New student housing on the horizon

The University is unique in the way that most of its upperclassmen live within a few blocks of each other, its north and south student neighborhoods brimming with homes and apartment buildings.

But despite the appearance of an abundance of student housing, students are still in need of accommodations.

“Student demand for University-owned housing continues to increase due to the high-quality amenities, safety features and service responsiveness we provide,” said Beth Keyes, vice president for facilities and campus operations. “Our goal is to provide University-owned housing for all undergraduates.”

This May, construction is set to begin on an $11.2 million four-story apartment building in the south student neighborhood, on the current site of McGinnis Center. The building will add 96 living spaces to campus, equipped with brand-new appliances, wood-look ceramic tile and solid surface countertops.

In addition to renovations to McGinnis Center, the university is currently building three new five-person houses, with three more set to begin construction this summer.

These projects are just the latest ventures in the University’s continuous efforts to provide efficient and comfortable housing for its students.

“We are so spoiled that we get to live in the houses and apartments that we do,” said senior pre-dentistry major Lauren Williams. “We definitely do need more housing if UD’s class sizes keep growing. However, growing too large could take away from the community feeling that we all love.”

First- and second-year students are required to live in University housing and demand from upperclassmen is high for housing in the University's distinctive student neighborhoods.