Exploring Housing Options at Southern University: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right college involves more than just academics; your living environment plays a critical role in shaping your overall college experience. If you're planning to apply to Southern University and want to get a sense of what living on campus would be like, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Southern University's housing options. Southern University is a residential campus by design. Living on campus is a big part of the education offered at Southern University. On campus undergraduate students live in one of nine residence halls or one of four apartment units. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is responsible for general operations and administration of housing, residential education, and living and learning programs that contribute to developing community on campus.

Traditional Residence Halls

Southern University offers traditional residence hall-style living. The traditional dorms like Jones Hall and Boley Hall are typically assigned to freshman students and have a communal living vibe.

Amenities in Residence Halls

Dorms typically have shared bathrooms and community kitchens for shared use among floor-mates. Residence halls all have central AC, internet connectivity, and cable TV hookups. Laundry facilities are usually located in the girl's dormitory.

Social Atmosphere in Residence Halls

Residence halls, because they're mostly populated with incoming students, often have a very vibrant, active sense of community. You can expect several social events and activities organized by Resident Advisors (RAs) that can help you get to know other students. The Resident Advisors encourage student engagement on campus. A variety of innovative and creative, social, educational, and cultural programs are provided to support the personal, social, spiritual, academic, and emotional development of Southern students. As a Southern University residential student, you will have many opportunities to interact with students, faculty and staff as you learn to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens. Each of the apartments and residence halls offers opportunities for students to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and to develop a sense of community within their own residential building.

Apartment-Style Housing

Southern University offers apartment-style housing. Meanwhile, the University Apartments have a slightly more independent vibe, housing upperclassmen and graduate students in separate, furnished units. Schwartz Hall offers housing accommodations for upperclassmen in two, three, or five-person apartments. All apartments are furnished and feature carpeting, air conditioning, storage space, and full kitchens. A community lounge is available on the first floor, and several campus resources are located within the building: Office of Residence Life; Violence Prevention, Victim Advocacy and Support Center (VPAS); and Wellness Center. A full laundry room is available for residents' use in the basement.

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Independent Living

Apartment-style housing may provide a more mature and independent lifestyle, which can be a plus if you enjoy having your own space or are a bit more introverted.

Resident Directors and Resident Assistants

Each residence hall/apartment is administered by a Resident Director. Resident Directors are full-time, live-in professionals who are assisted by Resident Assistants (RAs) who are undergraduate students living in each building. Our residence halls are staffed with Residence Hall Directors and Resident Advisors who live on each floor and work diligently to support students in all aspects of their university lives.

Community Standards and Policies

Group living is built on the foundation of individual respect for other students and the facilities. Students have a responsibility to contribute to a positive community environment and to maintain the integrity of the residential facilities. In addition to the University Code of Conduct, students living in the residence halls are subject to Housing and Residence Life policies and procedures. Students are encouraged to review the residence hall policies that govern the campus living and learning environment.

Housing Agreements and Financial Obligations

All housing agreements are for one full academic year, both fall and spring semesters. Students receiving room assignments are required to sign a housing contract to confirm their room for the academic year. All new and returning residential students will be required to have their balance paid in full by the stated University deadline. If the student has opted for a payment plan, a percentage of the semester’s fees must be paid by the identified deadline. Residential students who do not meet their institutional financial obligation by the deadline may be subject to removal from the assigned residence space.

Insurance and Personal Property

Students and/or parents are encouraged to purchase appropriate insurance coverage to address any individual property loss. Students who use community storage areas in the residence hall do so at their own risk.

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Resource and Referral Information

Wherever a student lives, staff members are available for resource and referral information as well as specific requests relating to individual need. The office of Residential Life and Housing is located in the University Apartments, Bldg 300, Suite 3125. The telephone number is (225) 771-3590.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

Pros and Cons of On-Campus Housing

Pros:

Community: Vibrant and active sense of community, especially in residence halls.
Social Events: Several social events and activities organized by Resident Advisors (RAs).
Convenience: Proximity to campus resources and facilities.
Support: Resident Directors and Resident Assistants provide support and guidance.

Cons:

Older Dorms: May not provide as much personal space or modern amenities as the newer apartments.
Roommates: The number of roommates you have to share with may not be ideal for some students.

Alternative Housing

Due to high demand, on-campus housing for the Fall 2025 semester is officially full. Our housing team has compiled a list of trusted off-campus housing options and tips to support your student’s search.

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