Experience Campus Life at SMU | Academics, Activities & More | SMU
Source: https://www.smu.edu/admission/experience
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Experience Campus Life at SMU | Academics, Activities & More | SMU
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Find what matters to you
SMU is where your dreams become achievements. Whether you are studying what you love, making moves to develop a meaningful career, or finding ways to impact your community, we’ll help you channel your energy and unique qualities into the things that matter to you.
Plan your visit
Home at SMU
At Residential Commons casual get-togethers, Faculty in Residence treat students to homemade goodies while they relax and catch up with their friends.
Dining in
At SMU, you’ll find delicious food that you can savor at both Lee Dining Hall, in Umphrey Lee Center, and Arnold Dining Commons, which are all-you-care-to-eat residential restaurants that accommodate most dietary needs and preferences.
learn more
The world dines in Dallas.
From street food to fine dining, Dallas’ diverse food scene celebrates cuisines from nearly any spot on the globe. If you want Texas signatures, you can find some of the best tacos and barbecue in the state right here in Dallas.
The Legend of Sunday Night Snacks
Faculty-in-Residence, a member of faculty who live in the Residential Commons, create an atmosphere that allows students to be who they are.
Let us show you around
Imagine yourself at home on the Hilltop. This is where you’ll take thought-provoking classes, have meaningful conversations with your professors, make late-night dinner runs with your friends, and cheer on your favorite teams.
Explore visit options
Dive deeper on Mustang Days
Mustang Days give you a 360° view of SMU. Get the inside track on admission, scholarships, financial aid*, and campus life. Throw your toughest questions at our student panel, and let our deans and professors tell you everything you want to know about our academic programs.
View calendar
Great escapes, student approved
Dallas’ size, diversity, world-class museums – including SMU’s own Meadows Museum – and
awe-inspiring performance venues create exceptional opportunities for the bold, curious and
imaginative.
Explore
Dallas
Your place to live
Your Residential Commons is your instant community on campus. Because living-and-learning experiences outside class are an important part of the SMU experience, incoming first-year students are assigned to one of 11 Residential Commons, each with its own traditions. Led by a faculty member who serves as Faculty in Residence, each Commons integrates an academic focus and social opportunities.
Experience it for yourself
Mustang spirit
Home games fire up SMU spirit for our whole community. Friends meet on the Boulevard for great food and festivities then head to Ford Stadium to cheer on the team.
A legacy of spirit, tradition and pride
The way we welcome new Mustangs, the way we celebrate our most important times of the year, and the way we let loose and have a blast – it’s all part of what’s so great about SMU. We’re big on tradition and spirit here on the Hilltop, and we take a lot of pride in our community and the rich, century-long history the University has built.
learn more
Boulevarding
We don’t tailgate, we Boulevard. Before home games, the entire SMU community comes together for a giant celebration that spans Bishop Boulevard and spills onto Dallas Hall lawn. The energy is contagious as students and alums connect and cheer on the Mustangs!
Discover the boulevard
SMU and Dallas
Think big in
SMU and Dallas
to launch your successful future. You'll love to work hard on your dreams, with the can-do energy of Dallas fueling your experiences on campus and beyond.
Video
Great escapes, student approved
On a final-exam study break, SMU Mustangs Adam Czarnik ’22 and Jo Lew ’23 hit the Dallas Arts District to enjoy the best-ever grilled cheese sandwiches from Ruthie’s food truck, a spontaneous foosball match at Klyde Warren Park and an art museum trifecta.
Community
Meet new friends from different backgrounds when you go to class, join a club, or participate in fun campus events. Students come from all over the country and around the world to attend SMU.
Student life
From your first days as a new Mustang to graduation and important transition points between,
Student Affairs
supports your SMU experience with opportunities that go beyond the classroom and help you turn learning into action.
Video
Living on a college campus
Listen in as Alexa May ’23 and Emma White ’23 swap memories about the good times – and the cringe moments – while getting to know each other as first-year roommates.
Do I have to be Methodist to attend SMU?
Students do not have to be Methodist to attend SMU. About 6% of the SMU student population is Methodist. Our campus hosts students from other religions, including other Protestant denominations, Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek Orthodox, Islam, and many nonreligious students.
Spiritual life at SMU
Top 1%
of the country for liberal arts/sciences/humanities students pursuing a bachelor’s degree (College Factual 2025)
Top 20%
Best National Universities (
U.S. News & World Report
2026)
5
Nationally recognized undergraduate schools for 100+ majors and 85+ minors
Top 7%
of colleges with the highest paid graduates (PayScale College Salary Report 2024)
Co-curriculars
Whether you want to go head-to-head in a challenging competition or just stretch yourself and try something new, you’ll find your place at SMU.
Activities and organizations
At SMU, you have access to interest groups and events that speak to who you are and who you would like to become. Join intramural sports, performance groups, Greek life, service organizations and so many other amazing experiences that will connect you with fellow Mustangs.
Discover your interests
Your campus HQ for fitness and fun!
From team sports to personal fitness to active fun, you’ll find it all at the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.
Learn more
Join a sport club!
Sport clubs provide a broad-based program of recreational, competitive and instructional sport opportunities. The program is designed to promote participation in a wide variety of sport activities – complimenting the university’s intramural, intercollegiate and wellness programs.
learn more
Pursuits
What are you passionate about? SMU Meadows students turn practice into performance at the Owens Arts Center, creating art for public audiences.
What excites you?
Whether you care deeply about making an impact in your community or want to build a great career studying and pursuing what you love, we’re with you to help you channel your energy and unique qualities into the things that matter to you.
Explore majors
Schools
Undergraduate
Cox School of Business
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Lyle School of Engineering
Meadows School of the Arts
Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Graduate and Advanced Studies
Dedman School of Law
Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
Perkins School of Theology
Career readiness
Starting the day you arrive on the Hilltop, you will spend your next four years developing relationships with world changers like you – problem-solvers and leaders who will make an impact around the globe.
learn more
Ready to do big things?
Applying to SMU is the first step in making your college experience one that defines your future success. We carefully consider each application with the goal of adding dimension to our dynamic community of scholars.
Discover how to apply
Tips for success
The college application process can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Check out our tips for different steps along the way, from writing your essay to choosing a major.
tips for success
Success and support
We’re excited to be part of your story. Our caring faculty takes pride in mentorship and encouraging individual academic pursuits.
Student Academic Engagement and Success
Operating within the Office of the Provost (SMU’s chief academic officer), Student Academic Engagement and Success represents the University’s commitment to offering academic opportunities and support systems to help our students learn well and achieve success inside and outside the classroom.
Supporting your success
Seun Suberu ’23 co-founded the
CollegePlus
app to help students take control of their future. During his time at SMU, Suberu earned more than $85,000 in funding through multiple SMU competitions to fuel his startup.
Read Seun’s story
Scholarships and financial aid
Whether you are driven to make academic discoveries, explore big societal questions, or make waves in business or the arts, we’re with you to help channel your energy and talents into the things that matter to you.
learn more
Make moves to become career-ready
Take advantage of a variety of internships at Dallas-area businesses and beyond.
Discover our network
Request Information
Loading...
Search the SMU website
Search
Submit
Popular Searches
Current Students
Majors and Minors
Undergraduate Admission | SMU
Graduate Admission
Faculty & Staff
Graduate Programs
Alumni
Did you know?
SMU's singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with
hands-on experience
will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people
forging their own paths.
We'd like to
help you shape yours.
Plan your visit
Skip to main content
Find what matters to you
SMU is where your dreams become achievements. Whether you are studying what you love, making moves to develop a meaningful career, or finding ways to impact your community, we’ll help you channel your energy and unique qualities into the things that matter to you.
Plan your visit
Home at SMU
At Residential Commons casual get-togethers, Faculty in Residence treat students to homemade goodies while they relax and catch up with their friends.
Dining in
At SMU, you’ll find delicious food that you can savor at both Lee Dining Hall, in Umphrey Lee Center, and Arnold Dining Commons, which are all-you-care-to-eat residential restaurants that accommodate most dietary needs and preferences.
learn more
The world dines in Dallas.
From street food to fine dining, Dallas’ diverse food scene celebrates cuisines from nearly any spot on the globe. If you want Texas signatures, you can find some of the best tacos and barbecue in the state right here in Dallas.
The Legend of Sunday Night Snacks
Faculty-in-Residence, a member of faculty who live in the Residential Commons, create an atmosphere that allows students to be who they are.
Let us show you around
Imagine yourself at home on the Hilltop. This is where you’ll take thought-provoking classes, have meaningful conversations with your professors, make late-night dinner runs with your friends, and cheer on your favorite teams.
Explore visit options
Dive deeper on Mustang Days
Mustang Days give you a 360° view of SMU. Get the inside track on admission, scholarships, financial aid*, and campus life. Throw your toughest questions at our student panel, and let our deans and professors tell you everything you want to know about our academic programs.
View calendar
Great escapes, student approved
Dallas’ size, diversity, world-class museums – including SMU’s own Meadows Museum – and
awe-inspiring performance venues create exceptional opportunities for the bold, curious and
imaginative.
Explore
Dallas
Your place to live
Your Residential Commons is your instant community on campus. Because living-and-learning experiences outside class are an important part of the SMU experience, incoming first-year students are assigned to one of 11 Residential Commons, each with its own traditions. Led by a faculty member who serves as Faculty in Residence, each Commons integrates an academic focus and social opportunities.
Experience it for yourself
Mustang spirit
Home games fire up SMU spirit for our whole community. Friends meet on the Boulevard for great food and festivities then head to Ford Stadium to cheer on the team.
A legacy of spirit, tradition and pride
The way we welcome new Mustangs, the way we celebrate our most important times of the year, and the way we let loose and have a blast – it’s all part of what’s so great about SMU. We’re big on tradition and spirit here on the Hilltop, and we take a lot of pride in our community and the rich, century-long history the University has built.
learn more
Boulevarding
We don’t tailgate, we Boulevard. Before home games, the entire SMU community comes together for a giant celebration that spans Bishop Boulevard and spills onto Dallas Hall lawn. The energy is contagious as students and alums connect and cheer on the Mustangs!
Discover the boulevard
SMU and Dallas
Think big in
SMU and Dallas
to launch your successful future. You'll love to work hard on your dreams, with the can-do energy of Dallas fueling your experiences on campus and beyond.
Video
Great escapes, student approved
On a final-exam study break, SMU Mustangs Adam Czarnik ’22 and Jo Lew ’23 hit the Dallas Arts District to enjoy the best-ever grilled cheese sandwiches from Ruthie’s food truck, a spontaneous foosball match at Klyde Warren Park and an art museum trifecta.
Community
Meet new friends from different backgrounds when you go to class, join a club, or participate in fun campus events. Students come from all over the country and around the world to attend SMU.
Student life
From your first days as a new Mustang to graduation and important transition points between,
Student Affairs
supports your SMU experience with opportunities that go beyond the classroom and help you turn learning into action.
Video
Living on a college campus
Listen in as Alexa May ’23 and Emma White ’23 swap memories about the good times – and the cringe moments – while getting to know each other as first-year roommates.
Do I have to be Methodist to attend SMU?
Students do not have to be Methodist to attend SMU. About 6% of the SMU student population is Methodist. Our campus hosts students from other religions, including other Protestant denominations, Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek Orthodox, Islam, and many nonreligious students.
Spiritual life at SMU
Top 1%
of the country for liberal arts/sciences/humanities students pursuing a bachelor’s degree (College Factual 2025)
Top 20%
Best National Universities (
U.S. News & World Report
2026)
5
Nationally recognized undergraduate schools for 100+ majors and 85+ minors
Top 7%
of colleges with the highest paid graduates (PayScale College Salary Report 2024)
Co-curriculars
Whether you want to go head-to-head in a challenging competition or just stretch yourself and try something new, you’ll find your place at SMU.
Activities and organizations
At SMU, you have access to interest groups and events that speak to who you are and who you would like to become. Join intramural sports, performance groups, Greek life, service organizations and so many other amazing experiences that will connect you with fellow Mustangs.
Discover your interests
Your campus HQ for fitness and fun!
From team sports to personal fitness to active fun, you’ll find it all at the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.
Learn more
Join a sport club!
Sport clubs provide a broad-based program of recreational, competitive and instructional sport opportunities. The program is designed to promote participation in a wide variety of sport activities – complimenting the university’s intramural, intercollegiate and wellness programs.
learn more
Pursuits
What are you passionate about? SMU Meadows students turn practice into performance at the Owens Arts Center, creating art for public audiences.
What excites you?
Whether you care deeply about making an impact in your community or want to build a great career studying and pursuing what you love, we’re with you to help you channel your energy and unique qualities into the things that matter to you.
Explore majors
Schools
Undergraduate
Cox School of Business
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Lyle School of Engineering
Meadows School of the Arts
Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Graduate and Advanced Studies
Dedman School of Law
Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
Perkins School of Theology
Career readiness
Starting the day you arrive on the Hilltop, you will spend your next four years developing relationships with world changers like you – problem-solvers and leaders who will make an impact around the globe.
learn more
Ready to do big things?
Applying to SMU is the first step in making your college experience one that defines your future success. We carefully consider each application with the goal of adding dimension to our dynamic community of scholars.
Discover how to apply
Tips for success
The college application process can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Check out our tips for different steps along the way, from writing your essay to choosing a major.
tips for success
Success and support
We’re excited to be part of your story. Our caring faculty takes pride in mentorship and encouraging individual academic pursuits.
Student Academic Engagement and Success
Operating within the Office of the Provost (SMU’s chief academic officer), Student Academic Engagement and Success represents the University’s commitment to offering academic opportunities and support systems to help our students learn well and achieve success inside and outside the classroom.
Supporting your success
Seun Suberu ’23 co-founded the
CollegePlus
app to help students take control of their future. During his time at SMU, Suberu earned more than $85,000 in funding through multiple SMU competitions to fuel his startup.
Read Seun’s story
Scholarships and financial aid
Whether you are driven to make academic discoveries, explore big societal questions, or make waves in business or the arts, we’re with you to help channel your energy and talents into the things that matter to you.
learn more
Make moves to become career-ready
Take advantage of a variety of internships at Dallas-area businesses and beyond.
Discover our network
Request Information
Loading...
Search the SMU website
Search
Submit
Popular Searches
Current Students
Majors and Minors
Undergraduate Admission | SMU
Graduate Admission
Faculty & Staff
Graduate Programs
Alumni
Did you know?
SMU's singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with
hands-on experience
will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people
forging their own paths.
We'd like to
help you shape yours.
Plan your visit