Introduction
Choosing the right place to live while attending college can be one of the most important decisions a student makes. It’s not just a matter of having a roof over your head, but finding a place that feels like home, that is safe, comfortable, and supportive of your academic goals. At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, there are several dormitory options available for students, each with their own unique features and benefits. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the dorms available on campus and what makes them a great choice for students.
Dorms at University of Missouri-St. Louis
Location
One of the most significant advantages of living in a dorm at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is the proximity to campus. All the dorms are located within a short walking distance from academic buildings, which means students can easily attend classes without worrying about transportation. The campus’s location in suburban St. Louis also provides students with easy access to the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings, such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and the Gateway Arch. For students who do not have access to a car, there are several public transportation options available, including bus and light rail services.
Residence Halls
There are three main residence halls on the UMSL campus: Oak Hall, Oak Hall North, and Villa Hall. Each of these halls offers its own unique features and benefits to students.
Oak Hall
Oak Hall is a traditional dormitory-style residence hall that houses approximately 230 students. The hall features double occupancy rooms with shared bathroom facilities on each floor. Each room is equipped with a twin bed, desk, chair, dresser, and closet space for each student. The hall also has several common areas, including a lounge with a pool table, TV, and vending machines, as well as study rooms and a kitchenette area. Oak Hall is an excellent option for students who want to be in the heart of campus life.
Oak Hall North
Oak Hall North is a suite-style residence hall that houses approximately 300 students. The hall features two- and four-bedroom suites, each with a living room and bathroom. Each suite is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and sink. Each bedroom contains a twin bed, desk, chair, dresser, and closet space for each student. The hall also has several common areas, including a lounge with a fireplace, TV, and vending machines, as well as study rooms and a kitchenette area. Oak Hall North is an excellent option for students who want more privacy and space than traditional dorms offer.
Villa Hall
Villa Hall is a four-story apartment-style residence hall that houses approximately 300 students. The hall features one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Each apartment is fully furnished and includes a full-size refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. Villa Hall also has several common areas, including a lounge with a fireplace, TV, and vending machines, as well as study rooms and a fitness center. Villa Hall is an excellent option for students who want more privacy and independence than traditional dorms offer.
Amenities
Living in a dorm at the University of Missouri-St. Louis comes with several amenities that make life on campus more comfortable and enjoyable. Each dorm has its own unique set of amenities, but here are a few that are available to all students:
Wireless Internet
All dorms are equipped with high-speed wireless internet, allowing students to stay connected with family and friends, complete coursework, and stream movies and TV shows.
Laundry Facilities
Each dorm has laundry facilities available to students, making it easy to keep clothes clean without having to leave campus.
24-Hour Security
The safety and security of students are a top priority at UMSL. Each dorm is equipped with 24-hour security,including key features such as keycard access, security cameras, and on-site staff.
Dining
UMSL has several dining options available on campus, including cafes, fast-food restaurants, and full-service dining halls. All residence halls have meal plans available to students, which provide them with a certain number of meals per week or per semester. The meal plans vary in price and options, so students can choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.
Community
Living in a dorm at UMSL provides students with a unique opportunity to build connections and form friendships with other students on campus. Each dorm has several common areas, such as lounges and study rooms, where students can hang out, relax, and socialize with their peers. There are also several residence hall events and activities planned throughout the year, such as game nights, movie nights, and community service projects. These events provide students with a chance to meet new people and get involved in campus life.
Support
Living in a dorm at UMSL also provides students with access to a variety of support services, such as resident advisors (RAs) and counseling services. RAs are upper-level students who live in the dorms and serve as mentors and resources for incoming students. They help students adjust to college life, provide academic and personal support, and plan events and activities for the dorm community. Counseling services are also available to students who need support with mental health issues or other personal concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in a dorm at the University of Missouri-St. Louis provides students with a safe, convenient, and supportive environment to pursue their academic goals. The dorms on campus offer a range of options to fit students’ needs and preferences, from traditional dorms to suite-style apartments. Living in a dorm also provides students with access to amenities such as wireless internet, laundry facilities, and dining options.
Additionally, living in a dorm provides students with opportunities to build connections and form friendships with other students on campus and access to support services such as RAs and counseling services. Overall, living in a dorm at UMSL can enhance students’ college experience and help them achieve their goals.