Housing and Dining

On-Campus Living

A college education offers students opportunities for advanced learning, interesting career options, and meeting new people. Students who live on campus have an even greater opportunity for an enhanced college experience! Residents of USA Housing report a sense of community by living where learning and personal growth are a priority. Students who live in one of our residence halls have direct access to campus resources and support staff which helps cultivate a positive and successful college experience.

The University of South Alabama offers a wide range of facilities to meet the lifestyles of a diversified student body. As a student, you have a wealth of choices to choose from when it comes to on-campus housing, including private and semi-private room options. Whether your plans include taking classes the entire academic year or simply during the spring or summer semesters, you can find housing on-campus. Our 33 residence halls can be found on the west side of main campus divided into 7 residential communities that are home to approximately 2500 residents.

Once admitted to the University, students should apply for housing as soon as possible. The earlier you complete your housing contract the larger your selection of room choices will be. Visit the USA Housing website for details about room assignments and key deadlines.

Overview

The University of South Alabama is committed to providing students with a vibrant, comprehensive and successful undergraduate student experience. National studies show that students who live on campus are more successful, have higher grade point averages, are more engaged, and have higher rates of retention and graduation. This is true for students who live on campus at the University of South Alabama.

Data from USA’s Office of Institutional Research suggests that students who live in University Housing at South Alabama have higher grade point averages, have a higher rate of first to second year retention and are more likely to graduate within six years (national average). Additionally, results from the Annual Resident Student Satisfaction Survey indicate students who live on campus report a greater sense of belonging on campus and to college life.

Therefore, in an effort to enhance student success and the undergraduate student experience as well as improve student retention and graduation rates, the University of South Alabama requires first-time, fulltime students to live on campus for their first academic year.

Policy

First-time, full-time students are required to live on campus for their first academic year.

Students who first enroll in the summer are required to live in the residence halls for the summer, fall, and spring semesters during their first year attending the University.

Students who first enroll in the fall are required to live in the residence halls for fall and spring semesters during their first year attending the University.*

Students who first enroll in the spring semester are required to live in the residence halls for the spring semester during their first year attending the University.

Residency Exception

Exceptions will be made for students meeting the following criteria:

  • 21 years of age or older by the first day of classes

  • Enrolled in less than full-time (12) credit hours each semester on campus

  • Graduated high school more than one (1) year before the first day of classes

  • Have dependent child(ren) in residence

  • Live within 80 miles of USA with relative(s) (i.e., parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle) or legal guardian

  • Married

  • Military veteran

  • Other**

    *The listed exemptions are not applicable to students who have received their room key and moved into their room for their currently active contract. These exemptions are not valid for cancellation requests. For example, if a student moves into their room on campus in the fall, they may NOT request a first-year exemption for the spring semester.

    **Students who believe they have circumstances not listed above that warrant an exemption may submit a request for review. Exemptions will be granted in situations where the policy presents an undue hardship and in other well-documented circumstances. To access the exemption request form, please log in to SouthAlabama.edu/MyUSAHousing and select 'First Year Residency Exemption'.

Furnishings and Amenities

Room rates include campus mail box, digital cable, Ethernet, all utilities (electricity, water/sewer, heat/air, garbage service, and pest control), housing and facilities staff available 24/7, accommodation furnishings, and unlimited laundry access. All residence hall rooms are furnished with a bed frame (adjustable height), mattress, desk, chair, and closet or wardrobe per student. Additionally, each room comes with its own fridge or mini-fridge (size depends on the room type). Visit our Residence Hall webpage for virtual tours, floor plans, and more detailed furnishings information for each residential community. USA Housing and Facilities staff are available 24/7 to ensure all resident maintenance concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.

All residential communities include vending machines with drink and snack options. Also, each residential community has one or more common spaces available for student use (lounges, study rooms, TV rooms, conferences rooms, etc.).

Additional Residence Hall Info

All students living in University housing must provide proof of having received the Meningitis vaccine within the last 5 years by uploading to the Student Health Web Portal: studenthealth.southalabama.edu. Please call Student Health at (251) 460-7151 should you encounter any problems.

While all of the rooms in our residence halls are great places to live, we understand that some students would prefer to live in a different room than where they are assigned for various reasons. This is why we offer several opportunities for students to request a room change after receiving their initial assignment. Please visit the ‘Assignment Process’ section of your specific classification online at the USA Housing website to review the timelines and procedures associated with these opportunities.

Visit our Financial Policies webpage page for detailed housing contract cancellation guidelines.

USA Dining / Meal Plans

USA Dining offers a wide variety of food and convenient services across campus. These services are designed with the students' needs in mind, providing flexibility and convenience to meet their demanding schedules. Click Here to review all campus dining locations.

Residential Meal Plans

Living where you learn means that eventually, you'll need to eat. With the dining experience at South you'll never have to worry! The meal plan options for residential students offer quality food at a discounted price. The Dining Hall is conveniently located within the residential area. Visit the Meal Plan section of our Rates page for detailed meal plan descriptions, requirements, and cost. All students living in University housing are required to have a meal plan.

Commuter Student and Faculty/Staff Meal Plans

Meal plan options are also available for faculty, staff, and commuter students. These plans provide a discounted price over purchasing individual meals on each visit to the dining facility.

Other Meal Plans

In addition, faculty, staff, residential and commuter students can purchase Dining Dollars to use at any food service location on campus. Dining Dollars never expire! These funds are added to the Jag ID card and are deducted each time there is a food service transaction.

Click Here to review detailed meal plan descriptions and cost.

Catering

USA Dining is also the exclusive caterer on campus. A full catering guide is available online under the Catering tab. Click Here to view the full catering guide. Don’t see what you want listed in the guide? Call USA Catering to request a custom menu. Written approval to use an outside caterer must be obtained in advance from the Vice President for Student Affairs.

USA Housing and USA Dining Contact Info

USA Housing
housing@southalabama.edu
P: (251) 341-HOME (4663)

DLTC 100
University of South Alabama 251 Delta Loop
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
www.southalabama.edu/housing

USA Dining
dining@southalabama.edu
P: (251) 460-6296

SC 232
University of South Alabama 350 Campus Drive
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
www.southalabamadining.com