The Benefits of On-Campus Living
Living on campus at Santa Clara University isn’t just convenient, it provides a supportive environment designed to help you thrive academically, socially, and personally. By living in communities where social and academic programs are intertwined, students engage more deeply with peers, faculty, and the University Core Curriculum. These connections enhance learning, foster personal growth, and help you build a lasting sense of belonging at Santa Clara.
Research shows that students who reside on campus build stronger social connections and have easier access to a wide range of support systems, which supports greater academic success. From study groups and leadership opportunities to extracurricular activities and themed programs, living on campus places students at the heart of campus life, easing the transition to college while fostering learning and independence, and providing countless opportunities to succeed.
Residential Learning Communities
Santa Clara University’s Residential Learning Communities offer students an inviting, intellectually vibrant home on campus. With mentorship from Faculty Directors and connections with peers who share similar interests, students build strong connections and have the opportunity to become more deeply engaged in both their academic and personal development. RLCs connect learning inside and outside the classroom, bringing students, staff, and faculty together around shared themes and experiences.
Office of Residence Life
The Office of Residence Life is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and values‑driven environment where students feel valued and empowered. Rooted in the Jesuit value of cura personalis, care for the whole person, live‑on professional and student staff provide personalized support and host community‑building programs that build a sense of belonging and help students develop competence, conscience, compassion, and community.
Health & Wellness
At Santa Clara University, student health and wellness are a central part of the campus experience, with programs and resources designed to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. The University encourages students to develop healthy habits, build resilience, and seek support as they navigate the transition to adulthood. The Therapist in Residence program brings licensed mental-health professionals directly into the residence halls, making care an accessible and integral part of daily life.
Spirituality
Grounded in Jesuit values, SCU encourages students to explore meaning, purpose, and ethical responsibility. The University welcomes students of all faiths and supports diverse spiritual journeys. Spirituality Facilitators are graduate students who live alongside residents and provide guidance and mentorship as students explore their identity, purpose, and values. They encourage students to reflect on their gifts and consider how they can contribute to the common good.
Campus Life
Living on campus gets you that much closer to everything that's happening on campus. The Center for Student Involvement connects students with over 200 student organizations, including academic, cultural, social justice, recreational, and special‑interest groups, as well as chartered student organizations like Associated Student Government and the Activities Programming Board. Make sure to get involved, pursue passions outside of the classroom, and contribute to a vibrant campus life!
Safety & Security
Safety and security are of the utmost importance in each of our communities. Although you should feel safe in your residence hall, it is important that you protect your personal items, be careful about leaving belongings in common spaces, and be vigilant when letting people follow you into the building or opening doors for strangers. Help keep your community safe by reporting any suspicious individuals or behaviors to an on-call staff member or directly to Campus Safety Services.