Benefits of Living On-Campus

As you research colleges and universities around the country (or even the world), you may be asking yourself, "What benefits do I truly get from paying to live on-campus, and why do these campuses want me to live there so badly?"

There are two long answers to that question, so we'll break it down for you in Benefits of Living On-Campus and Why Living on Campus Matters.

  • Benefits of On-Campus Residence Halls

    Academic Success & Convenience

    • Meals available throughout the day, aligned with and accounting for student schedules and class times
    • The Residence Halls are only steps from your classes, labs, and study spaces
    • No commuting time—more time for sleep, studying, and student life (Those 8 a.m. classes can be brutal when it comes to waking up early and making it to class on time while still having time for your morning coffee and breakfast. No commute to campus means no rush hour traffic and you still have time to eat at the dining hall just a few yards from your Residence Hall!)
    • Easy access to faculty office hours, tutoring, and campus resources
    • Reliable campus internet designed for heavy academic workloads
    • Living near other students builds academic collaboration and study groups

    Save Time & Money

    • No commuting costs (gas, car maintenance, insurance increases)
    • No parking hassles or long walks from distant lots
    • All utilities included , electricity, water, internet, and maintenance
    • No surprise bills or hidden fees
    • Housing costs are predictable and billed through your student account

    Less Stress Than Off-Campus Living

    • No landlords or lease negotiations
    • No dealing with maintenance issues on your own
    • No managing utility accounts or deposits
    • Individual financial responsibility — you are not responsible if a roommate doesn’t pay or moves out
    • Housing contracts align with the academic calendar

    Safety & Support

    • Resident Assistants and Housing staff available 24/7
    • Professional staff on call for emergencies or support
    • Campus safety resources nearby
    • Structured support if roommate conflicts arise
    • Staff trained to help students navigate academic, personal, or community concerns

    Community & Connection

    • Built-in opportunities to meet friends and build community
    • RA-led programs and activities
    • Living near students in your major can lead to strong academic networks
    • Easy access to student organizations, events, and campus traditions

    Premium Housing Options

    • Expanded single room options for upper-division students
    • New Deluxe Modulars and Deluxe Apartments
    • Private bedrooms and bathrooms
    • In-unit washer and dryer (Only in T3 and MODs 500-800)
    • Apartment-style living without leaving campus

    Ideal for Busy ERAU Students

    ERAU students often have:

    • Early morning labs
    • Long study hours
    • Group projects
    • Club and organization commitments
    • Early morning and late night flights

    Living on campus means everything you need is within walking distance!

    A Smarter & Smoother Transition to Adulthood and Independence

    On-campus housing helps students:

    • Experience the independence of apartment-style living while still having the security and support of campus staff
    • Perfect balance between privacy and community
    • Build independence gradually
    • Develop community living skills
    • Access support systems when needed
    • Stay engaged with the university community

    ERAU RAs host monthly programs for their communities not only to encourage residents to build relationships that will last a life-time, but also to teach independent living skills in a fun and engaging way!

    TL;DR Why Live On-Campus?

    ✔ Steps from class and labs

    ✔ No commuting or parking stress

    ✔ Utilities included — no surprise bills

    ✔ 24/7 support from Housing staff and RAs

    ✔ Individual financial responsibility

    ✔ Built-in community and student life

    ✔ New deluxe apartment-style housing options

  • Benefits of On-Campus Dining Halls

    Convenience & Time Savings Designed for Campus Living

    • Dining locations steps from residence halls, classrooms, and labs
    • Easy meals between classes or study sessions
    • No need to commute off campus for food
    • Quick grab-and-go options for busy schedules
    • Order ahead with Grubhub and skip the line
    • Food is ready when you arrive, perfect for students with packed schedules and labs
    • No grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning required
    • Meals available throughout the day, aligned with and accounting for student schedules and class times

    Technology & New Dining Features

    • Grubhub mobile ordering allows students to order ahead from their phone
    • Convenient ordering while walking between classes
    • Customizable drink options with a new Pepsi Spire® machine and a new sparkling and flavored water dispenser

    Healthy Variety of Options

    • Multiple dining locations across campus
    • Options ranging from full hot and fresh prepared meals, both sit-down and grab-and-go, to quick snacks
    • Rotating menus to provide variety throughout the week, creating options for different tastes and preferences
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late snack options

    Dietary Needs & Accommodations

    • Campus Dining works to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, including common allergies and dietary restrictions.
    • Students with specific dietary needs can connect directly with Dining staff to discuss options and special accommodations, ensuring everyone has access to meals that support their health and well-being

    Social & Community Experience

    • Dining spaces designed for connection and community
    • Opportunity to build friendships and campus connections, meeting with friends and classmates
    • Casual spaces to relax between classes
    • Study-friendly environments

    Academic Support & Student Success

    • Easy access to meals during long study sessions
    • Fuel for demanding academic schedules
    • Helps students maintain regular eating habits during busy weeks

    Stress Reduction

    • No need to plan grocery trips or manage food budgets weekly
    • Reliable meal access every day without the stress of figuring out meals every day
    • Convenient for students adjusting to college life
    • Dining plans provide predictable costs for meals with no unexpected costs or fees
    • Convenient integration with student accounts
    • Simplifies budgeting for food throughout the semester

    TL;DR Why Do Residents Love On-Campus Dining?

    ✔ Order ahead with Grubhub

    ✔ New sparkling water station in Earhart’s

    ✔ Meals steps from classes and residence halls

    ✔ No grocery shopping, cooking, or cleanup

    ✔ Fresh meals and flexible options

    ✔ Great places to connect with friends and classmates

    ✔ Fuel for busy academic schedules