LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For the first time, Southeast Community College’s Lincoln campus will offer housing to its students.

Campus leaders credit their drive for “open accessibility” for the new dorms.

SCC President Paul Illich said they will allow students to have a sense of community and a residential college experience.

Illich said the new hall will have several amenities and features like a gym and study areas, equipping students with tools for success.

“We really want to be open access, and we’re excited about this new opportunity,” Illich said. “Choosing SCC was difficult without that residential experience, but we now have that. So we’re super excited about this new opportunity for our students.”

College leaders said the new residence hall won’t only encourage a sense of community among students but will also help students succeed in the classroom.

A study by Brigham Young University says students who live off-campus are almost two times more likely to fall into academic risks than students who live on campus.

“There’s research showing that if students have the ability to live on campus, there’s a number of advantages,” Illich said. “Obviously you’re very close to campus and have places to study.”

Housing applications for students looking to get in on these advantages are open right now.

The new residence hall will house 250 students and open in the spring of 2024.