About Upper Division Students

  • Student crocheting; "Wanna live in South Hall?"
    Cece (Former Resident of South Hall) “South Hall symbolizes a part of life. Every room is an individual but they’re all connected together.”
  • Students gathered together; "Wanna live in South Hall?"
    Carlos (Resident of South Hall) “Living at South Hall has been a journey, perhaps even more than the last two years I’ve been at PLU. As I’ve seen myself grow as a person while in South it served as a wonderful experience of what it might mean to ‘live in the real world’.”

Transitioning to the Future: Career Preparation, Life After PLU, and More!

South and Harstad communities are reserved for students who are 20 years of age or older (by September 1 for Fall Semester and February 1 for Spring Semester) or who have Junior (60 credits) or higher class standing. These Learning Communities promote a more independent living experience for students who live in the halls, but also support all PLU students as they transition into post-collegiate life. We’ve partnered various campus partners, such as Alumni & Student Connections, to develop an educational and support structure aimed at landing your first job and life after PLU.

Great For Students Who ...

  • Are 20 years of age or older and/or who have Junior or higher class standing
  • Are looking for an independent living experience on-campus
  • Are preparing to transition to post-collegiate life and are interested in programming related to life after PLU
  • Are an upper division commuter, transfer, and/or veteran students seeking a vibrant community
  • Are looking to live on-campus with one’s spouse/domestic partner

Program + Learning Outcomes

By participating in Upper Division Student Communities, students will:

  • Be able to identify academic and personal/professional resources at PLU that will help them navigate their next steps after PLU (e.g., job/graduate school application processes)
  • Practice a more independent living experience in order to ease transition to life after living on-campus
  • Create communities that demonstrate wellness and care for themselves and the world through the lens of diversity, justice, and sustainability
  • Discern their vocation through the lens of leadership and service to positively change their local and global communities

Linked Residence Hall(s)

South Hall (all-hall, apartment style, married & domestic partnership housing available)

Harstad Hall  (all-hall, traditional residence hall style)

Front view of Harstad

Harstad - Love campus life but ready for more independence?

This is the only traditional style residence hall where visitation is not limited and residents, if you are 21 or older, can have alcohol in their residence under certain guidelines. Residents of Harstad also have the option of a flexible meal plan (Meal Plan E) so residents get a taste of what cooking is like in a more independent environment. Space is limited so learn more and sign up now!

South Hall

South Hall is Apartment-style living on the edge of campus.

South features a fitness room, individual bedrooms and full kitchens. It also houses married and domestic partnership couples and does not require residents to have a meal plan. Additionally, if you are 21 or older, you may now have alcohol in your South Hall residence under certain guidelines. These apartments are in high demand, so apply early!

Supplemental Application Required?

NO (Harstad) – Nothing in addition to the continuing student housing application (for returners) and the new student housing application (for new transfer students)

YES (South)

Example Programs

Below are a few examples of programs that have occurred in Upper Division Student Communities in the past! If you have an idea for a program, contact your Resident Assistant or Community Advocate to see about planning it!

  • Adulting 101 | Learn more at: https://www.plu.edu/student-engagement/adulting/
  • hOMMe cooking | cooking lessons with Campus Restaurants using ingredients from Old Main Marketing (OMM)
  • Cookies and Careers | resume workshops, interview tips, and more with Career Connections
  • Financial Planning | including basic tax info, setting a personal budget, and loan payment info with Financial Services
  • Fire & Ice | Annual BBQ and Ice Cream Social Event

Contact

For more information about this Residential Learning Community option contact:

  • Vanessa Perkinson, Community Director for Hinderlie, Kreidler, and Harstad Halls | vap@plu.edu
  • Lorance Washington Jr., Community Director for Pflueger and South Halls | washington@plu.edu