Frequently Asked Questions about Living on Campus

Q: Where will I live?
A: First-year students at DU have three housing options: Johnson-McFarlane Hall (affectionately known as "J-Mac"), Centennial Halls and Centennial Towers. All three offer comparable accommodations, but J-Mac is home to most of the living and learning communities.
Q: What should I bring for my new residence?
Students relaxing on green
A: All first-year residence hall rooms come with two desks, two chairs, two twin beds, shelves and sets of drawers. You also get basic phone and cable service. So bring pictures, posters, pillows—whatever makes you feel at home.
Q: What if I don't like my roommate?
A: DU matches roommates based on information you supply, so the chances for compatibility are high. Still, roommates sometimes have irreconcilable differences. That's why, a few weeks into the fall quarter, we offer you the opportunity to change roommates. In addition, Housing and Residential Education can help roommates negotiate their differences.
Q: Can I live off campus?
Students talking near sturm
A: First-year and sophomore students who don't commute from home are required to live on campus. By your sophomore year, you're eligible to live in spacious Nelson Hall. Once you become a junior, you're free to live off campus.
Q: Can I bring a car to campus, and where can I park?
A: About half the resident student population brings cars to campus--although you definitely don't need a car to get around Denver. With RTD's bus and light rail service, you'll find getting around town is a breeze. For more information about parking your car on campus, visit DU's Parking Services.
Q: What happens if I get sick?
Students talking outside of driscoll
A: The first step is to touch base with the Student Health & Counseling Center. It's an outpatient, on-campus facility that provides a wide range of medical and mental health services. Physicians, nurses, psychologists, physician assistants and other professionals staff the center.
Q: What's for dinner?
A: What sounds good? With DU's meal plan, you can grab a bite at the cafeteria in Centennial Halls or Nelson Hall. You can use your meal plan "cash" to buy goodies at convenience stores in some of the residence halls or assorted carts and cafes across campus. Wherever you dine, the emphasis is on nutritious selections and fresh ingredients.