In the past few years, the University has experienced an overwhelming demand for on-campus housing for sophomores and upperclassmen, Jennifer McClure assistant director for marketing for the department of student housing said. In many cases, numerous students who applied for housing were unable to receive a room due to lack of capacity.
This year, however, with the addition of a new residence hall designated for non-freshmen students, the issue may no longer be as much of a problem.
“The demand has, in the past, exceeded the supply of bed spaces we have had available to sophomores and upperclassmen,” McClure said. “However, we are currently expanding on-campus housing with the construction of two new residence halls that will open in August. Spaces in one of those buildings, temporarily named Residence Hall 3, have already been reserved for next year by sophomores and upperclassmen.”
Many students have already taken advantage of these new openings and are looking forward to the convenience of close proximity to classes and on-campus activities after freshmen year.
“I really like how conveniently located it is to all my classes,” freshman psychology and pre-med major Jonathan Phillips said. “Also, it’s free for me because I have a scholarship that pays for housing, so, it just makes sense.”
In the past, the Residential College and the Transfer Student Living Group, both housed in Residence Hall 1, were responsible for all sophomores and upperclassmen living on campus; but, with the continuing growth of the University, the 2016-2017 academic year brings multiple new housing arrangements.
“We are also now offering housing for sorority women in Crosby, which we have not been able to do in a few years due to freshman enrollment growth,” McClure said.
Despite these changes, McClure said she is more than confident the Department of Student Housing should not face any capacity issues for students of any classifications this fall.
“Our operations team works closely with University administration and the Office of Admissions to determine future housing needs, developing occupancy strategies accordingly,” McClure said.
And although many students clearly have a strong desire for on-campus housing beyond freshman year, there are some that still do not feel it is a wise investment.
“I don’t think it’s worth the money,” said Kellen Ferris, a senior political science major and current Residential College tenant. “It really is a little ridiculous just how much cheaper it is to live off campus, but, it’s been fun.”
For those who are still interested in applying, the deadline to submit an application for Residential Hall 3 closes Monday at 4 p.m. All applications are available in myOleMiss.
– Austin Hille
