Campus Life

Grand Canyon University's main campus is truly an oasis in the heart of Phoenix. With new classroom buildings, popular dining options, sparkling swimming pools, athletic facilities and so much more, the GCU campus may be the perfect place to call home. With dual enrollment transfer credits and summer courses, you also have the opportunity to graduate faster, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner — and with less debt.

To help you get the most out of your college experience at GCU, our departments and offices on campus offer services, events and resources that can enhance your academic pursuits and help you experience Lope Life. The Office of Student Affairs can enhance your college experience as part of the campus community, while Student Success offers programs that can enrich your academic experience.


Campus Life at GCU

Living life on campus at GCU can be an exciting time. GCU offers modern and secure campus housing as well as many academic, recreation and athletic clubs and events to fit a wide variety of interests. Find out more information about what it means to be a Lope at GCU.

#4

GCU has the fourth best college dorms in America for 2024, according to Niche.com2

Campus Housing

Exterior image of Diamondback dorms on GCU"s campus in Phoenix

Living on campus can be the ultimate convenience. Get the most out of your college experience by living in one of our suite-style residence halls or apartments designated specifically for new and returning students.

Food and Dining

Aerial view of dining table and GCU students eating together on campus

As of the 2023-24 school year, there are 35 on-campus dining options, along with multiple convenience stores for you to choose from - whether a restaurant experience with friends or grabbing something quick between classes.

Clubs and Organizations

Male and female business degree students smiling with business club sign

GCU’s student clubs and activities range from motorsports to board games to poetry and skiing. We offer over 100 different clubs and organizations, as of the 2023-24 school year, to help make your college experience memorable.

Campus Recreation

Male GCU student climbing rock wall at campus recreation center

The Department of Campus Recreation offers many ways to help you stay active, have fun and meet other Lopes on campus. Get involved with an intramural sports team, student fitness center classes, or the GCU Outdoor Recreation group.

Spiritual Life

Two female GCU students reading Bible on bed in dorm room

The Department of Spiritual Life helps foster a Christian community on campus, like weekly Chapel services, Bible studies, mission trips and more, by bringing students together. Learn more about spiritual life and our Christian worldview.

Diversity

Diverse group of GCU students and faculty sitting outside at Papago Park

Part of GCU’s mission is to prepare students to become global citizens. To uphold this mission, we welcome and encourage diverse cultures and perspectives in all our classrooms. Learn more about diversity at GCU.

Academics

Male and female GCU students smiling in hallway on campus

With 350 programs (as of June 2024) to choose from within 10 different colleges, GCU strives to teach the skills you need to achieve your goals, grow in your field and pursue your purpose.

Admissions

Male and female GCU students walking and laughing together on campus

With clear guidelines and strong support, GCU is dedicated to helping you simplify and navigate through the admission process, while addressing any inquiries about joining our Lope community.

Living in Phoenix

Female GCU student smiling with peace sign at Papago Park in Phoenix

Since 1949, GCU has welcomed students from across the country to its campus, in the vibrant heart of Phoenix, by offering programs for both traditional and adult learners alike.

GCU loves to pour into those students who truly care about the college and the work that they're doing on campus. If you get involved on campus and really care, you are practically handed opportunities on a silver platter.

Carson Foley, Double Major: Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Studies and Marketing and Advertising, Colangelo College of Business, Class of 2021

GCU’s Campus Life FAQs

Find the answers you need about joining GCU as a student on our Phoenix campus. Learn more about our campus life and campus degrees as you prepare to become a Lope.

Male and female GCU students taking selfie while sitting in hammock on campus

GCU does not require that freshmen live on campus. However, GCU provides a wide array of housing opportunities for those wishing to partake in the full experience of life at GCU. GCU was ranked by Niche.com as having the fourth best college dorms in America for 2024.2 For more information about freshman housing, please visit Residential Life and Housing Operations.

GCU is a dry campus. The possession and consumption of alcohol while on campus is strictly prohibited among faculty, staff and students. Additionally, individuals cannot be under the influence of alcohol while on GCU’s campus. For more information on GCU’s drug and alcohol policies, visit our Academic Policies page.

GCU does not provide opportunities for Greek life on campus. This is in an effort to provide a culture of unity and steer students toward academically and spiritually enriching opportunities.

The Learning Lounge is where GCU students can offer academic assistance to local K12 students. This can enhance the lives of students in our community while developing tutoring and relational skills within our GCU students. For more information visit the GCU Learning Lounge page.

GCU offers student-led tours on our main Phoenix campus. After previewing a residence hall, classrooms and more, you can meet with a university counselor to find out about your scholarship opportunities here at GCU. Schedule a tour today by visiting our Visit Campus page.

The Office of Student Engagement offers fun events and activities on campus, including clubs and organizations, intramurals and social events to help you get involved in your campus community.

GCU’s well-loved mascot is Thunder the Antelope. While it is unlikely that you'll spot any live antelopes in Phoenix, Thunder is reminiscent of GCU’s founding in Prescott, Arizona, and Thunder can easily be found at GCU’s campus. Lopes Up!

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Campus Visitation Programs

Selecting the right college can be both thrilling and overwhelming. At GCU, we want you to feel assured and satisfied with your choice. That’s why we provide day trips, overnight visits and travel reimbursement for campus experiences that immerse you in the true essence of Lope Life. 

Discover GCU is now better than ever! This two-night, all-expenses-paid trip to sunny Arizona offers you the opportunity to:1

  • Learn details about your program of study
  • Observe and connect with the GCU community
  • Participate in hands-on academic activities
  • Eat at popular campus dining spots
  • See our sunny campus and resort-style living
Button to play video: The College Tour  - GCU - Full Episode

While you’re planning your in-person visit to GCU, get a jump start right now by catching GCU’s episode of The College Tour. In just under an hour, you’ll get an in-depth peek into life at GCU from real students who were once considering GCU — just like you!

GCU offers many degree options through 10 different colleges, including our Honors College. Explore our degree offerings today to find one right for you.

View All On-Campus Degrees

Club sports are not regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and do not have varsity status at the intercollegiate athletic level. However, club sports are organized and administered by their respective national sport governing body. Learn more at GCUClubSports.com

Travel reimbursement is only available to accepted prospective traditional campus students, plus one legal guardian, from a student’s home city/state to Phoenix, AZ. School/district/organizations staff, faculty and/or personnel are also eligible. To participate, the program requires a signed MOU by both the student and parent/guardian or personnel, approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location and education sector. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed, air OR ground. GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in or travel insurance fees. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.

2 Niche.com. (n.d.). 2024 Best College Dorms in America. Retrieved April 17, 2024.