Louisiana State University Offers Freshmen $3,000 to Avoid Dorm Living This Semester

BATON ROUGE, La. — Freshmen whose homes are within 30 minutes of LSU’s Baton Rouge campus now have the option to stay home this semester instead of living on campus and will be paid to do so.

“We offered some of our local students the opportunity to commute during the fall semester. And we incentivized them to do so by giving them a $3,000 bonus. Part of that is to manage the occupancy of the facility,” said Peter Trentacoste, LSU’s executive director of residential life.

Trentacoste told WAFB-TV that more students than expected were interested in living on campus this year.

“We looked at the cancellations and realized they weren’t coming in as quickly as we would like. It’s a little higher than normal in terms of interest,” he said.

The incentive opens up spots for students from other states, like Cole Costello of Dallas, who recently secured his dorm assignment.

“When I got the email that dorm space was limited, I was like, what’s in store for me? So I was grateful that I was able to get a dorm. But I think for a lot of students, it’s a very unsettling email,” Costello said.

Costello’s father, John Costello, said he is concerned that students who choose not to live in a dorm will not have the same opportunities and experiences as those who live on campus.

“The $3,000 option is a good thing, as long as I think it allows kids to feel included on campus and not miss out on campus activities. I think it’s essential for the first year,” Costello said.

Trentacoste said the university is absolutely committed to ensuring that whether students live on campus or commute, “you are a tiger and we welcome you to campus and make sure you feel welcome and that this is your home.”

Trentacoste said that once they reach a certain number of applicants, they will close the incentive program offer. He did not reveal what that number was.