Iona University: A Vibrant Tapestry of Campus Life

Iona University, rooted in tradition and ready for the future, offers a dynamic campus life that extends far beyond the classroom. Since 1940, Iona has embraced its Catholic heritage by nurturing service-learning, community engagement, and innovative leadership. Located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, Iona's two campuses provide a tight-knit community feel with easy access to the opportunities of New York City. Whether you're a prospective student or a current Gael, understanding the richness of campus life is key to maximizing your Iona experience.

A Home Away From Home: Residential Life

Iona's housing options cater to a variety of lifestyles, making it easy to find a place where you belong. From apartment-style suites to traditional dorms, the Office of Residential Life creates a supportive community that complements classroom learning and promotes individual development. Housing is mandatory for full-time undergraduate freshmen and sophomores, unless they meet specific exemption criteria such as commuting from home or documented financial hardship.

Each residence hall is overseen by a live-in Residence Hall Director and Resident Assistant student staff members, ensuring a safe and secure environment and fostering community among residents. Average housing costs are around $19,390 per year. Find your home away from home in one of our traditional residence halls, suites or apartments.

Fueling Your Body and Mind: Dining Options

Iona understands the importance of accessible and varied dining options. Students can learn more about meal plans as well as the many delicious on- and off-campus dining options Iona has to offer! A new dining hall and student lounge enhances the student experience. The university recently completed a 20,000-square-foot renovation to the LaPenta Student Union.

Engaging Beyond the Classroom: Activities and Organizations

Iona University strongly believes that the education experience of a student stretches far beyond the time in the classroom. With more than 100 clubs and organizations, there's a place for everyone to get involved. The Center for Student Engagement (CSE) fosters student engagement through the oversight and operations of the LaPenta Student Union, administration and guidance of student clubs and organizations, advisement of the Student Government Association, promotion of student leadership initiatives, providing off-campus and commuter student support, and the planning and execution of major campus events & activities. The professional and student staff members within the Center work in collaboration with students, student leaders, campus partners, and the local community to meet these responsibilities.

From cheering on our Division I basketball teams to getting involved in student-run events, campus life at Iona offers something new for students every day. Express yourself and show your Gael pride through Iona’s performing arts groups. Students can also join one of Iona’s intramural or club sports to stay active and take part in some friendly competition. Available throughout the year, our club sports programs offer plenty of opportunities to find a group that fits your athletic interests.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

At Iona, diversity is an essential part of student life. Representing more than 34 countries, our international students bring a range of global perspectives to campus life. The student body comprises a diverse mix of races and ethnicities, fostering a rich and inclusive environment.

Supporting Your Well-being: Health and Counseling Services

Your well-being comes first at Iona. The Iona University Counseling Center is a free, confidential space for students to find emotional and psychological support. Any currently enrolled Iona University student, whether full-time or part-time, residential or commuter, graduate or undergraduate, is eligible to receive care at the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is staffed by skilled clinicians with special training in college mental health. Clinicians work with students individually on a short-term basis and will help students find private, longer term therapy, if necessary. Students can speak to Counseling Center clinicians about any issue of concern to them, whether it is a new or ongoing problem. At the Counseling Center, students can work through these issues and learn strategies to address them, within a setting of trauma-informed, expert clinical care. The Counseling Center is available to help students experiencing mental health crises and can connect students with local emergency care. The Dolce Postgraduate Fellow provides specialized services to students who are neurodivergent. Students whose schedules do not permit them to come in during walk-in hours can arrange a specific alternative appointment time. While on-site short-term counseling is not an appropriate treatment option for all students, walk-in sessions continue to be available to every student throughout their enrollment at Iona, whether or not the student is receiving therapy privately. There is no maximum number of walk-in sessions. Students can reach the Counseling Center by phone at (914) 633-2038. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of Spellman Hall. Monday-Friday. 24-hour counseling supports are available by calling the main Counseling Center number.

The Student Health & Wellness Center provides health management for acute, urgent, or chronic illnesses. Services provided include physical examinations for participation in sports activities, field placement or employment physicals. Other services include diagnostic testing, suture removals, administration of vaccinations, immunization review and compliance monitoring. The care of our students is provided by nurse practitioners and registered nurses. The Student Health & Wellness Center strictly adheres to the New York State Department of health immunization requirements. All students must provide proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps and Rubella before entering class or residence halls and Tuberculosis status - QuantiFERON titer obtained within 3 months of entry to Iona. Undergraduate and graduate level students are not allowed to attend class in person or online until all health requirements have been reviewed and approved. The administrative and professional staff of the Student Health & Wellness Center conforms to HIPAA and FERPA regulations - state and federal mandates protecting students’ confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent. The student’s health record is maintained in accordance with professional and legal guidelines. Without the written authorization of a signed release of information by the student, no part of the student’s health record will be disclosed.

Spiritual Growth and Service: Mission and Ministry

The Office of Mission and Ministry invites students to grow in faith, engage in hands-on service to others, deepen their spiritual lives, and consider issues of peace and justice. Open to students of all religious backgrounds or no religious background, Mission and Ministry offers Sunday and daily mass, interfaith prayer services, retreats, weekly hospitality suppers, and active engagement in volunteer service locally and throughout the world. From offices in LaPenta Student Union (217) and Montgomery House, the department promotes annual programs such as the Week of the Peacemaker, Make a Difference Week, Heritage Week, Kairos retreats, and Coffee Houses. The Iona in Mission programs send students on service immersions as close as the Bronx and as far away as Ireland. At Montgomery House student campus ministers live in a community setting that values prayer, service and simplicity. Each Thursday of the semester, the Office of Mission and Ministry invites all students to attend a free “Hospitality Supper” at 5:30 PM at Montgomery House.

Career Development: Preparing for the Future

The Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development, located on the second floor of Spellman Hall, assists students in every stage of their career development and job search process. A dedicated and professional team of career coaches works closely with students to help them identify skills and interests, determine possible pathways, and explore internship and full-time opportunities leading to meaningful careers after graduation. The Center partners with the campus community: faculty, staff, student organizations, alumni, and employers to engage students early in the career development process and to provide ongoing support.

Athletics: Gael Pride

The Athletics Department offers a wide variety of sports and intramural programs for all members of the Iona community to enjoy. Iona competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and fields 24 Division I teams. An extensive intramural program allows all students to engage in athletic activities. The Hynes Athletics Center houses the athletics staff and provides recreational and fitness centers. Iona students receive free tickets to home games.

Staying Connected and Informed: Campus Safety and Communication

Every student is required to keep on their person at all times a university-issued Iona ID card. This card is necessary to borrow materials from the library, use the Hynes Athletics Center, receive student discounts or utilize other services where an ID is required. This card will be recognized as long as the student is in good standing at Iona. The ID card can be obtained from the Campus Safety Office located in LaPenta Student Union.

University students who have signed up for the Emergency Text Message System will receive a text notification.

Academic Excellence: A Foundation for Success

Iona University is known for our engaging curricula and nurturing community that empowers students to excel. Explore our diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, find your place among our athletic and student club offerings, and join a network of 55,000 alumni who are making a difference. At Iona, we incorporate AI to expand our students’ capacity for innovation, creativity and deep thinking. Choose from 45 majors and over 35 minors, and personalize your education.

Read also: The Iona Experience

Exploring the Local Area: New Rochelle, Bronxville, and NYC

The city of New Rochelle boasts modern facilities and a bustling atmosphere while the town of Bronxville's picturesque setting offers historic charm and a downtown full of shops, cafés and restaurants. Located only four miles apart, students can easily reach both locations by car or Iona’s Gael Express shuttle service.

With just a quick train ride from our New Rochelle and Bronxville campuses, you'll find yourself immersed in the energy and culture of New York City. Visit CampusOur scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds. Some say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere.

Spotlight on Iona Ireland

Students take classes in the historic Westport House located on 400-acres of stunning natural beauty. Iona IrelandLearn more about Iona's new campus in Westport, Ireland!

Experiencing Iona Firsthand: Visits and Tours

We offer campus tours seven days a week. Come and experience all that Iona has to offer! Learn about living on campus, our honors program, academics at Iona and more at one of our Spotlight Sessions. You'll also have the chance to explore the many ways you can get involved through clubs, sports and performing arts! Join us to celebrate your acceptance to Iona University!

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