UTD Creates Home Away from Home for College Students

Article information provided by UT Dallas Student Housing Department.

Photo credit: Randy Anderson

Situated in the northern part of Richardson, The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a top public university offering more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven schools, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Boasting more than 31,000 students, nearly 20% call the UTD campus “home.” And every year, UTD rolls out the red carpet to welcome collegians, especially the nearly 6,000 who reside on campus in one of three housing choices.

Students who call UTD home range from first years through graduate students. And while on-campus living is not mandatory, even for freshmen, the University Commons Residence Hall is specifically designed with first year students in mind, whereas the apartments on campus house sophomores through graduate students.

This year UTD will host “Weeks of Welcome 2024” from August 18 – 30.

Weeks of Welcome is a series of events and activities held annually that celebrate the arrival of new students and the return of continuing students.

For Weeks of Welcome, the UTD Housing team plans fun activities each night after move-in, such as movie screenings, pool parties and Rock the Block, which has a little bit of everything. Says Hayley Minton, Senior Director – Housing Operations, “This year, we will be doing small group activities in each residence hall and the LLCs will be hosting a Beach Bash on Thursday. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is hosting an Amazing Race on Friday and we’ll be partnering with dining on Monday, the first night of classes, to host a Texas Welcome Bash with Texas-themed food and activities.”

Clearly the students who utilize UTD housing as their home base have much to look forward to during their college years.

“Living on campus isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a community, forging bonds that turn strangers into lifelong friends—a story of resilience, growth, and finding family in unexpected places, a treasured ‘home away from home.”
– Satya

“Since freshman year, I have chosen to live on campus to increase community engagement, become more independent, and reside with people from diverse walks of life. As a senior, I can confidently say I have never regretted living on campus – it has enhanced my college experience. The ease and comfort of waking up in the morning and heading straight to class and other academic or recreation pursuits makes UTD feel like home.”
– Paula

“Even though I live in Richardson, I chose to live in the UTD dorms because I wanted to get the experience of living on a college campus and getting to know my fellow classmates. I was able to participate in an LLC (Living Learning Community) where all my roommates and neighbors were all business majors like me. The dorms are great because I shared a living space with two others but had my own separate room to myself. It was the perfect mix of privacy and community that I really enjoyed.”
– Cameron

UNIVERSITY COMMONS – FIRST YEAR STUDENT HOUSING

University Commons residence halls feature fully furnished three-bedroom suites, a variety of recreation areas, large communal spaces and study lounges. All first-year students who choose to live on campus are required to live in University Commons.

Living Learning Communities

Residents are invited to apply to be part of Living Learning Communities (LLCs), where first-year students with similar majors and interests live together, study together, participate in social functions and have the opportunity to interact with faculty. Participation in LLCs is limited and communities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. LLC acceptance takes priority over roommate requests.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE APARTMENTS – SOPHOMORE TO GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING

University Village apartments offer students a variety of unfurnished floor plans and the comfort of home within walking distance to class.

CANYON CREEK HEIGHTS – SOPHOMORE TO GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING

Canyon Creek Heights apartments offer students a variety of fully furnished floor plans and the comfort of home within walking distance to class.