Mary Wallace, the assistant director of residential life, said 60 percent of freshmen live on campus.
“Living in a dorm is convenient and gets you connected to the hub of the campus,” Wallace said.
According to the Residential Colleges’ pamphlet, “Residential colleges have consistently produced learning environments that enhance the quality of undergraduate education, support the success of students, and improve retention and graduation rates.”
At the University, there are five residential colleges.
According to the Residential Colleges’ pamphlet, the University provides Economic Development Residential College in Annie Boyd Hall, French Learning Community in Highland Hall, Graham Information Technology Residential College, Herget and McVoy Residential Colleges and Laville Honors House in East and West Laville Halls.
The University also offers Beauregard Hall, Jackson Hall, Lejeune Hall, Taylor Hall, Acadian Hall, Blake Hall, Evangeline Hall, Miller Hall, Kirby-Smith Hall, and Louise Garig Hall.
Through living in a dorm, students receive opportunities to learn and get involved on campus.
The dorms have “coffee talks” where professors give a presentation on their field of study or personal interest.
Students also participate in an activity called “Faculty Friends” where each dorm adopts a faculty member and spend time with them through activities.
During finals, the dorms organize study groups and review sessions to prepare students for their tests.
Wallace said Residential Life is improving their activities to promoter the Flagship Agenda.
“We are breaking down into small groups and bringing more faculty in,” Wallace said.
Resident assistants, older students that live on each floor, help students find their place on campus and get to know other students in their dorm.
The resident assistants organize social events, movie nights and block parties to create a community atmosphere.
While students have the opportunity to choose a roommate, many of them have not shared a room with someone before attending college.
“This experience teaches you confrontation skills and provides a growth opportunity,” Wallace said.
Living a dorm is very convenient and students do not have to worry about gas or a parking spot.
According to the Residential Colleges’ pamphlet, “When you live on campus, you are seldom more than a 10-minute walk form the library, your classes or any campus activity.”
Because dorm rooms provide a smaller living space, they are used for numerous purposes.
According to the College Confidential Web site, “Dorm rooms are a combination of library, recreation room, bedroom, and haven from the storms of the first year of college. They’re truly an all-purpose room.”
Students living in the dorms have local cable and phone access. Also they can pay $18 a month for Internet access in their room.
This provides students technology without having to leave the comfort of their dorm.