WILLISTON While Williston State College is in the same situation as the rest of the area as far as housing needs are concerned, according to Williston State College housing and safety officer Janice Arnson, potential students are still encouraged to sign up for housing in the residence halls for the fall semester.
"At this time, we are full, but we have a short waiting list," Arnson said. "It seems we always have students who have reserved a room who choose to cancel last minute for various reasons. Last fall we were able to find a place for everyone who was on the waiting list. So even though we are now full, I encourage students to get on the waiting list."
Helping to alleviate some of the pressure for housing this year is the opening of Frontier Hall, a 170-bed residence hall for full-time regular students.
The building features four floors, with three dedicated to rooms for students and the fourth floor built as a conference room. The third floor commons area also has a kitchen facility appropriate for preparing light snacks. Each room in the new residence hall will contain a bed, dresser, desk and chair. Students will need to bring their own linens, towels, dorm-size refrigerators and microwave if they wish.
A grand opening for the hall is set for Aug. 25.
The new hall features many upgrades from Dickson Hall, which will still be used.
"We have one wing of Dickson Hall being used by international students who are working throughout Williston," Arnson explained. "The other wing will be used for students who are 25 years old or older and need just a single bed."
Also available on a waiting list are the four-plexes and the mobile homes, which are designated for family housing and for temporary housing for faculty and staff.
Housing on campus remains affordable at $1,750 per term per double room in Frontier Hall, and $1,750 for a single room in Dickson Hall. Arnson said there are monthly rates for the apartments and mobile homes. Those planning to live in Frontier Hall will be required to purchase a meal plan through the college.
To apply for on-campus housing, Arnson suggests going to the Williston State College Web site at (www.willistonstate.edu) and filling out a housing application which can be found there, or calling the Williston State College Housing Office at 774-4528. There is a $35 non-refundable application fee and those who apply for housing must be full-time students.
Classes for the fall 2011 semester begin at 4 p.m. on Aug. 22.