University Housing & Dining Services

Congratulations on admission to Oregon State University! In the weeks to come, new students will need to make many decisions focused on ensuring success at OSU. One of the most important of those is deciding where to live during the crucial first year of studies.

Years of experience working with first-year students at OSU shows that living in a university-operated residence hall or cooperative house is the best option for most new students.  I would like to take this opportunity to outline some of the advantages of living on campus: 

• Better Academic Performance and Persistence: First year students who live in a residence hall or cooperative house at OSU typically have higher grades than those who live off campus. They are also more likely to return for their second year in college. Recent research demonstrates that students living in on-campus housing during their first year are more likely to graduate at a faster rate than those who live off campus (helping them to save money on tuition and related costs). 
• Higher Level of Campus Engagement: Students living on campus are more inclined to become involved in campus activities, events, and resources. In addition, interaction with faculty both inside and outside of the classroom has been shown to be one of the most powerful contributors to students’ educational motivation.   
• Student Support: OSU has carefully selected and highly trained staff members in each of our residences who are available to provide help and support for the transition to OSU. Our live-in Residential Education staff members can assist with personal as well as academic needs, and serve as connections to campus resources. Many on-campus environments have teaching faculty residents who provide academic support and encouragement to students as they transition to college life.
• Financial Convenience: The services and amenities for students living in residence halls are included on the student’s university account which provides the convenience of paying for their entire academic experience with one bill. Residence hall rates includes a high-speed internet connection, all utilities, extended basic cable, free laundry, and access to all 30 dining restaurants on campus, providing a wide range of dining options. In addition, University Housing & Dining Services will have no cost increase in the standard double room and preferred meal plan package for 2012-13. Students in the cooperative houses enjoy most of the same amenities and services at a reduced cost in exchange for their contribution to the operations of the house. By not charging extra for deposits, services, or amenities, UHDS aims to keep the OSU experience accessible and affordable.
• On-Campus Safety:  All residence halls and cooperative houses are locked 24 hours a day.  Only the students and staff for the facilities have key access to the buildings. In addition our staff work closely with the Corvallis Fire Department to perform safety drills and orderly evacuation procedures in the event of a real fire.

Our goal is to provide a safe on-campus living environment designed for academic and personal success. We encourage all new students to consider living on campus during the critical first year at OSU. Applying to live on campus is a simple process. 

Please contact UHDS staff members directly if you have any specific questions regarding on-campus housing and dining at OSU by email at UHDS@oregonstate.edu, by calling 541.737.4771 or by sending a message on Facebook. We look forward to seeing all the new students on campus this Fall.

Sincerely,

Sabah Randhawa

Provost and Executive Vice President, Oregon State University

Learn more about the First Year Experience.