A view of the Great Lawn from Christopher Newport Hall as students enjoy sunny weather.

Campus Life at CNU

Active Student Networks and Top Facilities

Earn more than a degree at CNU

College isn’t just about earning credits - it’s about finding your people, chasing your passions, and building a life you love. At CNU, you’ll step onto a campus that’s buzzing with energy, filled with opportunities, and built for you to thrive. Picture yourself grabbing coffee with friends before class, leading a club you love, or cheering with hundreds of Captains at a big game. From world-class facilities to a community that feels like family, this is where your next chapter begins.

The Best Residence Halls in Virginia

Your college home should be a place you actually love to live. At CNU, you’ll enjoy the best dorms in Virginia and the fourth-best in the entire nation, with modern, spacious rooms, suite-style layouts, and apartment options that make campus living comfortable and fun. From lounges and study spaces to entryways with vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. All first, second and third-year students are guaranteed housing, thanks to seven residence halls and the Greek Village.

See Housing Options
York Residence hall at sunset

Food for Every Tastebud (and Allergy)

At CNU, every meal is more than just a bite to eat, it’s a chance to connect, recharge, and feel at home. Whether you’re enjoying made-to-order dishes that fit your dietary needs, grabbing fan-favorite fast food between classes, or sipping anytime coffee with friends, our dining options are as diverse as our campus community. And don’t be surprised if your morning omelet comes with a smile from the same friendly staff member who’s been making Captains’ mornings for years. Here, mealtime is where friendships grow and traditions are served daily.

Check Out Dining at CNU
Students eating in the Bistro
“What makes CNU feel like home? It’s the people. The professors know you by name, friends save you a seat in class and wave as you walk by, and everyone on campus is rooting for you, cheering you on to succeed.”

Brianna Jones '26
Major: Business Management
Minors: Leadership Studies and Communication

Brianna Jones

Enduring Traditions

Traditions run deep at CNU. From meeting friends on the Great Lawn to Wednesday Walks with the President, our campus is alive with rituals that connect generations of Captains. We hold doors for one another, not just because it’s polite, but because it’s who we are. These moments, big and small, create a sense of belonging that lasts long after graduation.

Students walking during a Wednesday Walk

Close-Knit Campus

CNU’s size makes it easy to know people and be known. You’ll pass friends (and future friends) on the Great Lawn, join the buzz around annual campus events, and cheer shoulder-to-shoulder at games. Small class sizes mean professors don’t just teach you, they mentor you. Christopher Newport is a campus where people look out for each other and where your presence matters.

Students greeting each other on campus

Arts Experiences on Campus

From Broadway stars to Grammy-winning musicians, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors to world-class exhibitions, the arts are alive at CNU. The Ferguson Center for the Arts and the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center bring culture, inspiration, and high-impact experiences to campus year-round. Even more, these spaces are powered by student creativity through performances, exhibitions, and behind-the-scenes work that keeps the arts thriving.

Student playing guitar on stage

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Student playing guitar on stage

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