SMU’s Residential Experience
We strive to make sure that each Commons feels like a student’s home away from home.
Once a student is enrolled at SMU, whether they reside on-campus or not, they are sorted into one of SMU’s 11 Residential Commons beginning a lifetime affiliation. A Residential Commons is a community with a diverse selection of students with different majors, goals, and backgrounds, helping each Commons become a unique place with its own culture and traditions. Students will live in their same Commons for the first two years, which barely feels like a requirement, as it becomes a place where students take pride in living.
Our Residential Commons are full of learning, laughter, and support, with each Commons having their own live-in Faculty-in-Residence (FiR), full-time staff Residential Community Director (RCD), and Resident Assistants (RAs). There are even teams of Peer Leaders that help support students in their Commons organizing service, wellness, academics, and faith events. Each commons has their own set of signature events, as well as events sponsored by the FiR and RCD, where students from any commons can gather and attend. This is a great way for students to meet new people, form life-long friendships, and build community.
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A few great ways of meeting people within your commons is to utilize the community areas located in each residence hall, join your Commons Council, and participate in Commons Cup activities.
Commons Council is open to anyone residing in a commons who wants to gain leadership experience by supporting the culture and activities of their specific Commons. In order to join, reach out to your Commons president or RCD through Slack or their preferred method of communication, and they will let you know when and where their Commons Council meetings are. Students will meet once a week with the commons’ president, treasurer, social media chair, secretary, select RAs, and the RCD to talk about upcoming Commons events and planning activities for students on each floor. Being a part of the council allows for students to make connections and enhance their leadership journey at SMU.
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Commons Cup is a friendly competition between all Commons on campus with different activities open throughout each semester for students to compete. Commons Cup is like a modern day Harry Potter House game between all Commons, where the prize is a giant trophy and bragging rights! Commons Cup activities consist of athletic, intellectual, community, and creativity challenges. Each commons has volunteer student representatives compete throughout the year to gain victory points. The Cup is awarded at the end of every year to the Commons with the most points. To participate in Commons Cup activities, reach out to your Commons president through Slack or their preferred method of communication, where they will make sure you are all set up.
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Need additional support with housing?
The Office of Financial Aid, Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS), and Residence Life & Student Housing (RLSH) will be there throughout your time on the Hilltop to ensure students are situated in safe and comfortable housing assignments. Check out the RLSH specific resources here!
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For students who want to learn more about the Residential Commons system at SMU, there will be several virtual events for incoming and prospective students throughout the summer. These events are great places to get your questions answered! See dates below.
Important Dates
Mustang Days – July 8, 2022 & August 1, 2022
Transfer Admitted Student Days – June 22, 2022
Red, Blue & You – June 22, 2022 & July 13, 2022
Instagram Live Tours of each Commons – July 22, 2022
Follow a Commons
Follow Armstrong Commons: @armstrongcommons
Follow Boaz Commons: @boazcommons
Follow Cockrell-McIntosh Commons: @cmcommons
Follow Crum Commons: @crumcommons
Follow Kathy Crow Commons: @kathycrowcommons
Follow Loyd Commons: @loydcommons
Follow Mary Hay Peyton Shuttles (MHPS) Commons: @mhpscommons
Follow McElvaney Commons: @mcelvaneycommons
Follow Morrison-McGinnis Commons: @momaccommons
Follow Virginia-Snider Commons: @vscommons
Follow Ware Commons: @wareyoubelong
And, of course, our website is available 24/7, with detailed information about SMU’s housing options, policies and life on the Hilltop.
We look forward to meeting all new Mustangs on the Hilltop this fall, and are excited to be a part of your journey. Pony Up!