Top 5 Must-See Features to Check Out During Your College Tour
Experience the community, energy, and campus moments that make Sacred Heart University feel like home.
Key Highlights
- Students touring Sacred Heart University can use their college visit checklist to explore academic facilities, residence halls, dining options, recreation spaces, and downtown Fairfield
- Sacred Heart University offers hands-on academic facilities, including AI, cybersecurity, motion capture, and simulation labs designed for real-world learning
- Campus housing options range from traditional first-year residence halls to modern pod-style and apartment-style living communities
- SHU dining locations include JP’s diner, 63’s, Thea’s Abbey, and Linda’s, with gluten-free, allergen-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options available
- Students can access recreation and arts facilities including a bowling alley, rock-climbing wall, HD sports simulator, dance studios, and performance spaces
- Downtown Fairfield gives students easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and coastal Connecticut experiences just minutes from campus
The college search is about more than information and rankings—it’s about discovering a school that feels like home for you. At Sacred Heart University, campus life extends far beyond the classroom. From cutting-edge academic spaces to vibrant student hangouts, every corner of SHU is designed to support student success and experience. We talked to some of SHU’s student ambassadors who identified the top must-see features on campus.
Plan your visit and experience SHU firsthand. See campus life in action—schedule your visit today.
Schedule Your VisitAcademic Facilities
See where your future career begins
Academic facilities at SHU are designed to reflect the way students learn today, blending modern technology with hands-on experience. West Campus, the former General Electric headquarters, is home to the Welch College of Business & Technology, Farrington College of Education & Human Development, School of Computing & Engineering, and School of Social Work. West Campus also has several labs, including the AI Lab, the Cybersecurity Lab, the Motion Capture Lab, the IDEA Lab, and the NeXReality Lab.
“The Welch College of Business & Technology is such an incredible part of campus,” said Lauren McQuillan ‘27, a student ambassador and sports communication & media major. “The resources available to students are so unique and help first-year students feel welcomed while making the transition to college life easier.”
Another stand-out facility on campus is the Center for Healthcare Education, home to the College of Health Professions and the Davis & Henley College of Nursing. The Center for Healthcare Education recently expanded approximately 60,000 square feet to include new academic, clinical, and student-centered space. Features include simulation labs, bedside skills labs, classrooms, faculty offices, and collaborative student spaces designed to mirror real-world health care environments.
“Families are always fascinated by the anatomage tables because they’re such an innovative learning tool,” said Deven Taggart ’27, a student ambassador and health science major.
Residence Halls
Building community that lasts a lifetime
From traditional first-year housing to modern apartment-style living, each residence option at SHU is designed to support comfort, connection, and independence.
Mia Coluccio, director of campus experience, said, “During campus tours, our student ambassadors showcase both Merton Hall, which features a traditional corridor-style layout, and Mother Teresa Hall, which offers a pod-style living experience.”
Dining Halls
Find your daily routine (and your late-night to-go order!)
When it comes to dining on campus, dining halls serve as welcoming spaces where students can gather, recharge, and connect throughout the day. SHU's on-campus diner, JP’s, is a highlight for visitors to start or conclude their campus visit.
“JP’s is always one of my favorite places to show families,” said McQuillan. “I always tell visitors that if they’re hungry, that’s the place to go. The diner serves classics like waffles, omelets, sandwiches, pancakes, and desserts like cookie skillets and milkshakes.”
Sacred Heart offers a variety of dining experiences to match different dietary needs, preferences, and routines, from all-you-care-to-enjoy options at 63’s and Thea’s Abbey to the food court–style setting of Linda’s.
Recreational and Artistic Hubs
Picture how you’ll recharge, compete, and create
Recreational facilities and artistic hubs play a key role in supporting students’ well-being and campus life. The Valentine Health & Recreation Center is home for student recreation on campus and houses club sports, fitness, intramurals, and recreation. The HD Simulator allows students to immerse themselves in six sports year-round: golf, soccer, lacrosse, ice hockey, handball, and footgolf.
“The Valentine Health & Recreation Center is an incredible facility that always leaves families impressed,” McQuillan said. “The simulator is especially popular during tours because visitors love seeing students actively using it. My favorite features to show off are the bowling alley and rock-climbing wall because they highlight the wide variety of experiences available to students.”
The John & Sabina Petillo Center for the Performing Arts provides state-of-the- art spaces for our band & orchestra, choral, dance, and theatre cohorts. The center features a black box theater for rehearsals and performances, a versatile band rehearsal room that accommodates ensembles of all sizes, a spacious choir room with seating for more than 100 students, and three expansive dance studios.
Each space is outfitted with advanced technology to support creative work, including Harlequin sprung subflooring and Marley flooring in the dance studios, along with specialized equipment for building sets, props, and costumes essential to theatrical productions.
Designed to support artistic growth, the facility gives student artists the opportunity to create while they learn.
Downtown Fairfield
Experience life beyond campus
One of the standout features of attending Sacred Heart University is its proximity to downtown Fairfield, offering students an easy escape just minutes from campus. The area provides a change of pace, with local shops, restaurants, and coffee spots. Whether spending time with friends, grabbing a bite to eat, or exploring the coastal charm of the town, downtown Fairfield adds an extra layer to the student experience by connecting campus life with the surrounding community.
“My favorite spot near campus is Sophie’s Pizza Bar,” said Sara Haseney ’26, a student ambassador and strategic communication, public relations & advertising major. "The food is great, and it’s right in the heart of downtown Fairfield. My roommates and I also love stopping by Main Street Creamery and 16 Handles for a sweet treat—you really can’t go wrong with either.”
Interested in visiting Sacred Heart University?
A campus visit offers the opportunity to explore SHU’s vibrant community, tour academic and residential spaces, and get a true feel for daily life. Schedule a tour to see what makes Sacred Heart feel like home.