Campus Life and the GCU Experience

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Published on Feb 18, 2016

College is about academically preparing for the future. But this special time of professional preparation is also for living in the moment and enjoying the college experience. In between classes and studying, college students make lifelong friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. And at Grand Canyon University, students look forward to a career, while also experiencing everything campus life has to offer. The GCU experience is unlike any other. Lopes learn, live and thrive in a supportive, Christian community on a growing campus surrounded by those who share the same ideals and ambitions.

Campus Living

GCU students can live right on campus within walking distance from classes, activities, and events. GCU offers on-campus housing options for incoming, returning and transfer students, including suite-style, fully furnished residence halls and apartment living with outdoor courtyards, pools, laundry facilities and more!

Freshmen can choose to live in Acacia, Canyon, Ironwood, Juniper or Willow Halls; Acacia, Ironwood, Juniper and Willow Halls are brand-new residence halls part of freshman-only community The Grove
Upperclassmen can choose to live in Camelback, Chaparral, Prescott or Sedona Halls
Transfer students can choose to live in Ocotillo or Saguaro Halls
Apartment options include North Rim and Papago Apartments, as well as Agave, Encanto and Roadrunner Apartments opening in fall 2016

Campus Expansion

Our campus is experiencing an exciting time of campus expansion for exceptional learning experiences and fun student life.

Students in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology study in the brand-new, fully equipped 84,105-square-foot STEM building. For future innovators, a 142,885-square-foot engineering building is currently under construction.

Lopes Way is where to go to grab a bite, relax outdoors or pick up GCU gear at the Lope Shop. Meet up with friends at Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Subway or campus convenience store, The Grid.

At Thunder Alley, you can take a break from your studies to play corn hole, darts, shuffleboard or Jenga while snacking on Zoyo yogurt. Then head to Thunderground for pool, ping pong, foosball, bowling, and comfy lounging. Love gaming? Face off with friends in the Thunder Alley game room.

Along with great food and entertainment, Lopes playing in intramural and clubs sports will have even more recreational space to play, practice and compete. A new athletic field, as well as sand volleyball and basketball courts, will open on campus this spring.

Campus Involvement

There’s never a dull moment at GCU! From academic clubs and student organizations to Division I athletic teams and intramural sports, students are always out and about participating in activities. Numerous opportunities invite Lopes to get involved and most importantly, have fun.

Connect with students in your major by joining a club in your college
Make friends with students who share your interests by joining an extracurricular activity or organization
Let loose throughout the year at annual student activities and events like Midnight Madness, Block Party and Lip Sync
Cheer on the men’s basketball team with our crazy student section, the Havocs
Join an intramural sport or explore the outdoors with our Outdoor Recreation program

Grand Canyon University Golf Course

At the beginning of 2016, GCU unveiled the newly remodeled Grand Canyon University Golf Course. Formerly the Maryvale Golf Course, this redesigned golf course was expanded beyond 7,200 yards and features a brand-new, two-story clubhouse, including the Lope House restaurant, pro shop and practice area. The GCU Golf Course offers more than competitive play for golfers. It’s a hands-on learning environment for students in the golf management program. These students gain real-world, valuable work experience away from the classroom and books.

Exclusive First-Year Student Opportunities

Excited about the GCU experience? Lopes who have been accepted to GCU can visit the campus for free at Discover GCU where you’ll stay overnight in a residence hall, meet other Lopes, tour campus, check out student life and more. To register, visit Discover GCU

Freshman Summer Kick-Start

You can also get ahead with the Freshman Summer Kick-Start program. Experience GCU early and adjust to college life before the fall semester by taking a summer math class for eight weeks in the summer. Contact your admissions representative for more information. Lopes Up!

To learn more about Grand Canyon University’s campus life, visit our website or contact us today by clicking the Request More button at the top right corner of the screen!

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.