As a predominantly residential campus for undergraduate students, Eastern was able to accommodate all first-year and transfer students, as well as other students who desired on-campus housing. Eastern also now offers on-campus housing for any part-time or graduate students who wish to be a part of the residential experience.

“With the help of a welcome crew of more than 250 student volunteers, the move-in process went extremely well,” said LaMar Coleman, director of housing and residential life. “Administrators, faculty, staff and alumni were also on hand to help roll out the welcome mat for new and returning students and their families.”

This was a special year for move-in due to the opening of the newly renovated Shafer Hall, which was converted to a state-of-the-art residence hall for 91 students. In addition to suites and apartments, the new residence hall boasts a renovated auditorium, a food service café, a gymnasium, several meeting rooms, a computer lab, a game lounge and a community kitchen. “Most of the students who reside in Shafer live in single studio apartments with their own kitchens and private bathrooms,” said Coleman. “This new residence hall truly complements residential living and the overall Eastern experience.”

Eastern students come from 16 other countries, 20 states, and 158 municipalities throughout Connecticut. As such, the Eastern residential population is a diverse community of scholars who benefit from the inclusive campus community, applied learning opportunities and life skills development that Eastern’s residential campus provides.

With efforts to provide one of the best residential life experiences throughout the state and region, Eastern’s residential students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and initiatives throughout the academic year. Some of the planned initiatives being offered to residential students are the Six-Week Educational Enhancement Program (S.W.E.E.P.); the Workshops On Wednesdays (W.O.W.) campus resource series; the Friday After Dark (F.A.D.) weekend programming; the Warrior Cup residence hall competition; an Individualized Developmental Experiences And Learning (I.D.E.A.L) Portfolio Initiative; the Making Adjustments To College Helped by Upperclassman Peers (Project M.A.T.C.H.U.P.) mentoring program; Theme Housing; and a host of other initiatives, programs, activities and events.