For the first time in campus history, Sonoma State University will guarantee first-time freshmen on-campus housing for the 2018-19 school year. Students must apply before April 23 to be guaranteed this housing option.
“Guaranteed housing for first-time freshmen provides peace-of-mind to students and families while they explore their university options,” said Nicole Hendry, director of housing services. “Incoming freshman don’t have to spend their time navigating the limited off-campus housing market especially after the county’s wildfires in October 2017.”
The guaranteed housing plan had already been in the works but could not have come at a better time, according to Hendry. The October fires destroyed more than 5,000 houses in Sonoma County. The new housing initiative will help alleviate concerns of incoming students to find housing in such a competitive rental market.
Housing at Sonoma State have been listed in the National Top 20 "Best College Dorms” list by the Princeton Review over the past years. Composed of six residential villages, the community is a unique mix of non-traditional resident suites and campus apartments, all located just seconds from the main campus classroom buildings. All suites and apartments are fully furnished and carpeted with their own living rooms and bathrooms, and apartments have their own kitchens with all appliances. All suites and apartments have wireless internet service and come with Comcast Xfinity TV.
Providing campus housing to first-time freshmen is critical to the students’ success from day one to when they graduate. Studies show that students who live on campus their first year are more likely to complete their education and graduate at a higher rate. It also has a positive effect on their GPA, help develop greater connections to the university through programming and events and improves access to student services. Freshmen who live on campus also tend to be more engaged with faculty members. “Overall, first-time freshmen tend to be more satisfied and more connected to campus when they live in it,” Hendry said.