With the upper-division housing application open as of Nov. 1, we decided to sit down with a current resident, Zach Thompson, living in Chapel Glen, to talk about his experience living on campus.

Moving from Naperville, Illinois, Thompson wanted to explore a new state and live an independent lifestyle. “I decided to live on campus because as an out-of-state student, I wanted to be close to my classes and have the opportunity to form new relationships,” said Thompson. His thinking was very similar to many students that are also living on campus for the first time.

“At first, I was really upset that I did not get a room in my residence hall of choice, but little did I know that the U has so many amazing housing options. I love where I live and would not change if given the chance,” said Thompson. When choosing your housing, it is important to remember that even if you do not get into your top choice, there are amazing opportunities at every residence hall. “My residence hall has a strong sense of community. Everyone is so kind and genuinely loves being around each other. I have been so fortunate to meet some lifelong friends because of where I live.”

Here at the U, we offer Living Learning and Themed Communities. However, we also offer traditional housing communities, which is where Thompson lives. Even if you end up not living in a Living Learning or Themed Community, students have access to all the amenities offered by the residence halls that are located on the first floor of the building. “Even though I live in Chapel Glen, I am always hanging out in Lassonde Studios using their free printers and grabbing a bite to eat at Miller Cafe.”

Each resident hall offers something unique. For example, Chapel Glen has a fitness center, Gateway Heights has ski waxing rooms, Benchmark Plaza has apartment-style living, and much more. Our upper-division options also are uniquely their own. U of U On The Draw is located in the heart of Sugarhouse, Lassonde Studios, which is open for first-year and upper-division students, has the Neeleman Hangar, Shoreline Ridge offers a solar plaza and outdoor basketball/volleyball courts. You can check out what each resident hall has to offer on our housing website.

Thompson shared, “living on campus is a choice that I have never regretted. It can be hard to transition to college life as an out-of-state student but living on campus has shown me that I am not alone. I am surrounded by others going through the same thing. I plan on living on campus as an upper-division student for the convenience and opportunities.”