At Southwestern, Student Life is where you find your place—and your people. It’s late-night conversations in the residence halls and spontaneous games of sand volleyball after class. It’s hiking Enchanted Rock on an Outdoor Adventure trip or diving into an intramural dodgeball tournament just for fun. You’ll cheer on friends at Pirate athletic events, help host a campus-wide trivia night with your student org, or spend a Saturday exploring Austin with a group of new friends. Maybe you’ll light a candle at the annual Interfaith Celebration, take a mindfulness break in the Chapel, or stop by the JEDI Center for a heritage month celebration. From karaoke at Late Night Breakfast to wellness pop-ups with self-care giveaways, Student Life is full of experiences that help you feel connected, supported, and right at home.
This is Student Life at Southwestern. And this is where you belong.
Live
Your home on campus is more than just a place to sleep. It’s where you build friendships, have late-night conversations, and grow into your independence. As a residential campus, we believe that living on campus enhances academic success and helps students build community. Research shows that students who live on campus are more likely to graduate and more likely to take on leadership roles.
Southwestern offers a variety of living options, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style communities, all designed to support connection and comfort. Each space is staffed with trained student leaders who help foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Play
At Southwestern, fun is part of the experience, and there’s always something going on. Through Campus Recreation, you can join an intramural team with nearly 400 games a year, head out on an Outdoor Adventure like spelunking through Whirlpool Cave or kayaking the San Marcos River, led by Branndon Bargo, a member of the prestigious Explorer’s Club and host of Amazon’s Highpointers .
Need a break? Students enjoy kayaking the nearby San Gabriel River or spontaneous volleyball, basketball, and pickleball games – no matter where you live, there’s a court close to your residence hall.
Want to explore beyond campus? Pirate Adventures take you to the best of Central Texas, including Circuit of the Americas, world-class museums, and Austin’s food and music scene.
Whether you’re competing, exploring, or just tagging along with friends, there’s a place for you here.
Connect
With more than 60 student organizations, there’s a group (or three) for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about bees, gardening, or tabletop games, you’ll find others who share your interest.
Students plan more than 300 campus events each year, from trivia nights and dance parties to concerts and student-led conferences. And 55% of students hold a formal leadership role in an organization, gaining valuable experience in communication, teamwork, and leadership before they graduate.
From Greek Life to academic clubs, student government to performing arts, you’ll find your people—and your purpose.
Thrive
Your college years are about more than academics, they’re about navigating the ups and downs of life, building resiliency, and becoming the fullest version of yourself. Southwestern supports your physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being through an integrated network of services.
Need to talk? The Counseling Center offers free, confidential support. Want to explore mindfulness or spirituality? The Spiritual Life team provides space for reflection and growth. Looking for a welcoming space to celebrate your identity? The JEDI Center hosts regular programs honoring our diverse community, including heritage month events, workshops, and hangouts.