivate a vibrant student body where you can connect with friends, explore new interests and experience student life to the fullest.

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How Iona Boosts Your Student Life Experience

Ranked #1 in New York for Student Experience

The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked Iona University #1 in New York for student experience. This survey captured a range of perspectives on student life including perceptions of learning opportunities, career preparation, dining halls and sports facilities, and thoughts on diversity.

Over 100 Clubs & Organizations

Iona's campus buzzes with activity, thanks to over 100 clubs and organizations. From academic societies to media outlets and leadership groups, students find countless ways to connect with peers, explore their interests, and immerse themselves in a vibrant college experience.

The Best of Both Worlds

Iona's New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses offer the intimacy of a private university with abundant opportunities for engagement and lasting connections. Located just 20 miles north of Manhattan, students enjoy easy access to the city's vibrant cultural scene while also enjoying the tranquility of the campuses' beautiful grounds.

Chase Bateman

Some say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. The chance to be part of a close-knit swim and dive team was a major draw. My teammates have become like family, and I would not trade that experience for anything.

-Chase Bateman '25, finance and economics
Read more about Chase

Campus Life at a Glance

The Murphy Green full of students for Involvement Fair.

Iona University has over 100 student clubs and organizations which means there are always more ways to get involved and try something new!

A student presents her work at Iona Scholars Day.

Students from all majors are invited to share their academic and creative achievements at Iona Scholars Day.

The Esports team competes at the MAAC.

The Iona University Esports team competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

A couple dances during a performance of Cabaret.

The Iona Players put on theatrical performances twice a year.

Students bring Thanksgiving baskets out of the gym.

Service is an important aspect of student life at Iona and is on full display during the annual Thanksgiving Basket drive.

DJ Kellz spins at a GaelGate on Murphy Green.

GaelGates are the Iona way to have fun and get excited before home games!

The men's club soccer team drives down the field.

Iona’s club sports program offers students a wide variety of options to foster teamwork, healthy competition and long-lasting friendships.

Students cheering outside of Radio City Music Hall.

With midtown Manhattan a mere 20 miles away, students can take advantage of all the cultural and professional opportunities New York City has to offer.

The student section cheering at a home basketball game and waving Iona flags.

Iona students receive free tickets to home games. Go Gaels!

Dancers at the Exchange & Interchange recital.

Nurture your creativity and express yourself through Iona’s Fine and Performing Arts programs.

The cheer team at an Iona home game.

The Iona Cheer Team keeps fans energized throughout the year!

The Pipers play at the University birthday party.

When you hear Iona’s award-winning Pipe Band you know you’re a part of #GaelNation.

Proximity to New York City

Our New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses offer the tight-knit feeling of a private university while providing endless opportunities to get involved, make meaningful connections and create memories that will last a lifetime. Both campuses are located just 20 miles north of Manhattan, making it easy to experience the career opportunities, entertainment, culture and iconic sites New York City is known for. If you prefer staying close to campus, you can spend time outside of class relaxing on Iona’s beautiful grounds.

During your time at Iona, you’ll meet people and discover passions that bring out the best in you. You and your classmates will feel the Gael spirit as you attend campus events, volunteer at community organizations or compete in intramural or club sports.

Get to know Gael Nation!

From move-in day to Commencement, find out why students call Gael Nation home.

An Iona student takes a selfie in Grand Central Terminal.
Students study on a sunny day and smile.

Explore Student Life at Iona

Discover student life outside the classroom and see how you’ll spend your time relaxing on the Murphy Green, grabbing dinner with friends at the Student Dining Hall or taking a yoga class at the Hynes Athletics Center.

Students relax together in a communcal dorm space.

Housing & Dining

Welcome home! At Iona, we make sure living on campus is warm and inviting. Our student body is diverse, and their residential needs and preferences are as unique as they are. That’s why we offer various housing options to connect with classmates who share academic passions, apartment-style suites or traditional residence halls.

Craving a spicy tuna roll? Or want to build your own pizza? Iona’s meal plans and dining options are sure to keep eating on campus affordable and delicious. Discover what’s on the menu at Iona.

Housing & Dining

Two students work in the podcast studio.

Clubs & Activities

With more than 100 clubs and organizations to choose from, it’s easy to get involved on Iona’s campus. Our academic clubs, media groups, student leadership organizations and Greek Life provide students endless opportunities to connect with classmates, follow their passions and enjoy our spirited campus life.

Explore Student Organizations

Three students with yoga mats after a yoga class.

Recreation

Join one of Iona’s intramurals or recreation interest groups to get yourself moving, grow new relationships and engage in a bit of friendly competition. As a part of our recreation groups, you have the opportunity to enjoy the Hynes Athletics Center while also staying fit.

Recreation on Campus

Members of the women's club lacrosse team embrace after a game.

Club Sports

Available throughout the year, our club sports programs offer plenty of opportunities to find a group that fits your athletic interests. Club sports teams compete in established leagues against other universities in the tri-state and New England area, giving students the chance to compete for championships and build lasting camaraderie with teammates.

Join Club Sports

The Pep Band competes in Atlantic City.

Spirit & Performing Arts

Express yourself and share your Gael pride by joining one of our many performing arts groups. Whether you want to play in the Iona Pep Band or wish to share your love of theatre by becoming one of the Iona Players, you can explore your creativity and polish your technique through Iona’s performing arts department.

Participate in Performing Arts

100+

clubs, organizations and student programs on our New Rochelle campus

Student Clubs & Organizations

1,295

undergraduate students living on our New Rochelle campus

Housing Options

34

countries represented in the student population

International Student Services

Caring for Iona Students

As an Iona student, your safety and well-being are top priorities. Students have access to the Iona Wellness Center, our Counseling Center, along with other on-campus resources, to ensure their physical, mental and emotional health needs are met.

Health, Wellness & Safety at Iona

A student in an Iona sweatshirt smiles on a sunny day.

Cultivating a Diverse Gael Nation

Iona University is committed to cultivating and sustaining a diverse, equitable campus life where all students are celebrated and feel a sense of belonging. The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) works to continue Iona’s dedication to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all. With a variety of diversity organizations, committees and events, students are encouraged to get involved and learn from and celebrate one another’s differences.

Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Students enjoy the Killian chair at an event.

Shop the Iona Campus Store

Whether you are looking for books, school supplies or the latest Iona gear, the Iona Campus Store is the place for you!

Iona Campus Store

Killian raises his hands in celebration.

Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You

Visit Campus

Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds. Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.

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Apply Today

If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.

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Drone image of campus from Summer 2022.
Four students smile and laugh on the terrace of the LaPenta School of Business.