Life on the Viterbo University Campus
We could boast all day about our variety of academic programs, 100% placement rate for graduates, paid internships, and great research opportunities.
But college is not only about academics. As a student living on or off campus, college is also a time to make real connections and create relationships that will last a lifetime.
Viterbo Campus Life Highlights
The moment you step on Viterbo’s campus, you’ll feel it, the embodiment of one of our most visible core values—hospitality. You will find a warm, welcoming, and supportive campus community where you can live, learn, and succeed.
When exploring life on campus, we encourage you to:
Take Part in the First-year Experience
From your first steps on the Viterbo campus, you will discover all that is waiting for you here. The First-Year Experience program eases your transition from high school to college and introduces you to the services and fun activities offered through campus life.
Enjoy Student Living
Living on the Viterbo campus provides some of the most memorable moments of the college experience. Student living options include everything from recently remodeled residence halls to modern apartments. Life on campus includes dining services, which offers three options on the Viterbo campus. The Caf is based on a food court concept, meaning short lines and a great selection. Einstein Bros. Bagels at Franny's offers fresh bagels, sandwiches, soups, salads, fruit, and gourmet coffee. Crossroads P.O.D. is a small convenience store on campus, carrying a variety of products including grab and go sandwiches, ice cream, smoothies, groceries, and health care products.
Get Involved in Student Organizations
With 35+ student organizations and activities on campus, students have a wide range of options to stay involved and engaged. There are student organizations based on academic interest, social justice, leadership, service, or just fun. Campus activities organizes free or low-cost events for students to attend including casino nights, open mic nights, hypnotists, comedians, and much more.
Serve Your Community
We hope your life on campus includes service—one of Viterbo's core values. Students, staff, faculty, and alumni are involved in a variety of efforts to promote the common good through service learning, volunteering, service trips, community action research projects, and study abroad/away opportunities. Service Saturdays are one of the most popular ways to give back.
Get Moving
Participate in intramurals or club sports to have fun, get exercise, and make new friends. Support or join one of the 19 varsity V-Hawk athletics teams. There are seasons and sports for everyone. For a less competitive option, the Mathy Center and Recreation Department offer a wide variety of services including group fitness classes, personal training, a fitness center, and 1/8 mile track.
Strengthen Leadership Skills
There are several professional and student organizations on campus aimed at enriching student experience, enhancing communication, and building leadership skills. The Student Government Association (SGA) is an elected board of students that represents and advocates for their fellow students. The Weekends at VU team plans safe and free activities and special events for all Viterbo students. Resident students can join the Residence Hall Association (RHA), which formulates, recommends, and reviews policies concerning residence life. The National Society of Leadership and Success aims to create a community where motivated, goal-oriented individuals help each other to succeed.
Explore Your Spirituality
Viterbo has a proud Catholic Franciscan heritage that can be felt throughout campus. Students with diverse faith and cultural backgrounds are invited to embrace and live our core Catholic Franciscan values. Students can develop a deep commitment to service and to understanding their faith by participating in Campus Ministry programming and experiences. Mass is offered throughout the year at San Damiano Chapel.
Engage Your Creativity
Attend or participate in the creative or performing arts on campus. Take in a professional touring Broadway production or support Viterbo music, theatre, and music theatre students in their performances. All students receive discounted tickets. Visit the University Gallery where respected national artists and students exhibit their work. Or join one the university's three choral groups open to all students regardless of major.
Create a More Just World
Through our core values of integrity, service, and contemplation, at Viterbo we strive to better ourselves as we work towards a more equitable and just world. This is central to the educational and developmental experience of all learners. Visit the Diversity and Inclusion Center, and explore our compiled resources to learn more about ways you can begin or continue your journey toward a more equitable world. Get involved with the award-winning Identities Project, or learn more about the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council. You are encouraged and invited to report all instances in which you feel unsafe or unwelcome using Viterbo Speaks Up.
Share in Viterbo Traditions
Throughout the academic year, Viterbo celebrates several traditions on campus. These traditions include St. Francis Week and the Feast of St. Francis in the fall, the President’s Holiday Dinner (photos on Flickr) in the winter, Courtyard Carni (photos on Flickr) in the spring, and free Late Night Breakfasts in The Caf fat the start of finals week each semester.
Get Career Ready
We offer multiple opportunities to help you develop your resume to make you career ready or prepare you for graduate school. Take part in undergraduate research, get job experience through an internship, or find an on or off-campus job.
Explore La Crosse
Studying here is not just about a robust campus life. The Viterbo campus is also just blocks from downtown La Crosse. Discover why La Crosse is ranked as one of the country's best cities. Don't have a car? No problem. With the U-Pass free bus service, you can go virtually anywhere in La Crosse at no cost.
Connect to Campus Life at Viterbo
Whether you are a current or prospective student, we invite you to get involved with Viterbo student life today. Download the free Viterbo University app to learn about upcoming events, join discussion boards, and access campus resources.