For parents, helping college students decide where to live is a big decision. Like many universities, Bellarmine strongly encourages students choose on-campus living for the many benefits it affords. We’ve highlighted
just a few here.
Finish what you start
There’s a ton of research that suggests students who are engaged with campus life are more likely to successfully complete their degrees. For example, the Higher Education Research Institute conducted the CIRP Freshman Survey, which covered millions of students across several decades, and found that living in a residence
hall has a positive impact on degree attainment.
The National Survey of Student Engagement also found that first-year students living on campus reported higher-quality interactions with other students and seniors living on campus were more engaged with advisors and
faculty than peers living off-campus.
Get what you need when you need it
Students living on campus have access to housing resources like resident advisors (RAs) to help them transition to college or connect to campus resources. They’ll also be a stone’s throw from campus
amenities such as the Sport, Recreation and Fitness Center (SURF),
library and Student Success Center. These services support students’ overall well-being
and academic success.
Carrie Boling, mom of Ike Boling, a Bellarmine sophomore studying exercise science, said food is a great perk of residence life.
“He eats very healthy and has found this to be easy to keep up with the multiple on-campus food options,” Boling said.
Get the full college experience
Students moving into residence halls can request a certain roommate, folks they already know and love. But they will most certainly make new friends too, through formal and informal ways.
Esha Khan, a first-year student studying biology, said her hall has such a tight community, she likens it to a sisterhood. They’re always coming together in the common area to have baked treats and conversation,
she said.
“We have such a close relationship with one another that is so special and that is so beautiful and unique to Bellarmine,” she said. “I really cherish and appreciate and love our sisterhood. And, my RA’s are phenomenal. I
love how funny they are and how much they really give to all their students.”
Students on-campus are in the midst of the all the action, too, whether it’s the treasured campus traditions like Late Knight Breakfast or the countless events offered by the Student Activities Center.
The
70-plus registered student organizations are always planning something, as well. Those experiences are what college is all
about and what students often remember most fondly years after they graduate.
The lessons learned being part of a ‘community’ are important - lessons not learned in a classroom
“The lessons learned being part of a ‘community’ are important - lessons not learned in a classroom,” Boling said. “My son enjoyed the suite set up, as he has a built-in group of friends.”
Safety and Transportation
On campus, students don’t have to worry about getting around. They can walk or catch a cushy ride in one of our two shuttles that are constantly looping campus. Metro Louisville buses can take them most anywhere off-campus, too.
Parents can rest assured as well that Bellarmine’s Office of Public Safety is
working non-stop to keep students safe through a host of services. Our campus is historically one of the safest in the region.
“As a parent, I know my son is safe and can worry less,” Boling said.
Convenience
Bellarmine rooms are furnished, the payment set-up is easy and you won’t have to worry about reoccurring ancillary costs like electricity or water bills.
“It was super nice not to have to buy a fridge or microwave,” Boling said. “Also, free laundry!”
Find the right home
Bellarmine has a number of housing options that
allow you to choose room layouts and other features. First-year students have specialty housing options available, too, through Learning Communities and the Honors Program, which are designed to strengthen academic and community connections.
“The students feel like they get to ‘upgrade’ each year with a larger space, which makes it exciting,” Boling said.
Click here to read about
Bellarmine’s residential policy, which requires all full-time students with 89 credit hours or less to live in the residence halls or with a local parent or guardian, within a 50-mile radius of the
university. Students 22 years of age or older are exempt.
Click here to help
your student fill out their housing application today.