Campus Life
Here, You’re Family
Get ready for your BEST four years ever. From Homecoming and dinners with friends to dances and campus events, you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget — and membership in the Central College family doesn’t end when you graduate, you’re in for life!
Life at Central
Your Central College experience is what dreams are made of. The connections and relationships you’ll build here at Central are lifelong.
We’re a tight-knit community because of our residential campus. You’re living where you’re learning, so it’s easy to meet others and get involved! Take a look around and know that you’ve got somewhere you belong — right here!
Housing Dining Campus Map FAQ
Be Part of it All
Whether you want to show off your creativity or serve the community, you can indulge your interests and enrich your college experience by getting involved with 100-plus organizations on campus.
No matter your goals, you’ll find at least one organization that’s right for you. Central offers academic and creative clubs, service organizations and music ensembles, NCAA Division III and recreational athletics teams, Greek life and more. If you don’t find an on-campus organization you’d like to participate in, we’ll help you start one!
And don't worry about missing out on anything! Our campus app, DutchConnect, helps students stay up-to-date on what's happening.
Get Involved Athletics Fine ArtsSmall-Town Feel, Big-City Perks
Central is located in winsome, walkable Pella, Iowa. Famous for its Dutch heritage, old-world architecture, fabulous bakeries, laid-back coffee shops, Fortune 500 companies and world-famous tulip festival, Pella is just 40 miles from Iowa’s capital of Des Moines and minutes from Lake Red Rock.
In 2021, Oprah ranked Pella as one of 60 charming American towns everyone should visit. Head over to Nederlanders Golf for appetizers and golf simulation!
Things to Do Off-Campus Eats More on PellaMemories Are Made Here
You’ll love our unique traditions — like gennis, the pond, Fresh Cookie Tuesday and Breakfast of Champions — and strong sense of community. It’s rare to find spirit like this anywhere, but at Central it’s part of who we are.
Central Traditions
Don’t Take Our Word For It
From the moment you step on campus, you become a part of the Central family. Check out student stories, videos and more to learn about life at Central and what it means to be Forever Dutch®.
Nothing Else Compares
Central College students naturally become multifaceted when it comes to enjoying all their interests during their time here. Quinn Deahl ’23, student body president for 2022-23, was able to tap into the different sides of her identity through her involvement at Central.
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