Campus Life
Plant your roots here.
Welcome to 276 acres of awe-inspiring, potential-building, leading-edge, close-knit North Carolina college community. Our corner of Salisbury, NC, buzzes with life long after classes are over. More than 80% of our students live on campus. Why? Maybe it’s the wellness center, the volleyball courts, the special events and speakers, or 47 (and counting) clubs and orgs that make for some seriously good entertainment. Or maybe it’s the lush ecological preserve just outside our back door. How many colleges have that?
Get in the mix. Craft professional-level stage sets for Blue Masque. Network with the Future Business Leaders of America. Support animal welfare through Shelter Guardians. Take a break and string up your hammock. We’ve got room (and the perfectly spaced trees for it). Come make Catawba your home.
GET INVOLVED AND GO FAR.
Level-up your leadership skills in the ALPHA Orientation Leaders (AOLs). Network while hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Catawba Outdoor Adventures (COA) club. Join a Division II or intramural athletics team or make real change on the Catawba campus in student government. There are endless opportunities to invest in your passions — and maybe discover some new ones.
A CARBON-NEUTRAL CAMPUS NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD.
Catawba has been recognized by the EPA as a Green Power Partner. By leveraging geothermal energy, solar shelters, fully LEED-certified facilities, composting initiatives, and a campus garden, Catawba is reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the transition to a clean energy future.
The Catawba Campus Experience
Living on campus? Commuting from nearby? Or just curious about our home of Salisbury or other campus activities? Look no further.
Life on Campus
At Catawba, life on campus is more than where you sleep—it’s where you grow, connect, and thrive. Discover new passions, dive into unexpected interests, and build friendships that feel like family. From late-night study sessions to spontaneous adventures, campus life is where your Catawba experience comes to life—every hour of the day, every day of the week.
Life in Salisbury
Salisbury is the kind of place that feels like home the moment you arrive. Just a mile from campus, this vibrant small town is full of local charm and personality. Whether you're grabbing coffee with friends, browsing vintage shops, enjoying live music downtown, or picking up fresh groceries, everything you need is close by and always comes with a friendly smile. It’s a place where connections are easy to make and adventures are right around the corner.
Life as a Commuter Student
Commuter students are a vital part of our campus community and we’re here to make sure you feel right at home. From the best parking spots and cozy hangouts to library resources and student activities, we’ll help you plug into everything Catawba has to offer. Whether you're here for the day or staying late for an event, you’ll always find your place (and your people) on campus.
Volunteer Opportunities
At Catawba, giving back is part of who we are. Whether you're teaming up with Volunteer Catawba, joining a service project with your club or athletic team, or partnering directly with local nonprofits, there are countless ways to make a difference. Help build homes, stock food pantries, support youth programs, and see firsthand how your time and talents can strengthen our community.
Pillar Days
Pillar Days are uniquely Catawba. Four days each year when we pause classes to lean into what matters most. Each day centers on one of our core values: service, culture, character, and scholarship. Whether you're volunteering in the community, celebrating the arts, reflecting on personal growth, or diving deeper into your academic passions, Pillar Days invite you to engage, explore, and grow alongside your campus community. It’s Catawba’s mission in motion—and an unforgettable part of your college experience.
I know everyone in this courtyard. My professors text me if I don’t show up for class. It’s the Catawba community that keeps you coming back.
