Student Life

The Colgate experience extends far beyond the classroom — to a vibrant campus life, a strong sense of community, and personal growth through involvement.

Embrace your independence and take advantage of everything Colgate has to offer. You’ll be supported, challenged, and welcomed as an important part of our community.

Student in dorm room
Food truck at night

Housing and Dining

Nearly all Colgate students live on campus for four years, making friends and finding community through residential life and shared meals. First-year students are introduced to each other through the Residential Commons program, sophomores continue living “on the hill,” while juniors and seniors live together on Broad Street.

Student clubs and activities
Rock climbing

Clubs and Activities

Have fun, meet people, explore your passions, and learn new skills through volunteering, the arts, sustainability projects, clubs, and events. From student government to ice climbing in the Adirondacks, students choose the experiences that shape their time on campus.

Pet therapy session
Student working out

Health and Wellness

Our holistic and integrated wellbeing services help you feel your best — start the day with a workout, schedule a flu shot with Student Health Services, or decompress between classes with therapy pet events.

Intramural team
Colgate Field Hockey

Athletics and Recreation

Approximately 80% of students compete in intercollegiate varsity, recreational, or club sports. With more than 50 intramural and club sports teams to choose from, there’s an option for every skill level and schedule.

Students at Alanapalooza
Parade around campus

Diversity and Inclusion

There are many opportunities for you to explore, understand, and appreciate cultures and identities while also sharing your own. Countless activities, spaces, and resources bring Colgate’s diverse community together.

Downtown Hamilton at night
Hamilton from the air

Hamilton, N.Y.

Down the hill from Colgate’s campus is charming Hamilton, N.Y. Students can take the Colgate Shuttle to grab a slice, catch a movie, and browse the Colgate Bookstore. Named one of the friendliest towns in America by Forbes, Hamilton is just an hour away from the Syracuse airport, or 30 minutes to a train station that will take you directly to NYC’s Penn Station.

It’s a small campus, but there are so many different interests to explore and people to bond with at Colgate.

Reem Numan ’27 Music major, Japanese minor