Saint 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 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) is a Residence Hall—not a dormitory. But what does that mean to you? It means the difference between knowing your neighbors, feeling apart of a community, attending fun events put on by a dedicated Residence Life Staff, and just sleeping in your room, knowing no one.  A residence hall is about more than just living on campus—it’s about community. It’s about making friendships, growing personally, academically, and spiritually, and living in a supportive, productive environment.

2. Resident Assistants and More

UST has one of the lowest Residence Life Staff to resident ratios. With 13 Resident Assistants and 6 Sophomore Advisors, our staff is able to give Residence Life the personal touch it needs. Not hall moms or dorm police, our Resident Assistants and Sophomore Advisors get to know every resident. And they do more than just enforce policy—they care about each resident’s academic, social, and physical well being. Read more about our amazing Residence Life Staff.

3. Learning Atmosphere

Here at Guinan, we want each student to succeed and our facility is equipped to help. 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. We also have 24 hour courtesy hours and quiet hours from 9pm-9am.

4. Have More Fun

Every month there is at least one Guinan-wide event were all the 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 each 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. There is always something going on in or near the Residence Hall.

5. Make More Friends

Living in Guinan allows you to make more friends, more quickly. Living day-in and day-out with 297 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. You could even be apart of Residence Life 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.

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 Hall is only a short (1 minute) walk from most classrooms. For what more could you ask?