About Residence Life at UP | University of Portland

About Residence Life at UP

At UP, we pride ourselves in our long tradition as a Holy Cross, Catholic university for providing an outstanding residential campus experience of inclusive and dynamic communities. The University’s mission statement specifically names our residential halls as places of learning. Hall staff and pastoral residents provide a place for faith and personal formation where each one can be known by name, be supported in individual ways, and belong to a community built on Christian values. Our residential living helps ensure that the transition to college life begins from day one for those new to campus and continues throughout their career as an undergraduate to grow socially, spiritually, and intellectually.  

All full-time undergraduate students are required to live on campus during their first and second years. For the purpose of this requirement, whether the student is in their first or second year is based on the total number of academic years in college.  

As UP prefers in-person learning as the primary mode, UP encourages students to continue living in their residential community all four years to ensure consistent access to social and athletic activities, service opportunities, and on-campus supports for academic coursework and other extracurricular pursuits.  In particular, the quick connectivity with classmates supports mental health as well as a student’s basic need for access to quality dining, wellness and recreation, internet, study spaces, and laundry, which are all designed to enhance the UP residential experience and promote a commitment to education of the whole person, that is their minds, hearts and hands.

4-Year Residential Student Formation Experience

Longstanding research shows that living on campus has a profound impact on students in college. Below we outline the opportunities and goals of each year of the undergraduate journey to graduation. 

Year 1 (First-Year)

Research shows that on campus residents tend to have better grades, increased retention and persistence, and a higher likelihood of graduating in four years. As a first year student at UP, you will be able to:  

  • Experience living away from home for the first time
  • Build relationships with your roommate and new friends
  • Live with others from different backgrounds, cultures, and stories
  • Attend floor “family dinners" and other in-hall programs and events at night and on weekends
  • Participate in weekly Hall Mass in your hall Chapel  
  • Consider being Confirmed, if you are Roman Catholic and have not yet done so 
  • Attend a hall retreat 

Year 2 (Sophomore)

As a sophomore at UP, you will be able to:  

  • Get involved through Hall Council and consider taking on a leadership role
  • Become a Spirituality Ambassador, Wellness Ambassador or Community Assistant in your hall
  • Help develop and plan your hall’s signature events
  • Consider helping with your hall’s weekly Mass through the choir or as a reader 
  • Consider a leadership role at the hall retreat 

Year 3 (Junior)

Research also shows that positive academic and personal outcomes are sustained and further enhanced the longer students live on campus. Housing at UP is available during your entire time as a Pilot. As a junior at UP, you will be able to:   

  • Take on higher-level and paid leadership roles in your hall including Community Assistant (CA), Resident Assistant (RA), or Service & Justice Coordinator (SJC)
  • Help mentor and support younger residents in your hall and share hall traditions
  • Take on expanded roles in assisting hall staff with meetings, programs, and events for the community
  • Give a talk on the hall retreat or connect with a Campus Ministry retreat or program 
  • Consider a leadership role at the hall retreat 

Year 4 (Senior)

  • Continue enjoying life in our traditional halls or consider moving to an on-campus apartment or rental house with UP friends to gain new independence. 
  • Take on higher-level and paid leadership roles in your hall including Community Assistant (CA), Resident Assistant (RA), or Service & Justice Coordinator (SJC)
  • Help mentor and support younger residents in your hall
  • Consider a leadership role at the hall retreat 
  • Build a new hall signature event or tradition that will live on once you graduate