FAYETTEVILLE -- On the first day of classes, 72 University of Arkansas at Fayetteville students had been assigned temporary living quarters as demand for on-campus housing again exceeded the supply of rooms, according to Billy Blount, director of administrative services for the university's housing department.
The number as of Monday exactly matches the total of students last year on the first day of classes living in what UA calls "overflow" housing. Students in temporary living quarters mostly live in converted study rooms within UA residence halls. Each converted area is outfitted with the furnishings of a dorm room like beds, desks and wardrobes.
The university is enrolling its largest freshman class ever, based on preliminary numbers. The number of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students exceeded 4,900 students as of Monday, UA spokesman Steve Voorhies said.
If the number holds up -- a more detailed enrollment report will be released on or near the 11th day of classes -- it will be an increase of more than 300 students from the number of such freshmen last fall.
About three weeks ago, the university warned that about 115 incoming freshmen might not have a room assignment. The university's policy generally requires single freshmen under 21 to live on campus, but allows for students to live with a parent or guardian if they choose.
At the time, Blount cited fewer students choosing to live with parents as a factor in the disparity between students and rooms. Blount also said the university anticipated some last-minute cancellations, leaving the exact housing situation uncertain.
The university has 17 residence halls and a university-run apartment complex, with a combined capacity of 5,732 students, Blount has said. The total does not include fraternity and sorority housing.
Last year, each student living in such temporary housing moved into a regular room before the end of the fall semester, Blount has said. The university provides help to students moving from temporary housing to a regular room.
The university last expanded its housing in 2013, opening two facilities that added about 630 housing slots.
Metro on 08/25/2015