Student Life at Lehigh

Lehigh students live on a breathtaking campus surrounded by intelligent and inspiring peers and mentors. They explore their interests—and discover new ones— both on and off campus, in Bethlehem and abroad. And they certainly don’t run out of things to do—Lehigh bustles with activity and opportunity throughout the year.

91%

of Lehigh undergraduate students participate in an extracurricular activity

15+

international cuisines within walking distance

840,000+

people live in the Lehigh Valley

Students attending a football game

Vibrant Student Life

From the moment you arrive on campus, you’ll be welcomed into a campus community that encourages you to do what you love and try some new things, too. Whatever your interests, Lehigh’s student clubs and organizations provide countless opportunities to get involved, and a range of resources offer support and guidance throughout your college experience.

Students at the club expo

Clubs & Organizations

With more than 200 clubs and organizations, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. Options range from professional and academic organizations to intramural and club sports to performing arts and political clubs—and if you can’t find your niche, you’ll have the resources to create your own.

President John Simon talking to students on campus

Resources & Support

Lehigh offers resources to help you succeed and plenty of friendly faces ready to lend a hand. Beginning with orientation, the Office of First-Year Experience provides guidance for your academic and social transition, and the Dean of Students Office is committed to supporting your intellectual and personal development throughout your college career. You’ll also find nationally recognized welcoming spaces across campus—the Center for Gender Equity, the Chaplain’s Office, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Pride Center and the Office of Student Access and Success—that facilitate connections and community building.

Students in the bed races

Spirit Week

The week leading up to the Lehigh-Lafayette football game is considered a favorite amongst the entire campus community. Students take place in new and 150+-year old traditions, and campus is full of school spirit.

Bed Races: Students form teams, decorate beds and drag race them down the length of Memorial Walk in one of Lehigh’s most treasured and unique traditions.

Eco-flame: The Marching 97, Lehigh’s marching band, marches in and out of classrooms and other campus buildings playing Lehigh fight songs on the Friday of Spirit Week.

The Rivalry Game: The Lehigh-Lafayette game (or the Rivalry, as it’s known) is the most-played rivalry in college football—the schools have faced one another since 1884.

Students at a Lehigh After Dark event

Campus Events

Arts, entertainment, Division-I sports, world-renowned speakers: You’ll find it all on Lehigh’s campus.

Students working on the set for a play

Arts

Zoellner Arts Center, a hub of creative expression for the university and the local community, features three theaters and is home to outstanding student productions open to any major. Zoellner Arts Center also hosts world-class speakers such as Pete Souza and David Sedaris, and houses Lehigh University Art Galleries, a teaching museum that maintains and develops the university’s world-class collection of more than 14,000 objects.

Basketball players on the court

Athletics

Lehigh competes at the Division I level with a total of 25 sports for men and women, including football, wrestling, basketball, softball and swimming. This provides for a vibrant fan experience for all students as well as a first-class athletics program for student athletes.

You know you're a Lehigh student when...

  • you've been planning your team's bed race costumes for months.
  • you're best buddies with the Lehigh therapy dogs, Grace and Scout.
  • you've lost track of time studying under Linderman's rotunda.
  • you have calves of steel from the 2,600 stairs on campus.
  • your favorite sandwich is from The Goose's secret menu.
  • you think "Le-Laf" is the best week of the year.

Student Resources

Learning

Living

Activities and Community

 

Aerial view of South Side Bethlehem

Our College Town

Lehigh is located in Bethlehem, Pa., within the Lehigh Valley, which is the third-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania. Lehigh’s home in the SouthSide Arts District offers an eclectic blend of shops, services, restaurants and cafes. Take a walk on the South Bethlehem Greenway, enjoy a delicious lunch or from-scratch dessert, or visit the local movie houses or music venues.

Lehigh is a short drive or bus ride from Philadelphia and New York City, offering students ample opportunities for internships, networking events and fun excursions. More fun and adventure can be found within 30 minutes of campus – explore the great outdoors by hiking the Appalachian Trail, and camping and skiing in the Pocono Mountains.

Student Profiles

Lehigh students come from across the globe and across the world, but a common thread runs through them all—they believe that with every challenge comes opportunity. Meet our amazing students.

Neha Paras
Keagan Casey
Marina Mendez
Zemichael Gebeyehu