Housing’s annual campaign to encourage students to live on campus always focuses on the value of community in residence halls, but this year the message rings a little differently. The circumstances of the past year have shown just how essential and vibrant the residential community is, and the Housing and Residence Life team wants to remind residents of that as the application window for next year’s housing draws to a close.

“This last year presented numerous challenges, but I am so proud of our residential community for the way we found creative ways to navigate and grow together as a community,” said Jenny Cotton, senior director of Housing and Residence Life. “Our residents and staff found ways to spend time together safely, to encourage one another to get tested weekly, and to support each other despite any distance. ”

That sense of community is one of the primary reasons residents of campus housing see greater success in the classroom and beyond — a fact made more apparent in a time of distanced activities and limited social contact — and why Cotton hopes even more students apply in the coming year.

While applications for the 2021-22 academic year are open, Housing and Residence Life’s website and social media are focused on information for students about the application process and timeline, as well as more on why they should choose to live with the swarm next fall. In addition to the support and sense of belonging that residents get from living with their peers, benefits of living in the residence halls include:

• Proximity to campus and city life
• Leadership opportunities
• Furnished room
• Free laundry
• Supportive student and professional staff

Applications for current students to live on campus for the 2021-22 academic year are open until Feb. 28 at housing.gatech.edu. Students who complete their housing application and sign the 2021-22 contract by the deadline will be able to participate in roommate search and self-assign later in the semester. Students can still submit their application after that date, but will not have the same roommate and self-assign opportunities. Applications are open to all current students, even if they are not currently living in campus housing.

To learn more about the perks of living on campus next year, and how to apply, visit housing.gatech.edu or watch the recording of our Fall Housing Information Session here.