Unprecedented First-Year Housing Overhaul at Holy Cross due to Astonishing Student Admission Numbers
In the face of a growing enrollment and a housing shortage, College of the Holy Cross is striving to ensure that every incoming student has a comfortable and conducive residential experience. However, concerns have been raised about the increase in triple and quad room assignments for first-year students, and their potential impact on mental health and overall living experience.
The Office of Residence Life and Housing claims that students in triples have a comparable residential experience to those in doubles, with no significant differences in roommate conflicts. Yet, living in triples or quads often means sharing a room with two or three roommates, which can increase social interaction but may also lead to challenges such as reduced privacy, noise, and space constraints. These factors can influence a student's overall well-being and mental health.
At institutions similar to Holy Cross, the first-year housing experience, particularly in shared multi-occupancy rooms, impacts students’ transition to college life by shaping their social support networks and affecting stress levels. For instance, Colleges sometimes implement Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) or designated halls to foster closer connections among students with shared interests, which can positively influence mental health and academic engagement.
While direct data on Holy Cross is lacking, triple and quad room living can pose challenges and benefits related to socialization, privacy, and stress that impact mental health for first-year students. For more precise insights on Holy Cross, institutional surveys or studies on student housing and mental health would be necessary.
To address these issues, the administration is working to find solutions. One proposed solution is opening up study abroad and maymester opportunities to first-year students to reduce the stress on housing. Multiple departments are expected to work together to brainstorm solutions to the housing shortage.
The Director of Residence Life and Housing, Antonio Willis-Berry '13, stated that the department is aware that this is a major adjustment and will be working to implement needed changes over the summer. The practice of students receiving favorable housing selection times after being placed in a triple or quad their freshman year has ended.
Members within the Holy Cross community have expressed opposition to the increase in forced triples and quads. One student, Ben Lepper '25, expressed shock and disappointment at the continuation of forcing students into situations that do not respect their needs for personal space and privacy.
Despite these challenges, Holy Cross continues to attract record numbers of applicants. With over 10,000 applicants and a record-breaking 17% acceptance rate in the most recent admissions cycle, the school has seen a surge in popularity. The school plans to maintain the same class sizes, but the yield continues to rise, leading to over-enrollment.
In an effort to celebrate its centennial year, The Spire and HerCampus, two of the college's student journalism groups, hosted an event to commemorate this milestone. The College of the Holy Cross covers tuition for students coming from families with annual incomes of less than $100,000, making it an accessible option for many students.
As Holy Cross navigates these changes, it remains committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for all its students. The school is actively working to address the housing shortage and the concerns surrounding triple and quad room assignments, ensuring that every student has a positive and fulfilling college experience.
- Antonio Willis-Berry '13, the Director of Residence Life and Housing, has acknowledged the challenges that come with the increase in triple and quad room assignments for first-year students, promising changes over the summer to improve the residential experience.
- Members of the Holy Cross community, including student Ben Lepper '25, have expressed opposition to the forced triples and quads, expressing concerns about personal space and privacy.
- In an attempt to ease the housing shortage and reduce stress on first-year students, the administration is considering opening up study abroad and maymester opportunities.
- The Spire and HerCampus, two student journalism groups, hosted an event to commemorate the College of the Holy Cross' centennial year.
- Despite the challenges, Holy Cross continues to attract a record number of applicants, with over 10,000 applicants and a 17% acceptance rate in the most recent admissions cycle.
- Recognizing the importance of mental health and overall well-being, Holy Cross is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for all its students, working diligently to address housing concerns and ensure a positive college experience for every student.
