Student Life
Find your fit at DSU
DSU offers a close-knit campus experience with the energy of a larger university. Our community is welcoming and supportive, helping students feel at home while they pursue their goals. With over 3,000 students involved in athletics, academic teams, research, and a wide range of clubs and organizations, there’s always something happening and always a way to get involved.
Get involved at DSU
Clubs & organizations
Get involved in any of our clubs and student organizations. Connect with like-minded people and lean into your passions or discover a new interest.
Cheer on the Trojans
At DSU, we take pride in fostering a vibrant community that embodies school spirit. Whether you're cheering on one of our 11 NAIA athletic teams or supporting our growing esports community, there's always a reason to rally together. Join your peers, get involved, and stay connected with the latest in DSU athletics through the Trojan Playbook.
University wellbeing
DSU is committed to supporting student well-being, safety, and engagement. From health and wellness resources to recreational opportunities and campus safety, students have access to services that promote a secure, active, and balanced college experience.
Life at DSU
Becoming a Trojan is all about connection and community. From flexible dining options and welcoming residence halls to programs like FYRE that support first-year students, campus life is designed to help you thrive. Whether you're exploring Madison, joining a club, or taking a campus tour, there's always a way to get involved and feel at home.
Dining
Dining at DSU offers a variety of convenient options for students, faculty, and staff. The main dining hall features daily meals, fresh salads, pizza, and baked goods, while the campus store provides quick grab-and-go choices. DSU provides flexible meal plans and menus that accommodate diverse dietary needs.
FYRE
FYRE (First Year Residential Experience) is a DSU tradition that helps new students adjust to college life through community, mentorship, and events. Led by residence life staff and student leaders, FYRE supports academic and personal growth while building connections in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Housing
Residence Life at DSU is a place to grow, learn, and connect. From traditional residence halls for first-year students to apartment-style living for upperclassmen, there’s a space for everyone. Nearly 1,000 students call campus home, forming a vibrant and inclusive residential community.
Traditions
Trojan Days
Trojan Days is our annual Homecoming celebration, bringing together alumni, students, and the Madison community to honor long-standing traditions and school spirit.
Family weekend
Family Weekend is a campus-wide event that welcomes parents, families, and guests to experience student life and explore the DSU community. Enjoy a full day of activities, campus tours, and local attractions.
Trojans Give Back
Trojans Give Back is a day dedicated for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together to give back to the Madison community through service projects and volunteer efforts. The day also includes fundraising to support scholarships and campus programs.
Nanocon
Nanocon is a four-day annual gaming convention featuring a wide range of events, including card game tournaments, vendor showcases, karaoke, and more.
Student success & accessibility
At DSU, we make each student our top priority as they work towards their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through our development and accessibility services, we offer tailored support and career readiness resources that encourage success both inside the classroom and beyond.
Plan your visit
The best way to experience DSU is by visiting campus. Choose from personalized tours, group visits, or preview days to explore student life and meet with admissions staff. While you're here, enjoy Madison’s scenic parks, lakes, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. There’s plenty to discover both on and off campus.
Student life news
DSU students attend annual SD Biotech meeting
Several Dakota State University students joined Dr. Andrew Sathoff in attending the SD Biotech Summit annual meeting recently in Sioux Falls.
DSU team wins Wild West Hackin’ Fest CTF competition
Two Dakota State University students and two alumni earned first place competing in the two-day Wild West Hackin’ Fest (WWHF) Capture the Flag (CTF) competition in Deadwood earlier this month.
DSU student studied microplastics in Utah over summer
Dakota State University international student, Basbo Ayelazono, spent the summer studying microplastics at the University of Utah in its mechanical engineering department.