St. Thomas is a great place to learn, live, and have fun, and there is no better place to experience all of these things than on-campus housing and the residents of Guinan Hall and Young Hall know this better than anyone.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Living On-Campus is the Right Choice:

1. Community

Guinan Hall (said Guy-nin) and Young Hall are Residence Halls—not dormitories. But what does that mean to you? It means the difference between knowing your neighbors, being part of an inclusive and diverse community, attending fun events put on by a dedicated Residence Life team rather than just using the building as a place to sleep.  A residence hall is about more than just living on campus—it’s about being and enjoying each and every moment you are a UST resident. It’s about making friendships, growing personally, academically, and spiritually, and living in a supportive, productive environment.

2. A Caring Team of Individuals

UST has one of the lowest Residence Life Staff to resident ratios around. With 3 Area Coordinators, 16 Resident Assistants and 3 Sophomore Advisors, our staff is able to give Residence Life the personal touch it needs. Focused on getting to know every resident in the halls, our team strives to create a community committed to goodness, discipline, and knowledge. With goals dedicated in serving the whole person—our team strives to provide growth opportunities for each resident’s academic, social, and physical well being. Read more about our amazing Residence Life Staff.

3. Learning Atmosphere

Here in Residence Life, we want each student to succeed and our facilities are equipped to help. In Guinan there are two to four study lounges and nooks on each floor to help students burn the midnight oil in a well lit, quiet environment.  All residents have access to our 24 hour computer lab and our team provides an atmosphere for 24 hour courtesy hours and quiet hours from 9pm-9am.

4. Have More Fun

Every month there is at least one Guinan and Young-wide event were all on-campus residents are invited to participate. Past events include: Jello Games, Murder Mystery, Concert in the Courtyard, Roommate Games, Turkey Bowling, and Dances at the end of each semester. Additionally, each individual hall community has smaller community events throughout the month. Past events include: Night at the Angelika, Bowling, Picnic in the Park, Visit to the Zoo, and Ice Skating. Plus- every week there is Wonderful Wednesday, a time to relax, socialize and eat some late night snacks. Take a look at our Calendar of Events to see there is always something going on in or near the Residence Halls. We may run out of room to write it all...

5. Make More Friends

Living in Guinan or Young allows you to make more friends, more quickly. Living day-in and day-out with so many other people allows you to know more students and make friendships that truly will last you a lifetime.

6. Be Involved

Saving time on commuting leaves time to participate in any of the many clubs and organizations on campus. Studies have shown that those students who become involved in campus have a higher rate for being a more well-rounded college student. You could even be a part of the Residence Life staff your sophomore year.

7. Free Parking (Car, bike, motorcycle and chopper alike)

Yes! Free parking in our parking garage located conveniently across the street from Guinan Hall. Need we say more?!

8. Be Independent

Get a taste of what it is like to be on your own. But still have a great support system to help you through difficult times.

9. No dishes!

Unless you like doing the dishes, you won’t have to do them. With your meal plan purchase you can eat in the Dining Hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

10. Take More Naps (or study more, whichever you prefer)

You have class in an hour? Why not go back to the Residence Hall and get some rest or reading done before your next class? It’s easy and convenient because Guinan and Young Halls are only a short (1 minute) walk from most classrooms. For what more could you ask?

What are you waiting for? Apply today!