Bianca Dinkha
Staff Writer
As the school year starts with the highest number of freshmen students, 500 new residents enter the scene. With the significant increase in residents this semester, questions have arisen regarding living on campus.
Sasha Santiago, director of Campus Safety, said parking is really not an issue. As of last Friday, the University has currently issued 168 parking passes to resident students. Santiago stated that at this time, parking difficulties are not too prevalent despite the influx of students.
“As far as commuter students facing parking difficulties, I was not aware that we were having any. In past years we did not have parking issues on campus, but so far this year we have not had to close the garage or lots due to capacity,” she said.
“Of course, there has been an uptick as folks have returned to campus ‘post-COVID,’ but as of right now we do not anticipate any true parking constraints this semester. We will continue to monitor closely, and work with the Registrar’s and Dean of Students office to anticipate any influx in on-campus density to help inform parking capacity,” Santiago said.
This year, so many deposits were made to the point where the University had to close submissions over the summer. Dominican has become a popular choice for local students, as 20 residents hail from Triton College in Melrose Park. Even students who live nearby choose to live in the dorms.
Junior and international business major Gianna Lavere also had something to say about residential life at DU this semester. She stated that there has been a slight change in dorming this semester compared to last year.
“Since we got more residents, the halls are louder, it’s harder to do laundry and harder to find parking. But it’s also good as I see more students socializing and making friends. It’s not at all distracting, but it does get a little crammed in the showers,” Lavere said.
Lavere also voiced a positive attitude toward the students dorming here. She believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience dorm life and be a part of the tight-knit community at Dominican.
In addition to this, Lavere estimated the cost of her living expenses this year at around $10,000. Regardless of cost, Lavere enjoys her time at Dominican and being a part of a supportive and nurturing institution.
bdinkha@my.dom.edu
