On-campus housing open over break
For the first time, all Utah State University on-campus housing was open and available for students to live in during Winter Break.
In the past, only some residence halls have been kept open, but due to a growing need, the decision was made to leave all halls open, said Steven Jenson director of Housing and Dining Services. Students have always been allowed to relocate and stay in an open building at no additional cost during the break, but students were more than happy this year to avoid the hassle, he said.
“Students were very excited to have the option,” Jenson said.
More than 2,000 students live in on-campus housing and 641 signed up saying they would be staying during at least part, or all, of the break, he said. Numbers have risen over the past few years due to more students working over the break and international students who are unable to go home, Jenson said.
A number of halls were closed in the past in the hopes of saving money on staffing costs, he said. However, this year, even with all the halls open, there wasn’t a large increase in costs, Jenson said. Normally, over the break the housing staff does a little maintenance, but most of the staff use vacation days during the break. Jenson also said had the Residence Halls been open last year, damage caused by a pipe leak could have been avoided.
The decision to make the change was made after a few years of thought and discussion on the subject, Jenson said. “Town meetings” are held with the different areas of on-campus housing and many students suggested the change. Jenson said he anticipates on-campus housing will be open in the years to come as well.
“I think it’s the right thing to do,” Jenson said.
The residence life staff also provided opportunities to get together over the holidays, such as a few pizza parties in the basement of the towers, Jenson said.
Jenson said the housing staff is determined to create an excellent college experience and atmosphere for students and that includes being more accommodating. There are also many advantages to living on campus, Jenson said. On-campus students often do better academically, take heavier class loads, and graduate sooner due to the support built in for students.
Surveys also indicate that students who live on campus “have more of a real college experience,” experience less homesickness and have less problems with roommates than those who live off-campus, Jenson said. He said he attributes these advantages to the great staff available to help students, and the many social and educational activities. Last year alone, the Residence Life Staff sponsored 600 activities for students.
Jenson also said in most cases it is less expensive to live on-campus because extra costs such as cable TV, telephone, electricity, Internet and water are already included. Meal plans are also available for students, he said. Jenson said he encourages students to visit USU housing Web site where students can now take 360 degree tours of apartment options.
“We’d love to have more of the current USU students stay on campus,” Jenson said. “We think we provide a very diverse community where students can have an excellent college experience.”
-hilaryi@cc.usu.edu