Following the philosophy that education is about developing students holistically, the University of Utah provides a vibrant residential living experience. The community created allows students to engage in their college experience 24/7.
Heritage Commons, the U's primary on-campus living-learning community, is home to 2,500 students. The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community, the Lassonde Studios for student entrepreneurs, and the George S. Eccles Student Life Center have all opened in recent years. Kahlert Village, which features four theme communities, opens this fall. Downtown student living is also an option for upperclassmen.
Culture of Belonging
In a culture of belonging, each member makes connections and sees themselves as a valued part of the university. An ethic of care supports all residents and emphasizes groups historically left in the margins.
Fall to Spring first-time freshmen retention living on campus vs. off campus.
As students make connections on campus, their likelihood to continue at the university and record a higher GPA is increased.
Average GPA of first-time full-time freshmen living on campus vs. living off campus.
Living Learning Communities and Theme Communities
One way to deepen your engagement at the U is through a variety of enhanced living options. These options can be distinguished into two major categories: Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and Theme Communities (TCs). These unique living options are designed to bring students with similar interests, majors, goals, and experiences together. When living in an LLC or a TC, students participate in activities associated with the theme.
- Alliance House
- Bennion Service House
- College of Engineering First-Year Floor
- Crocker Science House
- Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House
- Fine Arts Floor
- First Security Business House
- Architecture + Planning
- Go Global
- Honors First-Year Communities
- Honors Thesis Mentoring Communities
- Kennecott House
- Lassonde Studios
- Major & Career Exploration Floor
- O.C. Tanner Humanities House
- Outdoor Leadership Floor
- S.J. Quinney Honors Law House
Kalhert Village
Kahlert Village is the newest residential community on campus and will be home to approximately 990 first-year students this fall.
The building includes four theme communities for students to deepen their engagement on campus.
- First-Year Honors
- Heather Kahlert Technology Initiatives Tower
- Patricia Child Health & Wellness Tower
- Gail Miller Community Engagement Tower
Amenities: Bike storage, laundry facilities, knowledge commons, meditation room, bouldering wall, full-service dining hall.
Equity Lounge: A large, comfortable space where students can relax and feel valued regardless of identity.
Downtown Student Living
Upperclassmen now have the option of living in apartments in downtown Salt Lake City at Block 44, Downtown Commons 1 and 2, and Cedar Court 700 through the University Housing & Residential Education program.
The Utah gymnastics team gave the Pac-12 Networks a tour of Block 44 shortly after it opened in the fall of 2018.
Lassonde Studios
Lassonde Studios is home to Theme Communities and over 400 residents who enjoy collaborating with others from every academic level and discipline.
Each of the four residential makerspaces have a different theme with matching design, tools, equipment, and activities. With programs and events to help residents See One, Do One, Teach One in their exploration of their innovative spirit.
Amenities: Bike storage, tool checkout, 3-D printer, laundry facilities, and Miller Cafe.
Startup office space: Company-launch space that students can apply to use.
The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community
The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community is home to over 300 honors students engaged in Living Learning Communities.
Featuring the finest amenities, the building’s public “forums” facilitate informal and formal dialogue. Living in a community that allows continuous engagement with honors faculty & staff and peers builds some of the strongest connections across the U of U campus. The lobby and front desk are open to residents 24/7.
Academic space: Classrooms, faculty, and academic advisors on site. Study space, the Big Ideas Innovation Center, and a library.
Amenities: A fireplace lounge, music practice room, pool table, laundry facilities, ski wax room, bike storage, and market.
Heritage Commons
Located in a magnificent mountain setting, Heritage Commons opened in 2000 and served as the Athletes Village during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The residential complex is the heart of campus activity and has a lively, energetic atmosphere.
Situated in historic Fort Douglas on 70 acres of land, the 912,000 square foot residential complex boasts picturesque views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountain ranges. Heritage Commons consists of 21 buildings—20 residential and one for dining and support services. Eight of the buildings are apartment style, with 235 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms.
The student village also contains the University Guest House and Conference Center—an on-campus hotel.
Easy Access
Peterson Heritage Center
The Peterson Heritage Center, located in Heritage Commons, is the hub for on-campus living.
The building includes pool tables, the dining room, event spaces, music practice rooms, study areas, and the Residence Hall Association offices.
Solar Plaza: A beautiful outdoor space for grilling, relaxing, and fun in the sun.
Benchmark Computer Lab: Computers, printers, and a 3-D printer.
Equity Lounge: A large, comfortable space where students can relax and feel valued regardless of identity.
George S. Eccles Student Life Center
The George S. Eccles Student Life Center, a $50.4 million, 190,000 square foot facility that opened in January 2015, is the new campus hub for fitness training, intramural sports and outdoor recreation.
More than just a recreation space, the center also houses a café and numerous study nooks. It includes three pools, five sport courts, 15,000 square feet of cardiovascular and weight lifting space, four fitness studios, a wellness studio and climbing wall. Residents of Heritage Commons are able to access the center via the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge, while others can take a short walk from the Fort Douglas TRAX stop.
Things to Do
From an impressive schedule of on-campus events, to a wide range of activities a short distance away in downtown Salt Lake City, there is something for everyone at the U.
Located in the heart of campus, the A. Ray Olpin Union offers a host of eating options in the food court, places to study and socialize, as well as a bowling alley. Other eateries are spread throughout campus. Live concerts, such as Crimson Nights and Red Fest, and other events frequently take place on the lawn outside the Union. Red Butte Garden, located on the eastern edge of campus, hosts a yearly summer concert series.
Several sandwich shops and restaurants are a short walk from the main campus. Just down the hill, downtown Salt Lake City offers a wide range of shopping malls, retail shops, restaurants, live entertainment and night life.
