“Overnight@Hofstra,” a pilot program allowing commuter students to pay to stay on Hofstra University’s campus overnight, began on Monday, Oct. 13. The program is run in partnership with The Residential Life and the Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success.
The launch of the overnight program coincides with the start of Fall Fest, allowing commuter students to participate in nearly all activities without worrying about getting home.
The program aims to provide commuters a space to stay on campus overnight when needed.
In an email sent to students, reasons commuters may utilize the program were outlined as “[Staying] late for classes, projects, or rehearsals, [wanting] a safe option during bad weather [or] [needing] extra flexibility for early/late campus activities.”
There are currently 25 rooms that will be available with the nightly cost ranging from $45 to $53. Students can rent a room for a maximum of three consecutive days and up to 15 nights per semester.
The program is currently restricted to commuter students, but the university is also considering allowing residential students to use these rooms. Depending on the popularity of the program, the university may expand the number of rooms.
Additionally, the overnight program is still in a pilot phase. Hofstra hopes that, based on its reception and popularity, the program will eventually become permanent.
Novia Ramsay, executive director of Residence Life, provides insight into the logistics of the program, its purpose and what it may look like going forward.
“Our goal was to support student success and well-being by removing barriers that prevent full participation in campus life,” Ramsay said.
Ramsay also said that student input played an important role in the creation of this program.
“Many commuter students expressed that they were often forced to miss late-night events, club meetings or academic programming due to transportation concerns,” Ramsay said.
Commuter and residential students alike have expressed consensus that this program benefits the Hofstra community.
Hailey Falta, a sophomore double major in music business and drama who commutes from Seaford, New York, said that she considers this program a step in the right direction.
Falta said she worried that she would not have a typical college experience as a commuter, explaining that a program like this helps students both socially and academically.
“There are a lot of commuters who want a life on campus,” Falta said.
Elena Kleberg, a sophomore public relations major, lives on campus. She said she considers having her own dorm a privilege.
“There really isn’t really a place for commuters to be alone … [the rooms] can be a place for them to decompress,” Kleberg said.
Kleberg also mentioned what she believes is a massive benefit of the overnight program.
“[It is] a way for commuters to try out what it’s like living on campus,” Kleberg said. “Especially if they’re considering it.”
Hofstra is aware of its large commuter population and continually seeks ways to increase their involvement.
