Residential Education and Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a "residence hall" and a "dorm?"
A big one! The term "dorm" originates from the Latin word "dormitus," meaning to sleep. Although we want students to be able to sleep in the residence halls, they are more interactive communities where hall staff and hall councils work hard to provide fun programs which provide personal and educational growth and development of students.
Do I have to live in a residence hall?
Living on campus at Southern Oregon University provides first year students with academic advantages as well as easing the transition to University life. Therefore, single freshman students who enroll at SOU within one year of high school graduation must live in the residence halls, unless, prior to signing a contract, they declare that they are living with a parent or legal guardian. Living on campus offers many advantages to our students: Convenience, Cost, and Community.
Convenience. Living in the residence halls simply puts you in closer contact with the campus community and doings. You're close to classes and school events, have special parking lots so you won't have to search too much for a spot, and don't have to waste valuable study time preparing meals.
Cost. The rates of living on campus are comparable to the costs of living off campus in the surrounding areas. We strive to make affordable housing available to everyone. Also, there are no hidden or surprise costs in furniture, deposits, or monthly bills. The rates students pay for their room are fixed, and will not fluctuate with increased costs.
Community. The greatest advantage to living on campus and one in which we take great pride. You are able to meet people from all over the world (and perhaps your hometown). In hall programs or just hanging out in the lounge, you're bound to meet new people and make new friends.
How do I apply? What are my chances of getting the hall I want?
All admitted SOU students are sent our Home Brochure which includes the application. If you would like, you can apply online. If you would like an application sent to you our number is 1-800-482-7672 ex 6372 if calling from Oregon, or 1-541-552-6372 if calling from outside the state. Our address is
SOU Housing
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR 97520
Once you have completed the application, be sure to include the $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
The odds of getting the hall you want depends on when we receive your application and the $50.00 application fee. We assign hall preferences by the date we receive your housing deposit. So, the sooner your application is received, the higher you are on our assignment list. Single rooms, too, are assigned by date of deposit order. If having a single room is a priority for you, be sure to get your application in as soon as possible. Occassionally, we will have to deny housing for applications for fall term received after August 1st.
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