On-campus living continues to thrive at Kent State University, as residence halls are once again nearing capacity.
Residence halls are currently 98% full for the fall 2026 semester, with additional housing requests coming in every day, said Jill Jenkins, senior executive director of University Housing.
Nearly 6,000 students moved in to Kent State’s 24 halls during KSU Kickoff, demonstrating students’ continued interest in participating in campus life, Jenkins said.
“Students want to be a part of it. They want to be a part of that campus experience, the Kent State experience,” Jenkins told Kent State Today. “I believe that starts in the residence halls. And to have more students, more returning students being part of it is really exciting.”
Living on campus is beneficial in a variety of ways, from helping students excel academically to increasing retention, she said.
“That speaks to the power of the experience of living on campus, and some of that is because the resources are right downstairs or right in the next hall,” Jenkins said. “Students don't have to work hard to get that assistance and support, and then of course they're living right here next to their peers and making those connections.”
Take it from Peyton Vulgamore, a junior nursing major from East Liverpool, Ohio, who has lived in three different dorms.
“The reason why I keep coming back is because I love having a community,” Vulgamore said. “The neighbors from my freshman year are now my best friends, so it's something that's really carried on with me.”
Residing on campus allows for a more seamless transition into the independence of adulthood, providing students with opportunities to connect with peers and become involved in various campus organizations, said Jason Martin, a sophomore majoring in mechatronics engineering technology.
“You really get to be involved in the campus community, and just truly live that college experience, being on your own, being independent,” Martin, a resident of Korb Hall, said. “It's just a great way to step into adulthood.”
Kent State’s welcoming, respectful community was a major draw for Martin when he was deciding which college to attend. Over the past year, he's found strong community and companionship on campus, he said.
“One of the main things I was concerned about, like, when picking college was fitting in and feeling seen on campus,” Martin said. “I really felt like, ‘Wow, this place is so diverse and so inclusive, and everybody’s so friendly.”
Alexia Swisshelm, a senior professional pilot major earning a master’s degree in aviation management, added that living in residence halls has helped her make and maintain lasting friendships.
“Living on campus really allows you to connect with other students,” Swisshelm said. “It really gives you a diverse perspective of what it's like to live with people in your age group that are doing different things with their lives.”
Vulgamore and Martin both tout Kent Interhall Council, the student government of residence halls, as one of their favorite ways to get involved in the campus community. The group helps promote a positive atmosphere in residence halls and allows students to participate in leadership, advocacy and programming within University Housing, Vulgamore said.
“They are great at listening to our needs and what is best for the halls, as well as putting on events,” Vulgamore said. “It's a good way to keep us all involved.”
New to Kent State this year are Theme Communities, programs that bring students together based around shared interests rather than academic programs. The new Themed Communities include Colorlab, the Eastway Experience, the Education and Human Services Theme Community, the Exploratory Community, the Hall of Champions and the Honors Residential Experience.
Jenkins from University Housing added that a number of students transferring from other universities have chosen to live on campus as well.
“Students have decided to make Kent State their home, and are moving here to be part of it,” Jenkins said.
The high demand for on-campus housing and positive experiences shared by students like Vulgamore, Swisshelm and Martin make it clear – Kent State University remains the place to be.
