University of Scranton Housing, Campus Life, and Safety
This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by admissions counselor Joe DiBenedetto in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.
What’s Covered:
- Living at the University of Scranton
- How to Visit the University of Scranton
- Is the University of Scranton Safe?
Living at the University of Scranton
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing
Students at the University of Scranton who are not within commuting distance are required to live on campus for their first two years. They are also guaranteed on-campus living accommodations for all four years, but all students have the option to live off campus and commute during their junior and senior years if they choose.
The university’s residence halls are centrally located, near the libraries and dining halls. The campus is particularly walkable, so students do not need a vehicle to get to class. All the residence halls are located near each other, making socializing convenient.
First-Year Housing at the University of Scranton
The first-year living arrangements at the University of Scranton are traditional corridor-style halls. Students share rooms, usually two to a room, but there are a few triples, as well as communal bathrooms. Maintenance staff cleans the bathrooms throughout the week, takes out the building’s trash, and vacuums the hallways.
Upper-Class Housing at the University of Scranton
At Scranton, upper-class students select from a range of housing options. The second-year living experience is similar to the first, but with students being placed in suite-style halls with more of a quad layout. These have two rooms, each with two students, and are connected and share a bathroom.
Juniors, seniors, and graduate students can live in apartments, typically composed of four students, with individual bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen.
How to Visit the University of Scranton
Scranton typically holds tours Monday through Friday, as well as on select Saturdays, to show prospective students the campus, residence halls, and academic buildings.
A weekend event is also held in the fall for prospective students and their families. Everyone is given meal vouchers and eats together in the on-campus dining halls, so students can get a more immersive experience of the campus culture.
Is the University of Scranton Safe?
The University of Scranton takes the safety of its students seriously. It has a fully accredited police department, the second biggest in the county. The city of Scranton’s police department also works closely with the university to ensure student safety both on and off campus.
For students who may be working late and walking home after dark, a student escort program is available to provide accompaniment. Emergency call boxes are also scattered around the campus so you can call for help in case of an emergency.
Students are provided with an ID card that is required to access residential buildings. Access is only granted to a student’s own residence hall, reducing the likelihood of unintended visitors gaining entry.
