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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The Wall Street Journal’s 2024 Best Colleges in America

Iona University Ranked #4 in the Northeast

Iona University, tied with Yale University, is the #4 Most Recommended Northeastern School by Students. MIT, Williams College and Princeton University round out the top five list.

Read More: Most Recommended Schools in the Northeast

Iona University Ranked #66 in the Nation

A new ranking of the 2024 Best Colleges in America highlights Iona University at #66 nationwide based on student outcomes and graduate salaries as well as #1 in New York for student experience. Iona is also ranked in the top 10 Best Catholic Colleges in the country.

Read More: WSJ/College Pulse Report

WSJ America's Best Colleges logo

Dining Hall Enhancements

Opening Spring 2025

Iona is in the process of launching an elevated on-campus dining experience.

This 20,000-square-foot renovation to the LaPenta Student Union will consist of a modern, open-plan concept for dining and a revamped lower-level featuring a student lounge as well as multipurpose rooms for student clubs and more.

Learn More: Dining Hall Enhancements

Students smile and laugh while having lunch in Vitanza Commons.

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.

Iona students in Times Square take a selfie.
Students sit on the Murpy Green on a sunny day.

Campus Life at a Glance

DJ Kellz spins at a GaelGate on Murphy Green.

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

An esports player competes in a game.

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

The rowing team practices indoors.

When the rowing team isn't at beautiful Glen Island Park, they practice in the Hynes Athletics Center.

Killian plays against Jean Louis in cornhole.

Killian is always up for a round of cornhole!

Two Iona Players cast members raise their arms in song at Into the Woods.

The Iona Players put on stellar performances twice a year!

Three students in Iona shirts at the step and repeat.

Yeah, we love our Iona gear!

Rob Kissner and a student work with the Maker Bot.

All students are encouraged to dream, create and lead at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Shema dunking at the 2022 NIT.

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.

Three members of the dance team smile.

The Iona Dance Team always brings the cheer!

Two sorority students smile and wave pom-poms.

With a vibrant campus life that is home to over 80 active clubs, groups and organizations, you're sure to find your place at Iona!

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.

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 Vitanza Commons or taking a yoga class at the Hynes Athletics Center.

Four Iona students hang out in the kitchen area of their living learning community.

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

A radio host in the Iona radio station.

Clubs & Activities

With more than 80 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

A student raises her arm during 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

Iona men's club soccer run down field.

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 baritone sax player smiles at an Iona home game.

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

80+

clubs, organizations and student programs on our New Rochelle campus

Student Clubs & Organizations

1,109

undergraduate students living on our New Rochelle campus

Housing Options

49

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.

Willow Lopez-Silvers

There's a place for everyone in sports or clubs or academics. No matter where you end up in life, you need a home to come back to.

Willow Lopez-Silvers '21

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.

Visit Campus

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.

Apply

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Learn more about Iona University today!

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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.