February 25, 2025

Happy Tuesday!

We are excited to share that the 2025-2026 Housing Application will open on March 4!

Choosing your residence hall as well as your roommates/suitemates can be exciting! We also know that it can be stressful. As you begin to think about your housing plans for the upcoming academic year, there are a few topics we encourage you considerI We all know that our living situation can greatly influence our college experience, and making the right choices now can lead to a more fulfilling and successful year ahead.

1.   Roommate Selection: Take the time to carefully consider who you choose as your roommate. Living with someone who shares similar habits, values, and communication styles can contribute significantly to a positive living environment. Have open and honest conversations with potential roommates about lifestyle preferences, study habits, and expectations for shared living spaces.

2.   Compatibility: Look for compatibility not only in terms of interests and habits but also in terms of schedules and routines. Consider factors such as sleep schedules, cleanliness standards, and social preferences to ensure a harmonious living arrangement.

3.   Residence Hall Atmosphere: Think intentionally about the residence hall environment that best suits your needs and preferences. Some halls may prioritize quiet study spaces and a more academic atmosphere, while others may offer a more social and vibrant community. Consider what type of environment will best support your academic and personal goals.

4.   Location and Amenities: Consider the location of the residence hall in relation to your classes, campus resources, and social activities.



5.   Budget and Financial Considerations: Keep in mind your budget when selecting housing options. Choose a housing option that fits within your financial means while still meeting your needs and preferences.

Taking the time to carefully consider these factors now can lead to a more enjoyable living experience throughout the upcoming academic year.

If you have any questions or need assistance in navigating your housing options, please don't hesitate to reach out to your residential staff, Campus Housing, or the Office of Residential Experience.

Take care and Go Gaels!

Important Campus Housing & Residential Experience Updates

The returning student Housing Application is fast approaching and will open March 4, 2025! Room selection for the 2025-2026 academic year will take place in person this year April 8-10, 2025. Make sure to intentionally consider your housing options for next year, talk with friends & roommates about your plans, and get ready to submit your application! Questions? Make sure to contact Campus Housing at housing@stmarys-ca.edu or 925-631-4241.

Upcoming Campus Events

Student Leadership Conference

Sat. March 1, 2025

9:00 AM

Soda Center

Sponsored by the Student Enhancement Fee

Join us every Monday for Movie Night!

9:00 - 11:00 PM

Dryden

Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association

Looking for a Leadership Opportunity?

Hispanic Serving Institution Advisory Council Application

Saint Mary’s College is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), but we know that truly serving our Latinx and Hispanic students goes beyond just a designation—it takes real action. That’s where you come in! We’re inviting students to apply to be part of the HSI Advisory Council, a group dedicated to making sure SMC is not just a place where Latinx students enroll, but where they thrive. Your voice matters, and we need students like you to help shape the policies, programs, and resources that support our community. This is your chance to be a leader, share your experiences, and make a real impact on campus. If you’re passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive SMC, we’d love to have you on board! Interested? Apply here. Application closes March 7, 2025.

Looking for On Campus Employment?

• Good Eating Company (Campus Dining) is look for student workers! Apply here.

• Passionate about sustainability? Good Eating Company (GEC) is looking for a student intern this spring to support our sustainability initiatives, including boosting participation in the campus reusables program, reducing food waste, and expanding carbon labeling in Oliver Hall. This paid position is flexible (2–8 hours/week) to fit your schedule. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please use this link to apply! Feel free to share with your network.

Dining Updates

Observing Lent in Oliver Hall

Why does Saint Mary's participate in Meatless Fridays during Lent?

As a Lasallian Catholic Institution in the context of the United States of America, it is tradition to abstain from eating meat during the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays.

In the US, meat is greatly integrated into our diets as the "main source of protein." It is readily available to us and is not the only source of protein. As an act of love and penance, we are encouraged to go without meat to see where God is working in us and see a reflection of the sacrifice Jesus made.

During the Lenten season we encourage you to consider:

Where are you finding the divine/the good working in you?

Oliver Hall will not be serving meat on these dates:

Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, March 5

Friday, March 7

Friday, March 14

Friday, March 21

Friday, March 28

Friday, April 4

Friday, April 11

Questions? Please contact Mission & Ministry

South Arcade | (925) 631 - 4366

Residential Resources

Toilet Paper is Available

If you are in need of toilet paper, you are welcome to stop by the Office of Residential Experience, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM to pick up supplies.

Did you know we offer Xfinity On Campus to residential students?

For XFinity On Campus Streaming Log into 

https://xfinityoncampus.com/ with your SMC Email ID and single sign-on password. You can also download the XFinity Stream App to watch from most devices!

Facilities Work Order Requests

Is something broken or not working properly in your residential space? Are you noticing pests or moisture in your room? Make sure to submit a work order!

As a reminder make sure to store food properly in air tight containers to avoid ants and other pests!

Need to get in touch?

Office of Residential Experience | reslife@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4236

Campus Housing | housing@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4241