Have you ever wondered what living on campus is like at Governors State University? For students considering on-campus housing, Prairie Place offers a modern residence experience that combines convenience, independence, and campus life.

Prairie Place opened in the fall of 2014 when Governors State University transitioned from a junior-senior institution into a full four-year university. The residence hall was created to give students the opportunity to live on campus while staying connected to academic buildings, recreation spaces, and student services.

Students living at Prairie Place can choose from four different floor plans, and each housing option includes a meal plan. Residents also have access to a variety of amenities designed to make campus living comfortable. These include free high-speed Wi-Fi and cable service, community kitchens and lounges on each floor, laundry facilities, and a convenience store within the building. There is shuttle transportation to academic buildings and the Metra station. There is also 24-hour security. 

For sophomore Mia Romo, living in the dorms has helped create a sense of community. Romo, who is 19, lives in an apartment-style dorm where she has her own room but shares the common space with three roommates.

“My roommates for sure,” Romo said when asked about her favorite part of dorm life. “I love them so much, and they have made living in the dorms so much more tolerable.”

However, dorm living also comes with small challenges. According to Romo, the laundry facilities can get crowded. “The laundry—it’s just always very packed with people all the time,” she said.

Romo currently has a $1,500 dining card but believes it may be more than she personally needs. “For me it’s just too much money for food,” she said, adding that she likes to just eat in her dorm or have food delivered. 

Despite a few inconveniences, Romo plans to continue living in Prairie Place throughout her time at the university. She says living on campus has helped her gain independence while staying close to school.

“It was convenient for me, and I also wanted some independence away from living with my parents so I could grow as a person,” Romo said.

Her advice for students considering dorm life is simple: “Learn how to cook for yourself and other basic chores like laundry, cleaning, and keeping your space tidy.”

While weekends in the dorms can vary, Romo says the atmosphere depends on the residents. “Sometimes it’s quiet, other times people run down the hallway,” she said. “It really depends on where you live in the dorms and how people feel that weekend.”

For students who live farther away from campus, Prairie Place can provide a convenient and engaging way to experience college life while staying connected to everything the university has to offer.