Just because we’re “more established” doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the benefits of living on campus. ORACLE GRAPHIC/CAROLINA ROCA

To rising upperclassmen like me, USF’s new housing policies have come as a major blow.

On-campus housing will be “limited” for continuing, transfer and graduate students in the 2026-27 room selection process, according to USF Housing and Residential Education.

The first priority will be incoming first-year students, as living on campus in freshman year “improves retention, academic performance and social integration,” according to the webpage.

Rising second-year students will then select their rooms on March 3 — with 1,200 beds reserved for continuing students, according to the webpage.

USF Housing stated that the decision to prioritize underclassmen stems from upperclassmen being “more established academically and socially” and having greater access to off-campus housing.

But this is a major oversimplification — I believe USF’s upperclassmen can still absolutely benefit from living on campus, and the university should accommodate them.

Related: USF reveals vision for housing, retail on former golf course site 

For one, many transfer and graduate students are just as socially unestablished as the prioritized students and may need on-campus housing just as much.

And on-campus housing has its upsides even for students who know their way around.

As someone who doesn’t own a car, living on campus has been a lifesaver, since many off-campus housing options aren’t within reasonable walking distance of classes.

I currently live on campus at Endeavor Hall, and knowing I’m mere minutes away from my classes has been a major motivator for me to actually show up each morning.

While the Bull Runner bus system does include some off-campus apartments on its routes, the service has a track record of delays and breakdowns, making it unreliable. 

USF’s bus system has already given me enough grief getting to the mall on time. I can’t put my faith into it taking me to my classes.

Likewise, bikes and scooters come with their own dangers — especially when navigating the already bustling Fowler and Fletcher Avenues.

And living on campus is still useful for students who do own a car, as it minimizes commutes and massively saves on gas money, energy and time.

Related: OPINION: USF’s Bull Runner needs to pick up the pace 

Just as on-campus housing offers academic benefits, it also provides social benefits.

Being sociable with the people in my residence hall has made me feel more connected to the college community as a whole.

On-campus residence halls often host social events, which I’ve found to be a great outlet to bond with my existing friends and even meet new ones.

In fact, I’ve met some of my closest friends at USF simply because we lived together in the same residence hall.

That connection is lost in an off-campus apartment — which aren’t exclusive to USF students and don’t necessarily foster the same sense of community.

To be sure, there are still options for upperclassmen looking for on-campus housing, but most are wildly situational.

Upperclassmen can consider applying to be a Resident Assistant  — as RAs receive a rent-free on-campus room as compensation for their work, according to the Resident Assistant FAQ.

But not everyone wants to take on the demanding responsibilities that come with being an RA simply to guarantee housing.

USF also offers Living Learning Communities — specialized residence halls based on shared attributes, such as major or identity.

Related: New priority-based system, off-campus apartment expo — Housing Guide 2026 

These LLCs do admit some upperclassmen, as I was accepted into Juniper-Poplar Hall’s Judy Genshaft Honors College LLC for the coming Fall 2026 semester.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, as it means I won’t have to worry about housing until my senior year.

But many upperclassmen aren’t as lucky — whether their applications are rejected or they simply don’t fit into any of the existing LLCs.

So although there are opportunities for upperclassmen seeking on-campus housing, none are consistent.

USF’s decision to prioritize first and second-year students for on-campus housing does make sense, as living on campus in those years leads to higher graduation rates, according to a 2022 study by the University of Connecticut.

Still, it doesn’t mean upperclassmen should be left out of the picture entirely.

While living on-campus may be particularly beneficial to first-year students in adjusting to college life, upperclassmen can still absolutely value the academic and social support it provides.  

For students like me, on-campus housing has been a major part of what’s made college life so great. It’s a shame upperclassmen may not get the chance to continue living here.