In early February 2025, Residential Life sent out a campus-wide email outlining major changes to student housing for the upcoming fall semester. Among the most notable shifts: increased occupancy in campus dorms. Currently, only two on-campus apartments are equipped to house four residential groups, creating tighter living spaces with many scrambling to find and form groups of 5. Other changes include converting L-shaped rooms in Holy Cross and corner rooms of the Living Learning Center (LLC) into triples. Baroody Hall will also adjust its layout, with the second floor reserved for upperclassmen female residents and the first floor continuing to house male upperclassmen.

These changes are a ripple effect of the steadily growing student population.

So, what’s causing this shift?

While admissions at this time can not accurately provide estimates/projections as they can fluctuate and result in inaccurate information, admissions can provide information regarding logistics of the Class of 2029 at a later time. Traditionally, students provide their acceptance to their chosen college by May 1, so after that date, admissions will likely be more equipped to answer specific questions about the incoming class. 

Parking is already a long-standing frustration for many students living on campus, and the anticipated enrollment increase is heightening those concerns. According to the Student Government Association’s Senate minutes from the April 7 meeting, Scott Dunn, Director of Security, reported that there are currently 1,950 student parking spots available for roughly 2,000 enrolled students, excluding faculty and staff. Plans to alleviate these issues include conversations of restricting the number of freshmen parking passes and the discussion of increasing parking spots. However, the location and feasibility of those additions remain unclear. It is important to note that Campus Security is a strong advocate for getting more parking and does not have the power to increase parking lots on campus.

The surge in student numbers also puts added strain on Residential Life, particularly on resident assistants (RAs). Director of Residential Life and Education Christine Gallardo said the college is working to ensure that first-year students continue to receive strong support, even as housing density increases. 

“Our first-year living area can roughly hold 600 students,” Gallardo said, referring to the four main freshman dorms: Streets, Dominic Hall, JOA, and now Joseph Hall. “We have more RAs assigned to the first-year area compared to upperclassmen living areas to provide more individualized support. RAs with first-year students attend specific sessions during our August training and throughout the academic year for how to support first-year students effectively.”

Still, concerns remain among many students. Increased housing density has prompted questions about roommate matching, social dynamics, and overall comfort for new students entering college life.

One student leader echoed those concerns.

“I know the college is focusing on the secondary education drop off that’s predicted for 2028, but I know the increasing occupancy is stressful,” said Vice president elect Caleb Lumbard. “I was very fortunate with my housing, so I don’t have a good firsthand perspective on the increased housing. But I hope the school will seriously consider housing in its future planning because it’s tough for the students who are caught in the middle of this drop off.”

Though current enrollment figures remain unofficial, historical data highlights a steady upward trend. The Class of 2025 enrolled approximately 490 students. That number increased to 530 for the Class of 2026 and climbed again to 580 for the Class of 2027, which currently is the largest class to date.

But if current expectations hold, the Class of 2029 may soon claim that title.

As the college works to balance growth with student experience, questions about resources, infrastructure, and support systems are likely to remain at the forefront. For now, students, staff, and faculty alike are preparing for what could be a historic semester with the biggest freshman class to date- one marked not just by numbers, but by the challenges and opportunities they bring.