Building a Nest for Students to Thrive and Fly

By this time next year, first- and second-year Eagles will have adorned their nests with photos of new friends and old haunts, artwork and flags from home, comfy pillows and blankets, and favorite snacks. They will have turned their residence halls into their homes, building community with their floormates and fostering new connections across campus. And for the first time at AU, all first-year students will be living on campus together as part of new residency requirement.

Beginning fall 2025, the university will implement a two-year on-campus residency requirement. Our peer institutions in DC, including George Washington University and Georgetown University, have the same requirement, as do many colleges across the country. The change will go into effect for next fall's incoming students-the Class of 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to build connection and community. Students living on campus have higher retention and graduation rates and are more likely to experience frequent, spontaneous interactions with faculty and staff, facilitating meaningful outside-the-classroom experiences and mentorship opportunities. Joining on-campus clubs and activities, participating in cocurricular programs outside of classes, attending seminars and events hosted by faculty and visiting scholars, and engaging in grade-boosting academic success initiatives such as peer tutoring are all essential to student thriving-which leads to a healthy and successful campus for all.

The housing requirement is a further extension of AU's commitment to student thriving. Creating more places on campus where students can experience the best of AU, build lasting relationships, and learn and laugh is central to our community. This is exemplified by the Student Thriving Center, in which we have invested more than $100 million to create countless opportunities for health and wellness activities, community building, entertainment, and more. This includes the renovations in Mary Graydon Center, the new TDR, the updated Leonard and McDowell residence halls, and the anticipated renovation of Roper Hall this summer.

Sophomores, upper division, and graduate students still have the opportunity to live on campus. Starting February 10, returning students can apply for housing. The Office of Housing and Residence Life is hosting webinars and tabling in the residence halls to explain the annual process for securing housing and to answer questions, including those about the residency requirement. Check out the updated housing website for more information about the residency requirement and the returning student housing selection process.

Our community is growing stronger thanks to our shared commitment to ensuring that students-who come here from all parts of the world-make AU their home.