When one door closes, another will always open. Sometimes literally.
While the Department of Housing and Residential Education mulls over what housing options will replace Odum Village this semester, it should strive to build new residence halls that would incentivize upperclassman and graduate students to live on campus.
Currently, Odum Village is home to graduate, transfer, international and undergraduate students. Many are attracted to Odum Village because it provides apartment style living with kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms — while still enjoying the benefits of living on campus.
Once Odum Village closes it will leave Rams Village as the only on-campus apartments besides Baity Hill family housing.
While cost will obviously play a huge role in the type of new residence buildings that will stand on South Campus, it is imperative that apartment style living remains in some aspect. Upperclassman and graduate students will not want to live on campus if their only option is traditional dorm rooms.
New residence options that include apartment style living will likely be in high demand. Older students appreciate the ability to have independence and their own space, but many want to still live on campus for a variety of reasons.
This is in contrast to the other option being considered of building a new residence hall model after the super suites currently found in Morrison Residence Hall. This option would continue the trend of finding only underclassmen on South Campus. Super suites are already an option and have not brought any graduate students to Morrison.
It is the responsibility of the Department of Housing and Residential Education to do its best to ensure that all students at UNC will want to live on campus.
