On-Campus Living: Marshall University's Student Life

Marshall University is a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, United States. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,252, with 29% of students living in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 71% living off campus. The university offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including over 200 student organisations, 15 NCAA Division I sports teams, and a variety of clubs and fraternities. With a long history dating back to 1837, Marshall University provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment for its students.

29% of Marshall University students live on campus

Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, offers a vibrant campus life to its students, with 29% choosing to live on campus. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,252 students as of Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 42.5% male and 57.5% female students. Of these, 2,393 students live in college-affiliated housing, while the remaining 71% live off-campus.

The university's campus spans 114 acres and features ten residence halls, providing a range of housing options for its diverse student body. Marshall University is committed to creating an engaging and inclusive community for its students, with a strong focus on leadership development, fostering friendships, and embracing diversity. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1837, the university has grown and evolved over the years, now offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Marshall University is home to over 200 student organisations, including 20 fraternities and sororities, and 15 NCAA Division I sports teams. Athletics play a central role in campus life, with varsity sports considered a significant aspect of the Marshall experience. The university's athletic teams, known as the Thundering Herd, compete in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. The campus also offers a range of facilities for students, including a 123,000 sq ft recreation centre with an aquatic centre, spa, lap lanes, and a leisure area.

In addition to its vibrant campus life, Marshall University provides a comprehensive academic experience. The university is classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity" institution, offering a variety of degree programs and a semester-based academic calendar. With an average class size of 20 for undergraduate courses and 10 for graduate courses, the university ensures a personalised learning environment for its students. The university's faculty is highly distinguished, with 86% holding a PhD or terminal degree in their respective fields.

There are 10 residence halls on the main campus

Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, offers its students a variety of housing options. There are 10 residence halls on the main campus, with additional housing available on the Health Science campus. Of the 10 residence halls on the main campus, three are dedicated to first-year students, while six are reserved for upper-class students. This means that freshmen can expect to find a place to live on campus, with a range of options available to them.

The university's housing options cater to a range of student needs, with special housing available for disabled students. The residence halls are a key part of student life at Marshall University, with 29% of students living in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. This means that the majority of students, 71% to be precise, live off-campus.

The residence halls are a great way for students to get involved in campus life and build a sense of community. With a variety of housing options, students can find the right fit for their needs, whether they are first-year students or upperclassmen.

The university's main campus is home to a diverse range of students, with a gender distribution of 42.5% male and 57.5% female students. The residence halls are a reflection of this diversity, offering a range of living options to suit different student preferences and requirements. With a variety of housing options available, students can find a sense of community and build friendships within the residence halls.

The campus size is 114 acres

Marshall University is a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1837 and is named after John Marshall, the fourth chief justice of the United States. The campus size is 114 acres.

The university's campus is quite compact, covering only 114 acres of land. This relatively small size contributes to a sense of community and makes it easy for students to navigate. The campus is located in the city of Huntington, nestled in the beautiful state of West Virginia.

Within its 114-acre campus, Marshall University offers a wide range of facilities and resources for its students. The university boasts ten residence halls, providing on-campus housing for those who need it. It also has a variety of academic and support services, including libraries, research centres, and student affairs offices. The campus is also home to numerous student organisations and clubs, and athletic facilities, reflecting the importance of extracurricular activities and a well-rounded student experience.

The 114-acre campus of Marshall University has a rich history. The university was established in 1837 as a private subscription school, and the landmark Old Main building, which now serves as the primary administrative office, was built on land known as Maple Grove. Over time, the campus has expanded and evolved, with new buildings, departments, and programmes being added. Today, the campus is a vibrant hub of academic and extracurricular activities, offering a diverse range of opportunities for its students.

The campus size of 114 acres provides a compact and convenient space for students to pursue their academic and extracurricular interests. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident in the variety of facilities and resources available within this relatively small area. The campus also serves as a centre for the local community, with its athletic events, clubs, and organisations contributing to a vibrant and engaging student life.

The university has 20 fraternities and sororities

Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, has a long history of fraternities and sororities, with the university hosting these societies for 97 years. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is committed to the holistic development and success of all students, with a focus on scholarship, unity, service, philanthropy, and leadership.

Marshall University's fraternities and sororities are grouped into three councils, with the recruitment process varying between them. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) coordinates recruitment for men's fraternities at the start of the fall and spring semesters. The Panhellenic Council (PHC) holds a formal recruitment process for seven sororities at the beginning of the fall semester, with four rounds of recruitment events. Potential new members may receive an invitation to join a sorority on Bid Day. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) has its own process for prospective members, with each chapter determining its own set of intake requirements and dates.

The FSL community at Marshall University consists of over 500 students across 17 organisations. The fraternities and sororities provide a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood through various activities, including retreats, social events, programming with other chapters, parent events, and alumni activities. Members are also committed to giving back to the community through service and philanthropy initiatives.

The university's fraternities and sororities promote academic achievement, with scholastic standards being a vital part of the fraternal experience. The organisations recognise that academics are the primary reason their members attend college. The FSL community is dedicated to supporting chapter members in their academic pursuits, utilising campus resources, and encouraging individual accountability.

In addition to the sense of community and academic support, the fraternities and sororities at Marshall University offer leadership development opportunities. Members believe that success at the individual and chapter levels depends on cultivating skills and personal qualities that enhance growth and potential.

Overall, the fraternities and sororities at Marshall University provide a well-rounded experience that contributes to the holistic development of their members, fostering a sense of unity and community engagement, while also prioritising academic excellence and leadership skills.

71% of students live off campus

Marshall University, a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, has a large number of students living off campus. As of Fall 2023, 71% of students live off campus, while only 29% reside in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. This means that the vast majority of the total undergraduate enrollment of 8,252 students choose to live off campus.

There are several factors that may contribute to the high percentage of students living off campus at Marshall University. One reason could be the university's location in a city setting, which may offer a wider range of housing options compared to a more rural area. Additionally, the cost of living in the area could be a factor, as the university's location in West Virginia is known for its low cost of living.

Another factor could be the availability of on-campus housing. Marshall University offers ten residence halls on its main campus, with additional housing on its Health Science campus. However, with a large student body, there may not be enough on-campus housing to accommodate everyone who wishes to live on campus.

The decision to live off campus can also be influenced by students' preferences for more independence and privacy. Living off campus often provides students with more control over their living environment, such as having their own room or apartment, as well as the ability to choose their roommates. Additionally, some students may prefer to live off campus to be closer to specific amenities or to experience a different part of the city.

While living off campus offers certain advantages, it's important to consider the potential challenges as well. One of the main concerns for students living off campus is the commute to and from campus. Depending on the location of their off-campus housing, students may have to factor in additional time and expenses for transportation. Additionally, off-campus living can present more distractions and may require more effort to stay connected to campus life and activities.

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