One-third of COCC’s $21 million dorm sits empty

The new $21 million residence hall at COCC opened in August, but a third of it sits empty.

“It’s a little disappointing,” COCC Dean of Students Alicia Moore said Monday. Based on past research from a housing feasibility study that we had done as well as the local rental economy, we had hoped to have a higher occupancy rate than that.”

The new residence can house 320 students but only 205 live there now.

For many, it’s simply more affordable to stay with family.

“I live with my dad and that’s much cheaper to keep doing that,” said COCC student Tarik Hayward.

Those who live in dorms get to experience the campus lifestyle.

“I absolutely love it,” said COCC student Samantha Kurtz.

Kurtz is from outside of Central Oregon and so are 75 percent of those living on campus. Meanwhile 80 percent of COCC’s student body are from within.

Those who are from outside of the region are often staying with family to save money.

“It is an inconvenience,” said COCC student Justin Brown. “But it allows me to take time and not worry about my financial situation too much.”

COCC officials are not too worried about the lack of occupants for their new residence hall.

“A lot of community colleges who have built housing have experienced a lower occupancy when they first open,” Moore said.

They believe that through marketing, the dorm is soon going to be much more popular.

“We’re hoping to hit 85 percent occupation rate this coming quarter,” Moore said.