A significant part of Summer College is the opportunity to live in a residence hall and to share living space with many high school students from a variety of backgrounds. This is a broadening experience and one that cultivates strong bonds among students. All residential students live in an undergraduate residence hall on the Syracuse University campus.
How is the residence hall set up?
The hall is coed by floors and/or wings and rooms are doubles, triples or suites that accommodate two to six students. Roommates are assigned. Large bathrooms on each floor are shared. Residence halls also typically contain a large common room and several smaller lounges. Dining facilities are in the hall or in a nearby dining center.
(You’ll learn all you need to know about the residence hall—from what to bring to rules and regulations—in a handbook mailed to accepted students and their parents in late spring.)
May students choose their own roommates?
Yes. Students attending Summer College with a friend from high school may request to room together, and we’ll make every effort to honor that request, although we can not guarantee placement with late requests. Many students enjoy the adventure of rooming with a new acquaintance, so we encourage students to consider this option. We match students based on their chosen programs of study.
Residential Staff
The live-in residential staff is trained to create an atmosphere that encourages Summer College students to adjust quickly and comfortably to the college environment at Syracuse. The staff includes Living / Learning Coordinators, and 10 or more Resident Advisers (RAs). RAs are mature undergraduate and graduate students who offer academic support, plan and supervise sporting and social activities, form a student community-living standards program, and arrange enriching field trips and special events.
Commuter Option
Students who live in the region have the option of attending Summer College while residing at home with their families. Commuters are encouraged to participate in Summer College activities and to study and socialize in the residence hall lounges. Mailboxes for commuter students are set up in the residence hall.
What do Summer College students do outside the classroom?
Summer College students have access to Syracuse University recreational facilities, including sports fields and courts, gyms with workout equipment, game rooms, a pool and an ice skating rink.
While the primary focus of Summer College is educational, the residence hall staff organizes a range of attractive social events and trips so that students with widely varying interests can find opportunities that appeal.
- Social activities include movie nights, ice skating, dances, talent shows, picnics, and trips to amusement parks, state parks, beaches, museums and concerts.
- Students choose their own activities, and there’s plenty to choose from!
- And if you’re like many college students, you’ll find that just hanging with friends is one of the best activities of all.
Syracuse University safety?
The Syracuse campus is considered to be safe and secure. Entrance to residence halls and dining facilities is by access or ID card only, and the campus is patrolled by Syracuse University Public Safety officers.
The campus is exceptionally well-maintained and lit. A “blue light” system of emergency call boxes puts students in almost instant touch with Public Safety when needed.
- Additionally, we teach students how to stay safe in information sessions run by Public Safety officers and resident advisers.
- We expect students to use this information and to be involved in maintaining their own safety.
How much spending money are students likely to need?
Of course this varies widely from student to student and family to family. Remember, the program cost includes meals and most of the Summer College-sponsored trips and activities.
- Floor members or other groups sometimes plan theatre, concert or amusement park trips for which ticket money would be needed.
- Students can also take a 10-minute bus or train ride to a nearby shopping mall with movie theatres, and they need pocket money for snacks, school supplies and toiletries.
- Estimate about $150 per course for textbooks. In the spring you’ll receive information on opening a bookstore charge account if you’re interested.
What about travel and telephones and linen and laundry and…?
There’s lots to learn, but you’ll find we’ve thought of just about everything.
(We send our handbook out to accepted students who confirm their attendance. If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to answer them.)
