Photo courtesy of Alexis Andersen

St. Ambrose University is rolling out significant housing updates for the fall 2025 semester, and one major change is creating buzz among students. Representatives from SAU Reslife have been meeting with students in dorm hall lobbies to discuss these upcoming changes and answer questions. 

The most important update is that most upperclassman housing will now offer single rooms. Reslife says that these changes aim to provide students with the privacy of their own space while still allowing them to enjoy the community atmosphere of shared apartments, houses, or suites. 

Bechtel and Cosgrove Halls will be exclusively for first-year students. North Traditional and Franklin Halls will now be reserved for second-year students. For upperclassmen, Rohlman Hall will feature single rooms for those who value privacy, while double rooms will still be available upon request. Campus Houses will also offer both single and double rooms, providing an independent and flexible living environment for upperclassmen. Students can now explore the Campus Houses and apply through a new website found on the housing portal.

Other notable changes include the discontinuation of themed housing. Housing will now be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, giving all students an equal opportunity to secure their preferred living space.

These changes are generating mixed reactions from rising seniors. Sales major Julia Turek, a junior preparing for her senior year, expressed excitement about the update. “I love the idea of having my own room,” Turek said. “It’s nice to have personal space, but I can still live with my friends and hang out when I want. It feels like the best of both worlds.”

Digital Media junior Jacob Mosia shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the balance between independence and community. “Having a single room is a game-changer,” Moisa remarked. “I’m someone who values quiet time to recharge after football, but I still want to be with the guys. This setup makes that easy.”

However, not all students are fully on board. Psychology junior Kate Jones voiced concerns about the potential downsides of increased privacy. “I get why people are excited, but I worry it might make people more isolated,” Jones explained. “Living with a roommate forces you to interact and build relationships, and I think we might lose some of that.”

Human Performance and Fitness junior Graysen Gerlinger echoed these concerns, adding that the change might affect the social atmosphere on campus. “Part of the fun of college is sharing a room and the memories that come with it,” Gerlinger said. “I’m not sure if having a single will feel the same.

Despite these reservations, many students see the change as a positive step forward. Nursing junior, Kaylee Koos, highlighted the benefits for mental health and personal well-being.  She says “It’s a huge improvement. Sometimes you just need your own space to decompress. I think this will help a lot of students feel more comfortable.”

For more information and an in-depth tour of the residence halls, students can visit the St. Ambrose University YouTube channel or contact reslife at [email protected].  Housing applications open soon, so be sure to check your housing portal to stay updated.

Alexis Andersen is a staff writer for The Buzz