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Student Life

Whether you live on campus or commute, or you are from Connecticut or China, being an active participant in student life is how you will experience more than a great university at Western New England.

For undergraduates, it all begins at SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration), your official introduction to life as a Western New England University student. This interactive program offers fun activities to help you (and your parents) get to know our campus community. Through SOAR, you will meet new people (including your Peer Advisor), get acquainted with residence life if you will live on campus, and explore our great dining options and campus amenities.

SOAR is part of our First Year Program which offers a circle of support to make your transition to college positive and anxiety-free. We’ve developed one of the most comprehensive programs in the country for first year students. Whether living on campus or off, you will be welcomed and supported by our team of professors, administrators, and upper-class student mentors committed to helping you make your first year on campus your best year yet.

Clubs, organizations, student government, service, athletics, and participation in traditions like Midnight Madness and Family and Friends Weekend present opportunities for you to become an integral part of our community.

Have Questions?

Get to know WNE through real Golden Bears, who will not only answer your questions, but share stories about their experiences here on campus.

Make Your Bed—Then Run With It!

The Residence Hall Bed Race is a Family and Friends Weekend tradition.

Join in and Learn to Lead.
Student Involvement and Leadership is the gateway to over 70 active clubs and organizations. From groups that are affiliated with academics to those that reflect the interests of the student body, such activities help you to learn valuable life skills and creates learning beyond the classroom experiences.

Appreciate Our Differences.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence promotes the understanding, appreciation, and celebration of differences. Participation in outreach activities helps you to understand the similarities as well as the unique qualities that make us all one community.

We make it easy to find a Roommate!

Our online system, THD (The Housing Director), makes it easy for you to connect with potential roommates.

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University Commons is ready to serve you!

Grab your next meal in our four-story dining commons. From Starbucks® to Spirit's Restaurant Rotation, an array of mouth-watering food stations or snacks on-the-go, whatever you’re hungry for, we’ve got you covered.

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What's Happening on Campus?

Keep up-to-date on what’s happening on campus through the campus Calendar of Events.

View Events

Great Weekend Activities

Fun, Games, and More

A great on-campus living experience is one reason why 80% of students choose to spend their weekends here.