As the April 1 traditional housing application priority deadline quickly approaches, we sat down with Kailey Gilbert to hear about her experiences living on campus. Are you interested in living on campus next year? Log in to CIS and complete an application in Housing by April 1, 2022.

Gilbert is a first-year student living in Sage Point studying communications who was seeking a heightened academic experience. “I chose to live on campus because, statistically speaking, students who live on campus have a higher GPA and are more involved,” said Gilbert. She is right, students who live with us on campus during their first year are 12% more likely to graduate and maintain higher GPAs.

When choosing where to live on campus, it’s important to consider all of your options. “Do your research. Make sure you know the accommodations and facilities that are nearby, the sizes of rooms and what your living style is like,” Gilbert said. “I chose Sage Point because it’s a bit farther from campus and they had single options available.” Make sure you understand all of your options and find a space that excites you.

While students have access to many exciting living learning and theme community options, first-year students can also explore a number of traditional housing communities. For example, Chapel Glen, Gateway Heights and Sage Point offer first-year-only suite-style rooms and Benchmark Plaza has first-year-only apartment-style living.

Each option provides something unique. Chapel Glen has a meditation space; Gateway Heights has ski waxing rooms; Benchmark Plaza offers independent apartment living for all; and Sage Point hosts a fitness center. “I like using the Sage Point fitness center because it isn’t very busy, but it still has everything that you need. When I utilize the fitness center, I don’t feel overwhelmed with the crowds and unfamiliar gym equipment that you can find at the Student Life Center.”

Not only does living on campus give you the chance to better engage with your academics, but you engage with your community as well. “I think the community aspect of it was a really big part for me when choosing where to live.” The Residence Hall Association (RHA) and RAs put a lot of effort into planning fun and engaging events throughout the year, so there is always something for you to do whether you catch a movie at Stillwell field or head into downtown Salt Lake City to watch a Jazz Game. Beyond the events that Housing and Residential Education (HRE) sponsors throughout the year, students on campus are steps away from all the arts, athletics and culture that the U has to offer.

Gilbert shared, “Living on campus was probably the best decision I ever made. I would encourage everyone to live on campus because you’ll meet a diverse set of people and become more involved on campus. Most importantly, you have the opportunity to deepen your engagement in your education.”

Join us on campus next year by applying by April 1, 2022. Not only will you get more connected to your education and the experiences around you, but you’ll learn what it means to belong, develop and succeed as a resident at the U.

How to apply

1. Log into CIS and select “Student Homepage.”
2. Click on the “Student Housing” tile.
3. Select “Housing & Residential Education” from the menu, then click “Housing U.”
4. Click on the “Apply for Housing” tab and follow the instructions to begin a 2022 summer or 2022-2023 academic year application.
5. Submit your application and pay the application fee by the priority deadline to receive a reservation time. Note, the application fee is for first-time residents only.
6. Reserve an available room at your assigned reservation time.