FRESHMAN HOUSING

What should I pack to bring to the dorms?

At St. Ambrose, we recommend bringing essential items to make your dorm room feel like home. Consider items such as:

• Personal identification and any necessary paperwork provided by the university
• Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Study materials (laptop, notebooks, pens)
• Storage solutions (bins, organizers) 
• Room decorations to personalize your space
• Clothing suitable for various weather conditions
• First aid and basic medication
• Cleaning supplies for personal use
• Any necessary electronics (charger, power strip)

Keep in mind that move-in day can be busy, so pack essentials you'll need immediately. Your dorm room is your haven. Make it comfortable and conducive to your study and relaxation needs while respecting space limitations.

What are the dining options available on campus?

St. Ambrose University offers diverse and convenient dining options to cater to students' varied tastes and preferences. Our main dining facility, Cosgrove Cafeteria, provides a wide array of nutritious and delicious meals, including customizable options to accommodate dietary needs.

Additionally, we have several on-campus cafes and eateries offering grab-and-go meals, snacks, and beverages for students on the move. We're committed to providing a vibrant dining experience that fosters community and promotes healthy eating habits among our students.

View meal plans

Does SAU offer summer housing?

At St. Ambrose University, limited summer housing options are available for students enrolled in specific summer programs, internships, or with extenuating circumstances.

Eligibility for summer housing and the available options are contingent upon program enrollment and university policies. To inquire about summer housing availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please contact Residence Life.

 Amenities for summer housing

• FREE: parking (monitored by 24/7 security); utilities; fast WiFI
• Access to the SAU library, Wellness and Recreation Center, sand volleyball court (right outside Hagen and Tiedemann), game room, Starbucks in the Beehive
• Secure living: Card-only access and security at front desks
• Receive mail and packages securely on campus
• Weekly housekeeping for bathrooms
• Summer Housing Assistants in each hall are there to help you, conduct nightly security rounds, and plan great events

Ask us your questions

How are roommates assigned? Can I choose mine?

At St. Ambrose, we have a roommate-matching process designed to create a positive living environment. Incoming students have the option to request a specific roommate if both parties mutually agree. If you don't have a preference, our housing team carefully considers your preferences indicated in the housing application, aiming to match compatible roommates based on lifestyle habits, interests, and study preferences. We prioritize fostering a supportive community and ensuring a harmonious living experience for all our residents. 

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What safety measures exist in the dorms?

At St. Ambrose University, the safety and well-being of our students are top priorities. Our dormitories are equipped with various safety measures to ensure a secure living environment. These measures include:

• Secure keycard access to dorm buildings for residents only
• Well-lit common areas and hallways for enhanced visibility
• On-site resident advisors (RAs) trained to assist and support students
• Regular patrols and surveillance by campus security to maintain a safe atmosphere
• Fire safety protocols and emergency response systems in place

We continually assess and update our safety procedures to create a comfortable and secure living space for all residents.  

Learn more about campus safety

Do freshmen have to live on campus?

At St. Ambrose University, full-time freshmen students are required to live on campus until they have completed two years of post-high school studies, either at St. Ambrose or another accredited institution of higher education such as a community college or university.

Exceptions to this requirement include students who:

• Reside with a parent or legal guardian within a 30-mile radius of campus
• Commenced college studies more than one year after graduating from high school, potentially qualifying for a residency requirement waiver

Our goal is to create a vibrant on-campus community while offering reasonable exceptions for certain student circumstances. For detailed information or inquiries about exceptions, please contact us.

Contact us for more information