Introduction
Thomas Aquinas College is a small, liberal arts college located in Santa Paula, California. The college offers an education steeped in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and its students are expected to live according to the principles of Christian morality. Dorm life is an integral part of the college experience, and the school has a variety of options available to students.
Dorm Options at Thomas Aquinas College
At Thomas Aquinas College, students have several different options when it comes to on-campus housing. Freshmen are required to live on campus and are typically housed in double occupancy rooms in the St. Bernardine of Siena dormitory. This dormitory is divided into two wings, each with its own common room and bathroom facilities.
After freshman year, students have the option of living in one of the on-campus apartments or in one of the upperclassmen dormitories. The on-campus apartments are reserved for students who are 21 years of age or older, or who are married. These apartments come fully furnished and include a full kitchen, living room, and one or two bedrooms.
Upperclassmen dormitories are divided into two categories: traditional dorms and suite-style dorms. The traditional dorms are similar to the freshman dorm, with double occupancy rooms and communal bathrooms. The suite-style dorms offer more privacy, with two or three students sharing a common area and bathroom facilities.
Dorm Life at Thomas Aquinas College
Dorm life at Thomas Aquinas College is an integral part of the college experience. The college has a strict code of conduct, and students are expected to live according to the principles of Christian morality. This includes being respectful of others, refraining from drug and alcohol use, and dressing modestly.
Because the college is small, dorm life is very community-oriented. Students are encouraged to form study groups, attend Mass together, and participate in extracurricular activities. The dorms also have their own intramural sports teams, which compete against each other in a variety of sports.
The college also offers a number of programs designed to enhance dorm life. The “Don” program, for example, pairs upperclassmen with freshmen in order to provide guidance and support. The college also hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, including dances, talent shows, and movie nights.
Dining Options at Thomas Aquinas College
While the dorms at Thomas Aquinas College do not have kitchens, the college has a variety of dining options available to students. The main dining hall, the St. Bernardine of Siena Refectory, offers three meals a day. The food is prepared on-site and is made with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
In addition to the main dining hall, the college also has a coffee shop and a snack bar. The coffee shop serves a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries, while the snack bar offers sandwiches, pizza, and other quick bites. Both the coffee shop and snack bar are open throughout the day and into the evening, providing students with a variety of options when it comes to grabbing a quick bite to eat.
Amenities at Thomas Aquinas College
The dorms at Thomas Aquinas College are equipped with a variety of amenities designed to make students’ lives as comfortable as possible. All of the dorms have laundry facilities, which are available to students free of charge. The dorms also have common areas where students can relax, watch TV, or play games.
In addition to the amenities available in the dorms, the college has a number of other facilities available to students. The library, for example, is open seven days a week and offers a wide variety of books and other resources. The college also has a fitness center, which includes a weight room, cardio equipment, and space for group fitness classes.
The college also has a number of outdoor amenities available to students. The campus includes a number of hiking trails, which provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also a number of sports fields and courts, which students can use for intramural sports or just to play pickup games with friends.
Living Off-Campus at Thomas Aquinas College
While most students at Thomas Aquinas College choose to live on campus, there are some who choose to live off-campus. The college is located in a small town, and there are a number of apartments and houses available for rent within a short distance of the campus.
Students who choose to live off-campus are still expected to abide by the college’s code of conduct. They are also required to have a meal plan, as the college does not allow students to prepare their own meals in off-campus housing.
Housing Policies at Thomas Aquinas College
As a Catholic college, Thomas Aquinas College has a number of housing policies in place designed to promote the moral and spiritual formation of its students. For example, the college prohibits cohabitation, and students of the opposite sex are not allowed in each other’s rooms.
The college also has a dress code, which requires students to dress modestly at all times. This includes when they are in their dorms or in public spaces on campus. The college provides guidelines on what is and is not considered modest dress, and students are expected to adhere to these guidelines.
In addition to these policies, the college also has a number of rules related to noise and other disruptive behavior. Quiet hours are in effect in all dorms from 10pm to 7am on weekdays and midnight to 7am on weekends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dorm life at Thomas Aquinas College is an important part of the college experience. The college offers a variety of housing options, as well as amenities designed to make students’ lives as comfortable as possible. While the college has a strict code of conduct, students who choose to live on campus are able to form strong bonds with their fellow students and take advantage of the many opportunities for community-building that the college offers.