The Office of Residence Life announced several housing updates for the 2025-26 school year, aiming to make on-campus living more appealing for upperclassmen with reduced pricing, new meal plans and designated dorm communities.
Single-room prices in traditional dorm halls will decrease from $7,200 to $6,200 per semester, while shared rooms in the apartment-style dorms of Haggerty and Tyson will be $6,000 and single apartments at $7,550 per semester. Traditional double rooms will remain at $5,400 per semester.
New meal plan options include a $750-per-semester plan for students in Haggerty and Tyson and a $1,200 plan for upperclassmen in traditional dorms, which is half the price of the current lowest meal plan.
Additionally, in response to student feedback gathered through surveys, upperclassmen-only communities in Lund Family Hall, Fields and Schoenfeldt will be created to allow more singles and suites, along with dedicated upperclassmen wings in other dorms.
Other changes include free winter break housing for upperclassmen and free laundry for all students starting next school year.
Rates for underclassmen have yet to be released, but they can expect a modest increase in pricing, according to Eric Barger, the vice president for finances and operations.
According to Andrew Weingarten, director of Residence Life, these updates are an attempt to show upperclassmen that the Office of Residence Life is taking their preferences into consideration.
“We want our rising juniors and seniors to know that we are committed to being the campus that you can live on all four years here,” Weingarten said.
The changes have been under consideration for some time, according to Barger, though residence hall capacity had previously limited implementation. The reopening of Shipstad Hall next fall will increase campus housing availability.
“[The changes are] fully intended to be filling empty beds right now, so there is no offsetting increase in any other area,” said Barger. “It's really intended to be more students living on campus and sharing in that residential experience.”
Director of Student Activities Jeromy Koffler said an increased number of students living on campus would likely lead to more involvement in student activities and organizations.
“I think you can't help it when you live on campus but to stay interconnected to what's going on,” said Koffler.
Upperclassmen interested in living on campus can select their housing online or in person at the Office of Residence Life.
Samantha Zavala is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at zavala27@up.edu
