Residence halls hit a low of 400 students in the spring of 2004, and that number has now jumped.

The residence halls are housing 525 students with rooms to fill. The maximum capacity is about 700 or a little less with the single rooms.

With incentives and other benefits for students living on campus, the enrollment number has increased and the resident directors are pleased.

Adam Griffin, resident director of East Hall, said it’s great to have so many students living on campus.

“Now that we have so many more students, we now do an activity every Friday at 7 p.m.,” Griffin said.

“This is for the students who live too far away to go home or for the students who just decide to spend their weekend on campus.”

Shaunte Thomas, sophomore psychology major, said having more students in the residence halls is great because you have the opportunity to meet new people, and it makes the campus activities fuller.

Auriel Brown, senior public relations major, said living on campus allows students to experience the campus life at its fullest.

“I think the recent increase of students moving into the residence halls will increase school spirit,” Brown said.

“The more students living on campus means the more involved they will be in campus activities.”

She also said the closer students are to campus, the more they will learn about what the campus has to offer outside of the academic world.

“Not only will this benefit the students, but it also makes the University look good.

In addition to the new activities, there are other benefits that may persuade students to live on campus.

The residence halls now offer single rooms, there is a late night snack offered between 9-10 p.m., and dinner is now served on Sundays.

“We try to give the students what they want, we also give priority to upper-classmen,” Griffin said.

Carla Fairbanks, resident director of McCormick, said the request for single rooms are requested more than anything else.

“McCormick’s entire bottom floor is all single rooms,” Fairbanks said.

She also said there is still more room for students who want to live on campus.

“The residence halls are not at its max,” Griffin said.

“But I hope it will be reached every semester.

Deb Gipson, director of housing, could not be contacted for a comment.