Student Life
Residence Life
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The residential community at Salem State is a place where learning and development occur through academic initiatives, leadership opportunities, programming, and the efforts of the Residence Life staff.
A true Salem State experience involves more than going to classes and earning a diploma. Life in the residence halls includes involvement in groups and organizations, participating in community service activities, connecting with faculty through the Cornerstone Project, attending athletic events, and learning about cultures and lifestyles different from your own.
Why Live on Campus?
Academic Success
Students who live on campus score higher on writing tests, academic autonomy and interdependence than students who live off campus. There is greater opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers and develop increased motivation for academic success. Research shows that on-campus students have higher grades and are more likely to go on to graduate school.
Convenience
Living on campus puts you within walking distance of all your classes, the library, academic support services, the Athletic Complex, computer labs, the shuttle bus system, and your friends. The residence halls save you time and money by avoiding a lengthy commute each day.
Endless Events and Activities
Looking for something to do? There's always something happening - in your residence hall lounge, at the Ellison Campus Center, the Mainstage Theatre, the O'Keefe Center, and more. Last year alone, over 550 programs and events were held in the residence halls, easily more than one a day. You pay for these activities through student fees, so why not take advantage of them?
Making Connections
When students are asked what they remember most about living in the residence halls, the first thing they say is "my friends". Living in a residence hall with 300-450 other students allows you to meet people who are different than you and develop life-long friendships.
Safety and Security
The residence halls at Salem State have either 24-hour security desks or are locked 24/7 (at the Bates Complex) and are staffed with trained Desk Receptionists, Resident Assistants, and Resident Directors. Salem State College has a comprehensive Public Safety department right on campus that is dedicated to fostering a safe environment for students to live and study.
Services
All the residence halls are well-maintained with exceptional services. The Salem State Maintainer and Carpenter staff are top-notch, and respond to concerns quickly. In addition, all the residence halls offer laundry and vending service, which accept the ClipperCard so students never have to leave the comfort of their hall to clean their clothes or grab a snack.
Support
All residence life student staff go through intensive training programs in order to support students who are transitioning to college or dealing with a variety of issues. The majority of our Resident Director staff have Masters degrees in higher education or a related field. Our Graduate Staff coordinate activities and programs designed to help students learn to study better, develop communication skills, make healthy decisions, become better leaders, and more. There is always someone to support you when you need to talk.
Office of Residence Life
Salem State College
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
Located: First Floor, Central Campus Residence Hall