Top Perks of Being an ESU Student

ESU is a university known for providing a quality education at an affordable price. However, students often miss out on knowing just how many benefits ESU offers for on-campus students. And if you don’t know about it, how can you use it? At Challenge, we want to see students thrive in life physically, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. That’s why we have put together this list for you! Read on to see the top perks of being a student at ESU.

Disclaimer: This list was last updated in February 2026. Benefits and services included in tuition are subject to change over time. Please consult emporia.edu or reach out to your academic advisor for the most updated information.

Physical Thriving

  • Emporia State University offers basic health services right on campus in the Student Wellness Center. Those full-time students on campus can schedule medical appointments at a highly discounted cost and receive selected treatments and immunizations. Click here to explore the health services that are offered at ESU.

  • Students can make use of the fully equipped Student Recreation Center on campus. Free for full-time students on campus, the recreation center offers a variety of workout equipment, a multipurpose gymnasium, an indoor walking track, indoor table games, and free exercise classes. Explore Student Recreation and Fitness services here.

  • Emporia State University has its own police force hired to keep campus safe. They are trained in the same way and to the same standard as other Lyon County and Kansas State police officers. Campus police offer escort services around campus, courtesy first aid, emergency message delivery, and help with minor vehicle issues such as lockouts and batteries that need jumped. There are also several emergency phones placed around campus for students to quickly call campus police if needed. Learn more details about ESU Police and Safety Services here.

Emotional Thriving

  • Full-time students on campus have access to a variety of counseling resources. One such resource is the online counseling center full of apps to support stress management, positive coping strategies, and emotional support. ESU also has on-site counselors ready to meet with students for same-day appointments if needed. Students have five free sessions of counseling available per semester. After five sessions the cost is $5 per session. For more information about Counseling Services at ESU, click here.

  • Emporia State offers the opportunity for students to connect with 80+ different recognized student organizations. These offer students more opportunities to explore and grow in their life goals, build friendships, and serve the community. Many of these organizations also offer leadership opportunities and extra projects for students who want to grow even more in their goals. See the current list of Emporia State Recognized Student Organizations here.

  • The Union Activities Council is a team that works year-round to plan enriching experiences and events for ESU - and almost everything is completely free for students! There is really no limit to the types of events they might plan in the year. From workshops to guest speakers to live concerts to giant parties, really anything is on the table and you don’t want to miss these incredible moments while you are at Emporia State.

Academic/Vocational Thriving

  • In each building of campus, students have access to free wifi included in their tuition. This allows students to work and study in any building or atmosphere they choose around campus. There are also available computer labs for all students in the William Allen White Library. Course and major-specific labs are also located all throughout campus.

  • Students forever have access (even after graduating) to Emporia State’s Career Services. Career services provides help with internship and job searches, career exploration, resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and more!

  • The financial aid office provides counsel and support for students in filling out the FAFSA and understanding grant, scholarship, and loan options available. Learn more about the financial aid office here.

  • Students are given an academic advisor at the beginning of their journey with Emporia State. Your academic advisor is someone devoted to helping you succeed in college. They are trained in helping you work through common academic issues and are always excited to schedule a meeting with you to resolve any stresses or barriers to you reaching academic success.

  • Emporia State also offers tutoring services and other supplemental support for classes that just aren’t clicking for you. Your academic advisor will know how to set you up!

  • One of the top study spots on campus, the WAW library is full of resources to support you on your academic journey. These resources include study rooms, computer labs, online databases, and educational events.

  • ESU provides students with technical assistance as needed through the IT Help Desk. Click here to see the hours of service and how to contact the help desk.

Spiritual Thriving

  • Emporia State has various faith-based RSOs (short for “recognized student organizations”), including us! Getting involved with Christian Challenge will likely be the best resource you can utilize while in college. We are committed to holistic health and thriving and aim to support students in all types of life situations. Reach out here to start connecting with someone on our staff!

  • The Memorial Union at ESU has many different spaces where you can meet with others for prayer and Bible studies. Registered student organizations, such as Christian Challenge, can even reserve these spaces so you can show up without worrying if someone else might be using the space.