Your Voice Matters

Why Living on Campus is More Than Just a Dorm Room!

Living on campus offers much more than just a place to sleep; it provides an incredible opportunity to lay the groundwork for your future success. By engaging with your campus community, you can forge meaningful connections with fellow students, faculty, and staff. These relationships can be invaluable for networking and support throughout your academic journey.

Share your feedback to help shape the future of your university housing and meal plans. Spend just 5 minutes with us, and we’ll give you $5 to spend on campus! Survey link sent straight to your university inbox from SD Board of Regents.

DSU Students at coffee shop

On-Campus Is About More Than Convenience

It’s about making the most of your experience!

Find the survey in your inbox!
BOR Logo element

🏫 On-Campus Living = Student Success

Research shows that students who live on campus perform better academically and are more likely to graduate on time.

  • 30% more likely to graduate on time compared to peers who live off campus.

  • Higher GPAs for first-year students who live on campus.

  • Quick access to academic resources such as tutoring centers, libraries, and study groups.

Living on campus provides the structure, support, and environment that help students stay focused and succeed.

👥 Community & Connections

College is about more than classes — it’s about finding your place and building relationships that last a lifetime.

  • 85% of on-campus students report making lasting friendships in their first semester.

  • Residence halls offer built-in opportunities to connect, from community events to hall activities.

  • Being steps away from student organizations, clubs, and leadership roles makes it easier to get involved.

When you live on campus, you’re always connected to the heart of campus life.

0%
more likely to graduate on time than off-campus peers
0
hours a week saved not shopping, cooking, and cleaning
0%
of on-campus students report making lasting friendships

💸 Convenience & Value

Living on campus saves time and stress.

  • Save over 200 hours each year by cutting out commuting.

  • One simple housing payment covers utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry access, and built-in safety features.

  • No hidden bills or extra trips across town — everything you need is included.

On-campus living is designed to make your college experience simpler and more affordable.

🍽️ Meal Plans Made Easy

Meal plans are about more than food — they’re about freedom, flexibility, and balance.

  • Students with a meal plan save an average of 7 hours a week otherwise spent shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

  • Flexible dining options include late-night meals, grab-and-go stations, and healthy balanced menus.

  • Dining halls become a natural place to meet friends, study, or relax between classes.

With a meal plan, your schedule is easier and your nutrition is taken care of.

We want to hear your thoughts about campus housing and meal plans!

South Dakota’s Public University System’s Housing & Meal Plan Survey will help shape the future of housing and dining.
If you spend just 5 minutes with us, we’ll give you $5 to spend on campus! Survey opens on October 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most first- and second-year students are required to live on campus at a South Dakota public university. Living on campus helps students build connections, stay engaged, and succeed academically.

Yes. Students may request an exception if they meet one of the following:

  • To students who are married

  • To students with dependent children who reside with them

  • To students who reside full-time during the academic year at the primary residence of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within a designated radius determined by each institution

  • To students living in Greek housing who have met campus housing release requirements

  • To students who are non-degree seeking

  •  When residence hall occupancy exceeds manageable capacity

  • Have special medical or disability needs that cannot be accommodated in on-campus housing.

Each university has its own housing exemption form and review process. Students must submit required documentation and receive official approval before making off-campus living arrangements.

All students living in residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Students living off-campus may purchase a voluntary meal plan but are not required to do so.

Yes. Campus dining works with students who have food allergies, medical conditions, or religious/cultural dietary needs. Students should contact Dining Services before arrival to discuss accommodations.

Once your survey participation is confirmed, we will deposit $5 of your campus currency into your account.

The survey link was sent directly to your inbox from the SD Board of Regents.

If you accidently deleted the message or can’t locate it, email info@sdbor.edu and we will send you a new link!

Thanks so much for your participation!

Questions? Contact your campus representative today.

Black Hills State University Logo
Dakota State University Logo
Northern State University
South Dakota Mines Logo
South Dakota State University Logo
University of South Dakota Logo