Whether you are an out-of-town or local student, living on campus is a fun and exciting part of the college experience! YSU owns and operates four residence halls, a smaller graduate and family housing community, as well as the University Courtyards: our upper-class campus community. Within this housing portfolio, there is an option to meet the needs of any student, while all options support the development of life-long friendships and academic success, and strengthen student connection to the YSU community.
There are a few primary features that distinctly set the University-managed housing options apart from other housing options:
- The supportive network our staffing structure provides students to flourish independently during their transition to college life
- Fully furnished residence halls and apartment options, located conveniently on campus
- Exclusive access to fun, social programs designed to foster friendships within the residential communities
- We bill directly to the student account, which means that students’ financial aid packages are directly applied, students can take advantage of the University payment plan, and there’s no third party to worry about paying monthly rent to
- We honor the Penguin Tuition Promise with our housing rates- your rate is “locked in” from your first year on for each of the housing options
- Our team includes University maintenance staff members who are able to ensure quick resolution of any maintenance issues daily
- Contracted janitorial groups that clean common areas and community bathrooms twice daily
More information about our options, rates, contract, amenities, and meal plans can be found on our website: housing.ysu.edu
THE RESIDENCE HALLS
The halls provide a more structured living environment for the initial transition out of the family home and into college life. Our team of full-time live-in professional staff, Graduate Assistants, and Resident Assistants work together to provide round-the-clock guidance for our communities to develop around the values of diversity and inclusion, wellness, and academics. Staff have regular conversations with residents regarding their overall goals for the semester, consistently help residents navigate campus and academic culture and plan a variety of events to help residents feel safe and included in the residential and YSU community.
There are clear procedures and expectations in place addressing community issues including noise, safety, guests, and security. Buildings feature security cameras in public areas, 24-hour staffed desks, and locking exterior doors that require specific access cards for all residents. Sharing bathrooms, lounge space, and corridors with a group means you can't help but make friends quickly. Being on campus also means that classes, the library, the student center, and the wellness center are all within easy walking distance.
Once a student has been accepted to YSU, they can submit a housing application at housingapp.ysu.edu Students make a one-time, non-refundable $35.00 application fee, to access the application. At the conclusion of the application, students are asked to sign their contract and make a $250 pre-payment. This prepayment will be added as a credit to a student’s bill at the beginning of fall semester. Please note, a $250 housing prepayment is not required as part of the summer application process. As part of the application, students can self-select their building, room, and roommate, based on the application timeline.
About our halls
- Kilcawley House, located on University Plaza, is a traditional residence hall conveniently connected to the student union and just steps away from the academic buildings.
- Lyden House, located on Madison Avenue, is one of the larger, traditional-style residence halls, located in close proximity to the dining hall.
- Cafaro House, is the designated Honors College residential community. The hall is predominately suite-style in layout and features a satellite Honors office inside. Honors coursework is also taught inside this community that sits alongside the dining hall and the Lyden House community.
- Wick House located on Wick Avenue, is a small historic home that was converted into a residence hall. This community proudly houses the Cliffe College Living Learning Community.
- Weller House also located on Wick Avenue, is a small building with 16 efficiency apartments that are home to the graduate and family housing population.
UNIVERSITY COURTYARD APARTMENTS
Ready for more independence in your campus housing journey?
The University Courtyard Apartment community offers upper-class students an off-campus lifestyle with all the benefits of on-campus living. Located conveniently on the edge of campus, this upper-class apartment community is just steps away from academic buildings, dining options and the student union! The varying apartment styles, including 1, 2 and 4-bedroom apartment floorplans, allow students to get a taste of apartment living accompanied with the safety, community and social aspect you would find in any other campus residence hall.
Each apartment is equipped with an upgraded appliance package that includes a stainless-steel full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher. The rent is all-inclusive, which means the residents pay one amount for everything including all utilities, Wi-Fi, and high-speed internet access.
Students who choose to live at the University Courtyards will sign a year-long lease, which typically runs from mid-August to late July. The University Courtyard Apartment community is a home for upper-class students who love to be social and get involved in the YSU community.
CHRISTMAN DINING COMMONS
Christman Dining Commons, commonly referred to as “Christman,” is located adjacent to both Lyden House and Cafaro House. Seating 300 people at a time, the staff can serve up to 600 people per meal period. Most days, Christman hosts three traditional mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), while on some nights they also feature a “late-night” option.
Christman offers a wide variety of menu options to campus residents, from self-serve cold foods, beverages, and snack selections to staff-served grille specialties and hot entrees. Students can build their own stir-fry daily, while those with food allergies or dietary restrictions can work directly with the chef on meals that meet their needs.
Students living in Kilcawley, Lyden, Cafaro, and Wick Houses are all required to have a meal plan, which is included in their room and board charges. Each meal plan consists of three types of funds: meal swipes for use at Christman, Flex Dollars for use at any other campus dining location, and Pete’s Points to be used at any other campus dining location, as well as some off-campus dining locations with whom we partner.
Commuter students, those living in nearby apartments, staff, and faculty are also welcome to purchase meal plans, visit Christman Dining Common, or visit any of the other many campus dining options. Daily meal rates, menu options, and more can be found on our website.