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7 Reasons You’ll Love Campus Life at STU

By September 3, 2019Campus and Community
small universities in Florida

There are plenty of reasons to love campus life at South Florida universities like St. Thomas University. 

Not only do we offer abundant sunshine and gorgeous beaches just minutes away, but you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant, culturally diverse city of Miami. And on campus, you’ll find just the right mix of casual get-togethers, sporting events (Go Bobcats!), clubs, and life-changing volunteer opportunities.

Not convinced yet? Let’s take a closer look at seven reasons our students love St. Thomas University’s campus.

1. Modern Residences With All the Amenities

Whether you choose Villanova Hall, Cascia Hall, University Inn, or the newly renovated Donnellon Hall, you’ll enjoy attractive, suite-style spaces that encourage the development of lifelong friendships without sacrificing privacy. With amenities like a swimming pool, wireless internet, cable TV, free laundry facilities, fitness center, and nearby dining locations, students truly have everything they need. 

But what makes living on campus even more appealing is the variety of social activities like “Battle of the Halls,” poolside barbeques, bonfire night chats (smores, anyone?), intramural tournaments, and other fun impromptu events. Check out the video below to get a tour of our residence halls.

Our beautiful campus living spaces offer a supportive environment so you can flourish both academically and personally.

2. Exciting South Florida Attractions

South Florida universities like ours have the benefit of being close to an amazing array of destinations. On any given weekend, you’re only minutes away from the sandy paradise of South Beach or a tour of its iconic art deco buildings. Foodies will be in heaven, as Miami’s melting pot of cultures offers a lot more than just Cuban sandwiches. Nature lovers might want to explore the expansive Florida Everglades or the Florida Keys. Have a long weekend? You could even take a trip north to the dozens of theme parks and attractions in Orlando. And those are just a few ideas! Imagine what you could do in four years.

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Need a break from your studies? You’re minutes from South Beach.

3. State-of-the-Art Fitness & Wellness Center

Our campus provides all the resources you need to stay active and healthy. The Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness is a beautiful 62,000 square foot facility equipped with a modern fitness center, locker rooms, full-size gymnasium for volleyball and basketball, concession and lounge area, and a racquetball/squash court. You can have a quick pick-up game, join an intramural sports team, or workout at the gym. All without leaving the campus.

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St. Thomas University has more than just a fitness center. Students enjoy intramural sports, a full gymnasium, and a quick snack before they head back to class.

4. Various Clubs and Organizations

Whether you’re looking for an academic, social, or athletic club, there’s likely one for you on the St. Thomas University campus. And if there isn’t, we welcome you to start your own! New student organizations are always forming, so the best place to start is the Student Government Association Office. Some examples include Future Teachers of America, Nursing Student Association, Cyber Security Club, Black Student Union, Carribean Students Association, and Poetry, Theatre, & Arts Association. You can find people with common interests, expand your circle of friends, and explore new experiences.

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St. Thomas University encourages clubs and organizations of all kinds to help students connect, learn, and enjoy their time together on campus.

5. Lots of Ways to Cheer on the BobCats!

Even though we’ve always had plenty of successful sports teams to root for, we’re especially excited about our inaugural football season coming up this fall! We’ll also be adding a full marching band, with scholarships for each. We hope you’ll be there as the Bobcats make their season debut against Thomas More College on Sept. 7, 2019. If you’re not a football fan, there are lots of other options. Join a team or come enjoy the game. The St. Thomas University Athletics program has Men’s Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, eSports, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, and Track & Field. Women’s Sports include Basketball, Cross Country, eSports, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Cheer & Dance, and Club Beach Volleyball. 

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An exciting moment in our university’s history as President David Armstrong announced STU’s first football program.

6. Opportunities to Grow in Faith 

As a Catholic institution, St. Thomas University seeks to help everyone in the campus community grow in faith while also being sensitive to the diversity and interfaith dimension of the University’s population. Our Campus Ministry offers a variety of touchpoints, giving students a safe, welcoming space to ask questions or participate in prayer and reflection. Everyone is welcome for worship at the Chapel of St. Anthony. You’ll also have access to weekly faith sharing groups, retreats, information gatherings to analyze contemporary issues, fun fellowship events, and a special program Growing in the Faith, for students curious about the Catholic Faith.

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The Chapel of St. Anthony is the spiritual hub of St. Thomas University’s campus.

7. Enriching Community Involvement

In alignment with our Catholic commitment to service, St. Thomas University’s Center for Community Engagement creates unique opportunities for students to experience learning outside the classroom, working on real-world problems with community partners. These activities, engagements, or immersion experiences can be curricular (class-required activity, research, or internship), co-curricular (service learning), or community work-study. Regardless of how you participate, you’ll find that these experiences offer profound learning experiences that you’ll carry with you for life.

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Campus life at St. Thomas University includes many opportunities to volunteer, expanding your worldview and giving you a chance to learn more about yourself.

Ready for a visit? South Florida universities like STU have lots to offer, and we’d love to show you around! In fact, if you schedule a campus tour, you can receive a $1000 Campus Tour Award to attend STU.

Erin B. Ayrim

Author Erin B. Ayrim

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