Student Life


Make the most of every moment
We're a small school with big heart. Our campus is a warm, welcoming place that strengthens and enhances your educational experience. You get all the benefits of a close-knit school with the amenities of a world-class university.
DSU students work hard, but we have just as much fun. Our community of 3,000 plus students is active in athletics, academic teams, research, and clubs and organizations. From ultimate frisbee to anime, intramural sports to volunteer opportunities, there's a way to find your people.

FYRE (First Year Residence Experience)
Our signature program for first-year students is designed to help you transition to college life.

Academic teams
Apply your tech skills as part of a regionally and nationally competitive team challenged with programming, cyber defense, and more.
Living, learning, growing
We take a holistic approach to student life at DSU. The First-Year Experience (FYRE) program helps you transition to college. On-campus housing provides a supportive, safe, and comfortable home base. Our Counseling Center is your go-to for help with academic, mental health, and substance use counseling. We have dedicated staff to assist veterans, international students, and students with disabilities. There's even a new program, STRONG, tasked with supporting students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Wellness is a priority at DSU. We offer a number of fresh, healthy, and convenient dining options. If you want to get in some exercise, you can take a dip in the pool or shoot hoops with your membership to the on-campus Madison Community Center. Under the weather? Visit the Student Health Office nurse to treat minor illness or injury (rest assured, urgent or emergency care is nearby at Madison Regional Health).
Events
News

DakotaCon impacts careers
DakotaCon is an annual cybersecurity conference that is a great venue for anyone who wants to explore the field of cybersecurity. The agenda includes a lineup of distinctive speakers, a competition, and business trainings.

Research events highlight DSU accomplishments
Dakota State University’s rising research efforts will be highlighted at the annual Research Week on March 17-23. Competitions, student research presentations, a cybersecurity conference, and several guest speakers are on the agenda.

DSU Entrepreneurs Day returns to Madison
Dakota State University’s seventh annual Entrepreneurs Day is returning to Madison on Friday, March 28, in the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The event will be open to the public and livestreamed.