Living in the residence halls on campus is a significant milestone in a student’s collegiate experience. However, it isn’t just for first-year students. An increasing number of returning CSU students are choosing to continue living on campus because of the convenience and benefits.

With off-campus student housing options on the rise throughout Fort Collins, students have lots of choices about where they’ll live from one year to the next. However, with those increased options come increased rents and ancillary costs. Returning to live on campus, in the residence halls or in on-campus apartments, provides an alternative for academically focused students — an option that is an all-inclusive bill that covers extras such as Wi-Fi, utilities, trash, maintenance and snow-removal.

To promote on-campus living options, CSU Housing & Dining Services annually runs the Live On campaign, which officially kicked off Nov. 28. The program has been very successful, with more than 2,000 students living on campus after their first year, in both residence halls and apartments. When newly arrived transfer students are included, the number of students in upper classes living in campus housing is closer to 3,000.

The Live On campaign has helped students see the advantages of living on campus beyond the first year.

Student support

“Today’s residence halls are not the dorms of the ’60s and ’70s — there is a strong focus on learning, inclusion and creating a community that supports student development,” says Laura Giles, associate executive director of Housing & Dining Services. “Because of the Housing & Dining Services staff, students are supported in their development and have resources at their fingertips. The convenience of living on campus allows students the time to focus on their academics, involvement and participation in campus activities and events.”

Students who apply to the residence halls by Feb. 28 will be entered to win free room and board or one of five $500 prizes (choice of credit to the CSU Bookstore, room and board discount, or an iPad).

Designated premium spaces are available in the halls for returning, transfer and other non-first-year students (such as Laurel Village, Aspen Hall, Parmelee fourth-floor lofts, single rooms and open housing).

Students interested in Aggie Village apartments are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to high demand. Students who have lived in the halls for at least two years have priority AV applications.

Other benefits

Better grades, increased chances of graduating, prime location, and 24/7 support staff are also great reasons to Live On in the residence halls.

Students who have returned to the halls have repeatedly cited convenience, social opportunities and simplicity as reasons for staying on campus.

“When living on campus, everything seems more convenient,” says Moira, a student who returned to live in Newsom Hall for a second year. “I don’t have to worry about paying bills, or keeping a strict budget for food. If I want to go to the library to study, I can easily walk there in less than five minutes and not worry if I will make the last bus in time.”

The priority deadline is Feb. 28, but students are encouraged to apply now to ensure they receive their first choice of room. Besides selecting their room, returning students will also have access to the 10, 14 and 21 meal plans as well as the U Meal Plan, which includes five meal plans per week, 20 bonus meals and $150 in RamCash. Visit housing.colostate.edu/liveon for more information and to apply.

“Students have their whole lives to live off-campus,” adds Giles. “Being a college student is a special time in their lives, and living on campus provides a space to be a student without taking on the ‘tasks’ of being a true adult.”