Group of students smiling and chatting in a dorm room.

FRESHMAN HOUSING

Find your first-year home at SAU

Our freshman residences offer comfortable and supportive spaces to develop academic excellence and personal growth within an inclusive community.

Request information

Explore the SAU freshman housing options

When choosing housing, consider your needs, budget, and other factors: location on campus, amenities, and community atmosphere. Our housing is designed to be conducive to learning and personal growth, a place to become part of a community.

Visit campus

Available freshman housing options

Select dorm

Franklin Hall

This suite-style building for freshmen has a capacity of 204 with a comfortable and inviting environment. Study lounges, communal spaces and a community atmosphere help students balance academic pursuits with social connections.

Features

Double bedroom dimensions: 11.6' W x 28' (at door) x 8' H
Closet dimensions: 32” W x 22” deep, with one foot of storage space above the closet
Two beds (with loft and stacking options), dressers, desks with chairs, and closets
Shared bathroom and shower in each suite
Carpeted floors
Air-conditioning
ADA-accessible rooms
Wireless and ethernet hookups
Four study lounges and printing station
Laundry facilities on each floor

Download the SAU Franklin Hall Layout

Exterior view of St. Ambrose University's Franklin Hall.

Cosgrove Hall

This six-story building is a campus hub with the Cosgrove Cafeteria located on the first floor. Freshmen living in the building's four-person suites also have convenient access to a lounge, 24-hour computer lab, and multimedia lab on the lower level.

Features

Double bedroom dimensions: 9' W x 18' x 9’ 3” H
Two beds (with loft and stacking options), dressers, desks with chairs, and wardrobes
Vanity with sink in each bedroom
Shared bathroom and shower in each suite
Carpeted floors
Air-conditioning
Wireless and ethernet hookups
Laundry facilities on second and fourth floors

Download the SAU Cosgrove Hall Layout

Exterior view of St. Ambrose University's Cosgrove Hall.

Cost comparison guide to freshman housing

Choosing the right freshman residence is crucial. At SAU, we offer a diverse range of living options to cater to various preferences, needs, and budgets. This guide can help you make an informed decision. Contact us if you have questions.*

Residence Hall	Cost per semester	Cost per year	Description
Franklin Hall	$4,248	$8,496	Double bedroom with shared bathroom in 4-person suite
Cosgrove Hall	$3,702	$7,404	Double bedroom with shared bathroom in 4-person suite

*Cost may vary based on if student preferences, like wanting a single dorm or when students require housing, like during the summer or breaks

How to apply for first-year housing and dorms

Securing your freshman housing at St. Ambrose University is a seamless, user-friendly process. Once enrolled at SAU, use the student portal to locate and access the housing application, then fill it out and submit.

Apply to SAU

Access the Housing Application

Fill out the student housing application in the student portal. Our platform makes it easy for you to choose your ideal residence.

Choose Your Housing Preferences

The housing application prompts for essential details to match you with suitable housing options. Provide necessary documentation for any accommodations.

Wait for Your Housing Assignment

The housing team diligently reviews applications and strives to match preferences and availability. Once assigned, you'll receive information about move-in dates.

Prep for the first year of your college journey

Prepare for your arrival into dorm life: Keeping an open mind, embrace diversity, engage with other residents, and welcome new experiences. Read the move-in procedures provided to ease your transition into campus life at SAU.

Steps to take to prepare for college

Create a list of essential items to pack
Connect with your future roommate
Review dorm policies and guidelines
Explore campus
Create a packing checklist
Understand move-in procedures

Have more questions on freshman dorms? Start here.

What should I pack to bring to the dorms?

At St. Ambrose, we recommend bringing essential items to make your dorm room feel like home. Consider items such as:

Personal identification and any necessary paperwork provided by the university
Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
Toiletries and personal care items
Study materials (laptop, notebooks, pens)
Storage solutions (bins, organizers)
Room decorations to personalize your space
Clothing suitable for various weather conditions
First aid and basic medication
Cleaning supplies for personal use
Any necessary electronics (charger, power strip)

Keep in mind that move-in day can be busy, so pack essentials you'll need immediately. Your dorm room is your haven. Make it comfortable and conducive to your study and relaxation needs while respecting space limitations.

What are the dining options available on campus?

St. Ambrose University offers diverse and convenient dining options to cater to students' varied tastes and preferences. Our main dining facility, Cosgrove Cafeteria, provides a wide array of nutritious and delicious meals, including customizable options to accommodate dietary needs.

Additionally, we have several on-campus cafes and eateries offering grab-and-go meals, snacks, and beverages for students on the move. We're committed to providing a vibrant dining experience that fosters community and promotes healthy eating habits among our students.

View meal plans

Does SAU offer summer housing?

At St. Ambrose University, limited summer housing options are available for students enrolled in specific summer programs, internships, or with extenuating circumstances.

Eligibility for summer housing and the available options are contingent upon program enrollment and university policies. To inquire about summer housing availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please contact Residence Life.

Amenities for summer housing

FREE: parking (monitored by 24/7 security); utilities; fast WiFI
Access to the SAU library, Wellness and Recreation Center, sand volleyball court (right outside Hagen and Tiedemann), game room, Starbucks in the Beehive
Secure living: Card-only access and security at front desks
Receive mail and packages securely on campus
Weekly housekeeping for bathrooms
Summer Housing Assistants in each hall are there to help you, conduct nightly security rounds, and plan great events

Ask us your questions

How are roommates assigned? Can I choose mine?

At St. Ambrose, we have a roommate-matching process designed to create a positive living environment. Incoming students have the option to request a specific roommate if both parties mutually agree. If you don't have a preference, our housing team carefully considers your preferences indicated in the housing application, aiming to match compatible roommates based on lifestyle habits, interests, and study preferences. We prioritize fostering a supportive community and ensuring a harmonious living experience for all our residents.

Apply now

What safety measures exist in the dorms?

At St. Ambrose University, the safety and well-being of our students are top priorities. Our dormitories are equipped with various safety measures to ensure a secure living environment. These measures include:

Secure keycard access to dorm buildings for residents only
Well-lit common areas and hallways for enhanced visibility
On-site resident advisors (RAs) trained to assist and support students
Regular patrols and surveillance by campus security to maintain a safe atmosphere
Fire safety protocols and emergency response systems in place

We continually assess and update our safety procedures to create a comfortable and secure living space for all residents.

Learn more about campus safety

Do freshmen have to live on campus?

At St. Ambrose University, full-time freshmen students are required to live on campus until they have completed two years of post-high school studies, either at St. Ambrose or another accredited institution of higher education such as a community college or university.

Exceptions to this requirement include students who:

Reside with a parent or legal guardian within a 50-mile radius of campus
Commenced college studies more than one year after graduating from high school, potentially qualifying for a residency requirement waiver

Our goal is to create a vibrant on-campus community while offering reasonable exceptions for certain student circumstances. For detailed information or inquiries about exceptions, please contact us.

Graduate walking in commencement ceremony, smiling.

View of oak tree leaves from below with white gradient.

Find your hive at SAU

SAU is not just a school, it's a community. Join the Fighting Bees, find your hive, and become who you're meant to be.