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How to Choose the Best SEMO Residence Hall

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Published: March 12, 2025

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Living on campus is where some of your best college memories will happen. It’s your first taste of independence, and a chance to meet new people. But picking the right dorm? That’s a big decision. We’ve got the tips to help you find the one that fits your vibe.

Location, Location, Location

SEMO’s campus is beautiful, but let’s be real, the hills are NO JOKE! Staying active is great, but if your classes are in Dempster Hall and you’re living in Vandiver (and, let’s be honest, running late is your thing), LaFerla might be the smarter move. Luckily, SEMO’s shuttle service runs all day, so you can always hitch a ride when needed.

Pro Tip: For all the sports lovers out there, Merick Hall has a killer view of Houck Field that is perfect for game days when you just want to chill in the lounge to watch the action.

Community vs. Suite Style

Picking the right dorm isn’t just about location, it’s about finding a setup that matches your new college lifestyle.

Community-style: Great for social butterflies who don’t mind shared bathrooms and common areas. You’ll always have people around to hang out with!

  • Towers East

  • Towers South

  • Group Housing

    • Resident Requirement: Only verified active members of chapters residing in Group Housing are eligible

  • Greek Village

    • Resident Requirement: active member of a chapter residing in Greek Village plus additional criteria

Suite-style: A step up in privacy with bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom (and sometimes a kitchenette!). You’ll still have roommates, but with a little more space.

  • Towers North

  • Towers West

  • Dobbins Center

  • LaFerla Hall

  • Merick Hall

  • Vandiver Hall

Find Your People with Special Interest Housing

Want to live with people who just get you? SEMO offers Special Interest Housing for students with similar majors or interests located in LaFerla Hall. Whether you’re an education major or in the Honors Program, you can live with classmates who’ll be your built-in study group, and maybe even lifelong besties.

FYI: ONLY students accepted into the following Special Interest Housing community are eligible to live in this building: Agriculture, Business, SEMO Start-Ups, CyberHawks, Technology Hawks, Honors, and Tomorrow's Teachers. This approval is done by the Office of Residence Life through the special interest housing application portion of the housing contract.

Live with Your Pet on Campus

Dreaming of bringing your pet to college? At SEMO, you can! Through SEMO’s Pet-Friendly Community, students can apply to have a pet live with them in the residence hall. The Pet Community is located in Towers South (Floors 3 and 4), and only one approved pet per resident is allowed. Just make sure to get the green light before moving in, only pre-approved pets are permitted, and unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed during the summer semester.

On Campus Dining

Some dorms have kitchenettes so you can whip up your own meals. You're allowed to bring a mini-fridge to your dorm which is perfect for stocking up on your favorite snacks and leftovers from the dining hall.

Pro Tip: Rowdy’s, located in the Towers Complex, is open until midnight to satisfy those late-night cravings.

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