What's Campus Life Like at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA?

I've been looking into Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and I'm interested in learning more about campus life there. Can anyone share experiences or insights about student life or the atmosphere on campus?

Graceland University is a small, private school with a student population of around 1200 students, which often fosters a strong sense of community. Being in the small town of Lamoni, the campus can serve as the main hub of activity for students.

The campus is relatively compact, making it easy for students to get from one location to another. The physical closeness often extends to the relationships built there, as students, faculty, and staff typically know one another on a first-name basis.

One notable aspect of student life at Graceland University is the house system. This isn't a traditional Greek life system you'd see at bigger institutions. Instead, it's a living and learning community-based system where students have their "houses" rather than dorms, much like the system seen in the Harry Potter books. Each house has elected leaders, traditions, and competition with other houses, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie and belonging.

In terms of activities, there are over 50 student clubs and organizations, covering a broad range of interests from professional to recreational. The university also has a strong commitment to service: many students participate in community outreach and volunteer projects both on campus and in the broader Lamoni community.

Athletics play a significant role on the Graceland campus too, and students can participate in or cheer on friends at variety of sports games. The school is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), so some sports teams compete at a high level.

While the town of Lamoni isn't a bustling metropolis, students find ways to enjoy off-campus activities, like visits to the town's local shops and restaurants, attending community events, or enjoying the beauty of Iowa's rural landscape.

Overall, the consensus seems to be that Graceland has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Its small size allows for close-knit relationships to form and for students to be involved in various aspects of campus life, whether that's living in a house, joining a club, doing community service, or attending various campus events. If you can, I highly recommend taking a campus tour, so you can evaluate some of these qualities for yourself: https://www.graceland.edu/admissions-aid/visit/ . There are virtual visits available, so you don't even need to leave your home!