The UP Residential Experience

The majority of UP students live on campus each year. We pride ourselves on being a residential campus with an emphasis on community. Our residential experience facilitates the transition to college life for those new to campus and nurtures the interests of continuing students. Students share the experience of living in communities where their social activities, service opportunities, and coursework are designed to enhance the UP experience and promote a commitment to holistic education. On-campus living helps connect students with peers, with faculty in and outside of class, with the Core Curriculum, with student clubs and organizations, and with the University community at large.  

The pandemic stole an important formative experience from many students. Living in community and learning alongside peers is an essential step in becoming a thriving adult. For these impacted students, on-campus housing is more valuable than ever before. Our halls are places where students can continue to learn, grow, develop, build relationships, and even make mistakes in a safe and supportive environment.

Mission

The Office of Residence Life is committed to creating supportive living and learning environments where an education of the heart and hands is as important as the education of the head. We are committed to formation of community in the spirit of the Congregation of Holy Cross. We are also committed to the formation of individuals through caring relationships and interactions between staff, faculty, and students. Our students are called by this mission to involve themselves in faith, service, and leadership experiences for a continued education of the mind, heart, and hands.

Who Lives On Campus at UP?

All undergraduate students are required to live on campus during their first and second years at UP. For the purposes of this requirement, class year is based on total number of academic years in college.

Housing is also available for juniors, seniors, and grad students at UP. Many of our students enjoy staying in the same residence hall for their entire undergraduate (and even graduate) experiences.

UP has nine traditional residence halls on campus: three male halls, three female halls, and three co-ed halls. Additionally, there are University-owned apartments and houses available for juniors, seniors, and grad students (our housing options grow to fit students' changing needs).

Why a Two-year Live On Requirement?

Longstanding research shows that living on campus has a profound impact on students in college. On campus residents tend to have better grades, increased retention and persistence, and a higher likelihood of graduating in four years.
Research also shows that these positive outcomes are sustained and further enhanced the longer students live on campus.

The pandemic stole an important formative experience from many students. Living in community and learning alongside peers is an essential step in becoming a thriving adult. On-campus housing is more valuable than ever before. Our halls are places where students can continue to learn, grow, develop, build relationships, and even make mistakes in a safe and supportive environment.