Student Life

Get Connected

Take the time to get involved on campus and in the community. Gaining experience outside of the classroom will help you grow your network, explore your interests, and build your resume. The U of M Transfer Student Experience programs are a great place to start.

You can also search for involvement opportunities by using the engage.umn.edu website. You will find information on student groups, volunteer opportunities, internships, on-campus jobs, and more.


Getting Around

Walk

Use the Gopher Way to get to and from some buildings without going outside. The Parking and Transportation website has walking times between major buildings so you can plan ahead. If you are ever walking alone, day or night, you can call a campus security guard to walk with you for free at 624-WALK.

Bike

Biking can be a quick, cost-efficient way to travel to and from campus. There are many places to park your bike on campus. Be sure to check out the road rules and bike safety information before you travel to campus by bike.

Campus Conector/Circulator

There are free campus buses to help you get around campus. These buses all have bike racks and wheelchair lifts.

  • The Campus Connector takes you between all three campuses – East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul.
  • The Campus Circulators are mini buses that cover a specific area of campus.

Metro Transit Bus

There are many Metro Bus lines that pass through or near campus. University of Minnesota students who pay the Transportation and Safety Fee have unlimited access to the regional transit system in the Twin Cities metro area via the Universal Transit Pass

Driving

There are many different options for parking on or near campus. You can sign up for the contract spot lottery, or use the daily and hourly parking lots. If you park in the neighborhoods around campus be aware of the parking rules to avoid getting a ticket. It is also a good idea to keep informed about any snow emergencies to avoid getting a parking ticket or getting towed.


Housing

There out on-campus options and as well as several of the off-campus options. The U of M Office of Off Campus Living has a roommate finder as well as resources for students who are commuting to campus.

If you decide to rent, don’t rush into signing a lease. Student Legal Services can help you review a lease before you sign. The staff can also help you understand your rights if you have a conflict with a landlord.


Food

On-Campus

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a hot cup of coffee, the U has many options. You can find a list of the on-campus dining options on the University Dining Services website as well as information about meal plan options.

Off Campus

Don’t forget to check out the off-campus dining options, too. The Stadium VillageCedar-Riverside, and Dinkytown neighborhoods have a variety of coffee shops and restaurants.

There is also a free Nutritious U Food Pantry to help students get healthy and fresh foods.


Health and Wellness

 

The are many resources on campus to help you manage your stress and mental health. Effective U offers a free tutorial on Managing Your Stress or check out this Student Wellbeing Guide.
Professional assistance is also available through Boynton Health Services and Student Counseling Services.

There are many great resources on campus to keep you healthy and feeling well. Take advantage of the RecWell facilities, including the intramural teams and the Center for Outdoor Adventures.