Attention:

Northern Vermont University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

Make Yourself at Home at Northern Vermont University

Many Northern Vermont University students commute to campus for classes rather than live in our residence halls. But there’s more to college life than classes, no matter where you live. Both our Johnson and Lyndon campuses offer lots of ways for you to connect with your classmates, take advantage of campus cultural, recreational, and club opportunities, and ensure your college experience is rich and fulfilling. Learn more about ways for commuter students to make themselves at home at NVU below.

You’ve got classes all day. Where can you hang out in your down time or grab a bite to eat?

Dewey Hall

  • There are lockers available for use, free of charge. Bring your own lock to secure your personal belongings for daily use. For long-term use, register your locker with Public Safety.
  • A microwave and mini-fridge is also available in Dewey Commons.
  • Tables and chairs are available for group study
  • Soft seating with a beautiful view of the green mountains

Stearns Student Center

  • Fireplace Lounge: Tables and chairs are available for group study and a soft seating area near the fireplace – 4th floor
  • SGA Club house and TV lounge – 4th floor
  • Game room, vending machines, cinema and seating area – 1st floor
  • Performance Space – 2nd floor
  • Common Grounds Café – 4th floor
  • NVU Dining Hall-main floor – Commuter meal plans are available to purchase through NVU Dining Services

Willey Library and Learning Center

  • Tables and chairs available for group study
  • Individual nooks for quiet study
  • Soft seating with beautiful views of our campus
  • Vending machines (beverage and snack)
  • 24hr study lounge
  • Computer lab on 1st and 2nd floors

Where can I meet people and get involved on campus?

  • Attend the Commuter Coffee Events: there are two each semester in Dewey Commons: September and November
  • Get active! There are several varsity sport teams to join; intramural, recreation and fitness offerings weekly at the SHAPE Facility and around campus.
  • Student Led Activities Planning (S.L.A.P.) hosts events throughout the week and weekend; come and enjoy or get involved with S.L.A.P. and bring your own events to life!
  • Check the media screens and posters around campus for upcoming events
  • Read the weekly Where’s the Fun email for scheduled events
  • Join or start a student club. It takes only four students to start a club
  • Attend the Club Involvement Fair on the campus Quad during welcome week
  • Be a voice for your peers and join the Student Government Association, Stearns Student Center, 4th floor
  • Volunteer through the SERVE Office, Stearns Student Center, 4th floor

Need Computer Access? Computers are located in the following areas:

  • Willey Library and Learning Center: 1st and 2nd floors
  • Martinetti Hall: 1st floor

Parking

Typical Winter Road Conditions

  • Our campus is located on a hill; therefore, you should have good snow tires on your vehicle.
  • Store a snow brush, ice scraper, cat litter or a bag of sand, anti-freeze, a flashlight or flares in case of inclement weather

Class Cancellations

  • Class cancellations will be posted on the NVU portal.
  • You may also call the Class Cancellation Line at 802.635.1638
  • If the University is closed due to emergency or weather-related reasons, you can receive these notifications by registering for our Campus Emergency Text Alert system.

Job Opportunities for Commuter Students

While most offices only hire students with federal work-study, there are some non-work study jobs also available on campus.
Visit the Campus Job Fair on the campus Quad during welcome week.

Can I still have a meal plan on campus?

Yes! Commuter students may sign up for any of the offered meal plans— including both residential and commuter plans. Please visit the NVU-Johnson Sodexo website for more information on the plans we offer and how to sign up!

Living on Campus

If you wish to live on campus long term, please contact Jeff Bickford, Director of Residence Life at 802.635.1200 or Jeffrey.Bickford@NorthernVermont.edu or visit him in his office in Dewey Hall.

About half of students that attend Lyndon live off campus, and we offer events and a commuter student group just for you!

You’ll have a chance to meet other students outside of the classroom and share your experiences. For more information contact us at Commuter@NorthernVermont.edu .

Helpful Links for Commuter Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered to be a commuter student at Lyndon?
Anyone living off campus whether part time, or full time.

How important is involvement in student life and student activities?
To make the most out of your Lyndon experience, we recommend that you get involved! There are many clubs that may hold your interest. Getting involved can help you form relationships with students outside of the classroom. Being a commuter can make forming connections on campus difficult; but, getting involved can help!

Can I still have a meal plan on campus?
Yes! Commuter students may sign up for any of the offered meal plans— including both residential and commuter plans. Please visit the NVU-Lyndon Sodexo website for more information on the plans we offer and how to sign up!

What happens in inclement weather? Will I be able to stay overnight on campus?
Yes, commuter students are eligible for overnight stay on campus if they do not feel safe driving home in bad weather. Please contact the Student Affairs office at 802.626.6418 during business hours or the Hall Director on call at 802.274.3152 after hours.

For weather conditions state-wide, call 1.800.ICY.ROAD (429.7623) or visit 511VT.com

How will I find out about canceled classes or school closings?
The decision to delay or cancel classes or close the campus is made by 6 a.m. This decision is also conveyed to the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, the primary source of weather cancellation information for all radio and television stations statewide. The announcement is recorded on the campus class cancellation line 802.626.6767, posted on the portal and on the campus Kiosk system as well as social media.