You’re More than a Student. Live Your Fullest Life at Washburn.

At Washburn University, student life is about more than academics – it is about discovering a vibrant, supportive community where you can thrive in every aspect of your college experience. Whether you are connecting with fellow Ichabods at campus events, diving into leadership opportunities or finding your niche in one of our many student organizations, you will feel empowered to grow personally and socially. Our welcoming environment and friendly vibe make it easy to build lifelong friendships and create meaningful connections. This is a place where your voice is heard, your passions are encouraged and every step you take leads to new opportunities. Make the most of campus life at Washburn!

Bods Get Involved in Big Ways

Get involved at Washburn from day one! From student organizations and Greek Life to a whole host of Welcome Week activities, you have the chance to immediately immerse yourself in campus life and experience the tight-knit vibe that is Washburn University. Looking for leadership opportunities to build your skills and your resume? At Washburn, students don’t have to wait until their junior or senior years – you will have opportunities throughout your college experience to take the lead and make an impact on those around you, both on campus and in the community. Bods Connect, Bod Talk and Navigate are just a few tools that will connect you to the start of something amazing at Washburn.

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Campus events

Enjoy hundreds of events held on Washburn’s campus every year—there’s always something happening!

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Student organizations

Washburn University offers more than 125 clubs and student organizations that provide a chance to build friendships and life-long memories.

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Quickly find a path

Most Ichabods find their future within 6 months of graduation.

Everything you need is on Campus

Living on campus ensures you are in the thick of campus life. Our students live in modern residence halls with dining options just a few feet away. Other short walks include the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, or The Rec, along with the Ichabod Shop Bookstore, Student Health, University Libraries and more! Studies show that students who live on campus have higher GPAs, get more involved in college life and express greater satisfaction than their peers who live off campus. Let Washburn be your new home away from home and choose the ease, convenience and security of on-campus living.

You Belong at Washburn

Washburn is a community that cultivates opportunity. We offer higher learning for personalized success, helping you build the path that suits you best for where you are and where you want to go in life. Along this important journey, you will find people who offer care and support and campus services to suit your every need. Our smaller, family environment provides a sense of belonging and creates a home away from home where you can thrive academically and socially. Connect with caring, engaging faculty. Get to know our friendly staff. At Washburn, you are never a number – you are part of a community that is ready to support you and cheer for you. You belong at Washburn.

two students sitting in class smiling

Have Fun While Making an Impact on Day One

“Student life stood out the most to me because Washburn offers so many student organizations and club opportunities. I was very involved in high school, so I wanted to have the same involvement here at Washburn."

-Emma Morrissey, alumna and current SOL student

With a Tip of the Hat, Go Bods! two marching band members outdoors  performing

Marching Ichabods

Ichabod spirit and school pride are important parts of campus life at Washburn. Join Washburn’s band, the Marching Ichabods, as they perform before football games and during halftime.

spirit squad throwing a squad member up in the air for a cheer with bell tower in background

Spirit Squad

If dancing or cheering is your passion, try out for the Washburn Spirit Squad. Comprised of the Washburn Cheer team, the Dancing Blues and our Mr. Ichabod performers, these talented students enhance the campus experience while rooting for their fellow Bods on the field, court or pitch. They also have a long tradition of performing well at national competition, as well as serving as ambassadors in our community.

bod squad in stadium crowd at football game

Bod Squad

If you would rather support from the stands, join the Bod Squad. This group of enthusiastic students take a front row at Washburn athletic events and make their voices heard.

Events for everyone throughout the year!

five students standing and smiling with trees and blue sky behind

Weeks of Welcome

  • Start your college experience with fun events and activities while finding your place in the Washburn community. Check out all that Washburn has to offer as you begin living college life to the fullest.
cheerleaders outside at event

Homecoming

  • Homecoming is a special time at Washburn that brings alumni and current students together for a week of celebration. Spirit Week begins the fun with special themes marking each day, and longtime traditions such as Yell Like Hell and Ichabods of Honor. At week’s end, get a front row seat to the Homecoming parade, tailgating and the football game.
students at WUFEST event signing up at organizations table

Bowtie

  • Finding your community at Washburn is as easy walking through the Memorial Union! Check out Bowtie, a student involvement fair that helps you find organizations that fit you best. If you are looking for a special experience off-campus, check out a long list of Study Abroad options. Choose either a semester or an entire year and better prepare yourself for the fast-paced global society that awaits you.
Ichabod mascot giving child a high five at outdoor event

Family Weekend

  • This time-honored tradition brings your family and friends to Washburn so they can see, firsthand, what campus life is all about. From games on the Memorial Lawn to tailgating and Ichabod Football, Family Weekend provides fun activities that everyone can enjoy.
students in aerobics class

Focus on Your Health and Wellness

Maintaining physical and mental health is important for academic and personal success. Washburn provides many resources to help you feel your best so you can do your best. Visit Student Health Services for urgent care of injury, pre-participation physical exams, immunizations and more. If you need mental health care, take advantage of Washburn’s free counseling services. Stay in shape at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC), better known on campus as The Rec. As the Washburn gym, it offers weights and workout machines, basketball courts, fitness classes and even a rock climbing wall. No matter your exercise of choice, The Rec has something for everyone.


students standing with Ichabod mascot outside

Find Community in Fraternity & Sorority Life

Gain a whole new family at Washburn through Greek Life! By developing friendships with your sorority sisters or fraternity brothers, you will make strong bonds and life-long memories. Fraternity and sorority life at Washburn is built on the principles of scholarship, leadership, service, community and campus pride. From raising money for a campus project to building a float at Homecoming, you will create a positive impact on others while making the most of your own college experience.


student and instructor at desk with computer

Find Individual, Academic Support at Tutoring Centers on Campus

Personalized, academic support is waiting for you on the Washburn University campus. The Writing Center in Plass Learning Resources Center offers in-person, one-on-one help with writing across all disciplines. If working with numbers is a challenge, Washburn offers a Math Lab and a Math Tutoring Center to help you solve an equation. But the assistance does not end there! Many disciplines offer tutoring from biology to psychology, and there is even virtual tutoring available which means you can access help anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Best of all, tutoring at Washburn is free.


three students sitting outside smiling at camera

Find Services for Every Need

At Washburn, you belong—no matter your background or journey. You’ll have access to services designed to support every part of your experience like health & safety, counseling, our iAlert system and our friendly Business Office staff. You’ll feel supported, prepared and confident every step of the way.


student smiling

Prepare for your Career after Washburn

At Washburn University, the office of Career Engagement will help you turn your goals into reality. From day one, you get personalized support to explore your interests, build your resume, and practice for interviews. You'll connect with employers, attend career fairs, and access internships that give you real-world experience. Whether you're unsure about your major or ready to launch your career, Career Engagement will put you on the right path to succeed after graduation.


Krista Wilson

Washburn Doesn't Just Feel like Home It Is Home

“Student life was a big factor in my decision to come to Washburn. I lived in the residence halls for a year on campus. I like that a lot. I felt really safe living there and being there. They have lots of events and different celebrations of whatever’s going on all the time, so there’s always something going on here.”

- Krista Wilson

Small School, Big City

Make Your Mark in Topeka, the Capital City

Washburn offers the best of both worlds – not too big, but not too small. Located in a metro area, the University is in the heart of Topeka and just minutes from large financial services companies, major hospitals and the Kansas Statehouse which is the hub of state politics. Jobs and internships are directly in our backyard! If you need a break from campus life, explore the many benefits of living in Topeka. From entertainment to boutique shops and big box stores to unique bistros, you will find something that appeals to the shopper or foodie in you.

students in noto Topeka sitting in front of colorful mural

Bods are Connected to the Community

At Washburn, you can connect to more than just the campus community. You will have opportunities to be part of something bigger and connect to the Topeka community that we call home. Service projects such as the Big Event allow you to spend a Saturday each spring volunteering for one of our local United Way agencies. Build camaraderie with other Ichabods while getting to know folks who are passionate about bettering our community. If alleviating food insecurity for others is a passion, volunteer for our food and commodities pantry on campus called Bods Feeding Bods. Or join Forge, an organization within the Greater Topeka Partnership that offers opportunities for young people ages 18 to 40 to participate in educational, philanthropic, networking and social programs. Going to college is a great time to discover and carve out your own path to make a difference today while becoming a community leader of tomorrow. Start the process at Washburn.

Campus Events

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