First-Year housing is the home of our Living Learning Community program. These areas offer easy access to classes and your professors, as well as close proximity to your classmates for study group sessions, and convenient access to on-campus events such as lectures, concerts, athletic events and the wide range of recreational activities on campus.
Take a Virtual Tour
Maher Hall
Virtual tour of Maher Hall, one of USD's most popular residence halls for first year students, showing multiple room setups, common areas, study spaces, and views of the building from the exterior.
The Valley
Virtual Tour of The Valley, USD's residential living area. The Valley consists of multiple residential buildings as well as a, café, and space for outdoor recreation.
Residency Requirements
All unmarried students with credits defining them as either a first-year or second-year student who are under 20 years of age at the initial start date of their first agreement period of occupancy at the University and who do not commute from the permanent (i.e. primary and not a secondary) San Diego County home of their parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian are required to live in University housing.
A Resident who becomes 20 years of age following the Resident’s initial matriculation at the University will still be subject to and required to fulfill the two-year residency requirement.
All contracts are for the full academic year, which consists of both fall and spring semesters, or if entered into after the beginning of the academic year, for the remainder of that academic year. These policies apply to any freshman and transfer students who enter USD.
- First-Year Students
- Transfer Students
The residency requirement has been reinstated.
| 4 Semesters | 3 Semesters | 20 or Older* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Enrollment | X | E | |
| Spring Enrollment | X | E | |
| Fall Leave of Absence | X | E |
- The above chart applies to all new first year students and transfer students with less than 30 units (completed and transferable to USD) at the start of their first housing contract
- X means required
- E means exception
*20 years or older on the day of first year agreement period of occupancy (Incoming Fall Students: September 2, 2024)
Please review this Two Year Residency Requirement document for more information.
Residential Areas
Each residential area has a Living Learning Community theme associated with it. Rather than choosing their own roommates or a specific housing area, first year students are placed based on their LLC and their First Year Housing Questionnaire.
Living on campus makes it easy to familiarize yourself with our vibrant campus community, and when you choose to become part of our dynamic Living Learning Communities, you’ll have an opportunity to instantly connect with the Torero lifestyle. For more information on the LLC program, visit the Learning Communities website.
In order to help you make a seamless transition to college life and community living, each first-year residence has live-in professional Community Directors, Resident Ministers and undergraduate Resident Assistants who are committed to helping you maximize your on-campus living experience.
Cultivate LLC & Illuminate LLC
Camino/Founders
The Camino/Founders complex features two connected buildings, separated by gender, on the west end of campus that were originally built for the San Diego College of Women in the early 1950s. Student residents exist on the second floor, while classrooms occupy the first floor of these two-story buildings. Camino Hall is our All-Male accommodation, whereas Founders is All-Female. Their unique design provides most rooms with a view of the beautifully landscaped courtyards. Residents share communal bathrooms but single use restrooms are also available. Both Camino and Founders are equipped with brand new community kitchen facilities! The majority of rooms will accommodate two (doubles), three (triples), and four residents (quads). Both halls were renovated the summer of 2021.
Collaborate LLC
Maher
Located at the center of campus and adjacent to the beautiful Plaza de San Diego, Maher Hall provides student housing on the top three stories of the building. All Maher rooms have private baths and occupancy type varies from rooms that will accommodate two (doubles), three (triples), and four residents (quads). Brand new carpet was installed in every room during the summer of 2023.
Advocate LLC
Valley A
Coed by floor, the Valley A (formerly Missions A) housing offers suite-style living, in which each floor consists of a semi-private shower and bathroom, with furnished lounges. Each suite has residents living in single, double, or triple bedrooms. Each suite has its own common room and two bathrooms to be shared by the residents of the suite. Valley A was renovated in the summer of 2019 to include vinyl tile flooring in all rooms, new bathroom vanities, and brand new furniture.
Innovate LLC
Valley B
The Valley B (formerly Missions B) housing consists of four three-story buildings (San Luis, San Juan, San Miguel and San Rafael) that offer single, double and triple bedrooms. Each floor provides residents with two communal bathroom areas and two lounges. Valley B was renovated in the summer of 2020 to include vinyl tile flooring in all rooms, remodeled bathrooms, and brand new furniture.
Advocate LLC
San Antonio de Padua (SAP)
San Antonio de Padua (SAP) apartments together with San Buenaventura represent the Valley Apartments. SAP offers 41 units consisting of mostly large one-bedroom apartments for up to four residents. A laundry room is located on the ground level of this three-story building. Each unit is entered from an interior hallway and some have balcony views of Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay. There is an outdoor living space that features a large seating area, fire pit, lounge chairs, and patio furniture perfect for spending time with friends or pursuing outdoor study groups.