San Diego State is adding to its on-campus housing. The university used $25.75 million in bond financing to purchase an apartment building that will house about 185 students.
Academics are one reason the university continues to add to the roughly 4,000 spaces already available for on-campus housing. Students who live on campus get better grades and are more likely to come back for a second year. They are also more likely to graduate than their classmates who commute to school, according to Christy Samarkos, director of residential education for SDSU.
“You’re close to the library, you can get to student activities and events," Samarkos said. "There’s student staff who help guide you and answer questions and are available at all times of the day. In addition to all of the resources and programs and events that we plan, your whole student life is surrounding you.”
The bond that financed the most recent building purchase will be repaid with rental income from student residents, according to University Architect Robert Schulz
The university has plans to keep growing student housing. Schulz said SDSU is designing a mixed-use housing and retail complex that will replace a few parking lots along College Avenue, currently home to temporary classrooms.
