At The University of Memphis, more students are streaming through the hallowed halls of higher education.
But apart from the escalating number of students that have come to The U of M in the common quest to acquire a degree, it seems more students are also calling the institution home.
The number of students living on-campus has climbed to its highest level in 12 years, and the dorms are nearing full capacity.
Danny Armitage, director of residence life and dining services, said the number of people living on campus has increased by 3 percent since last year.
There are currently 2,440 people living on-campus in traditional dorms, the student apartments and student and family housing facilities.
“There are more students living on campus because it is a wonderful place to be,” Glenda Barton said, office coordinator of residence life.
One of the reasons attributed to the increase of people living on-campus is the higher retention rate of students over the summer.
At the end of the summer semester, The U of M retained roughly 2 percent more of its on-campus students, according to Armitage.
“I like the atmosphere here on campus,” Julie Roberts said, a sophomore majoring in physical education. “I want to get the full college experience and the dorm is part of the experience.”
A boost in “dorm life” is also related to the increase of incoming freshman for the fall semester.
Of all the students living on campus, nearly 45 percent are freshman, and they are usually the primary occupants in campus residency.
“It’s much more convenient,” said Janelle Kennerly, a freshman from Huntsville, Alabama.
There are still 150 available spots for students who are seeking rooms on campus.
However, the available space in female dorms is currently very limited. There are only 30 available assignments for female students.
Students were still applying for rooms on Monday and students will continue to apply throughout the semester, according to Barton.
Armitage said the number of students living on campus will likely fluctuate in the next few weeks, due to students dropping out of school.
The large number of students living on campus does create problems during room change, said Armitage. The number of places for students to move is limited. Students who typically declare their rooms single may not have that option because there are so many people assigned to rooms. Also students who want a different roommate for whatever reason may be stuck with the one they have because there is nowhere to move them.
“We will work with the students as best we can to give them what they want,” Armitage said.
