La Sierra Life

Home away from home

According to the American Council on Education, students who live on campus earn better grades, take more units, and are more likely to complete a university degree. And at La Sierra University, we feel it’s the best way for your student to experience college life to the fullest. Our residence hall deans and the division of Student Life strive to make dorming as comfortable and convenient as possible for each student who makes La Sierra their home away from home. Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions to help make preparing for dorm life even easier for you and your student.

Dorming FAQ

What are the different dorms on campus?

Angwin Hall – for freshman & sophomore women
Calkins Hall – for junior, senior, and graduate women
Sierra Towers – a seven-story residence hall for men
South Hall – for students in the Honors Program

Is there access to a kitchen and a laundry room?

Each dormitory is equipped with a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

Will my student have curfew?

While curfew is flexible dependent upon late or overnight leaves, the rule of thumb is:
Freshmen = 12 am (midnight)
Sophomores = 1am
Juniors/Seniors = 2am
Graduate Students and/or 22+ = no curfew

What is included in each dorm room?

A bed, desk, and dresser is provided for each student. Rooms also have closet space and access to bathrooms (either shared or community).

What should my student bring with them?

For a list of must-have and suggested items, please visit lasierra.edu/residential-life/reslife-faqs/.

When can my student move in/out?

The move-in date for dorming students is typically the Sunday before classes begin during fall quarter. The move-out date is typically the Sunday after finals week of spring quarter. To ensure you have the correct dates on your calendar, please double check with the Residential Life office by calling (951) 785-2017 or emailing reslife@lasierra.edu. Students may be able to move in or out of their rooms ahead of schedule, depending on availability and arrangements made with their RA or their dormitory's dean.

If your student is new to La Sierra, then their move-in date will be during Eagles' Landing. For more information about a freshman's introduction to campus, please visit https://lasierra.edu/ignite/.

Other FAQs

For other inquiries about living on campus, check out our Residential Life webpage.

Commuter Life

Students who live off-campus have access to multiple resources to make each day as successful as possible. Your student may commute to school, but they can take advantage of free parking, commuter meal plans, and more.

Free Parking

Every student at La Sierra has access to free and easy parking. All your student needs to do is register their vehicle with Security by visiting our Online Parking System. They will be assigned to a student lot on campus, where they never have to worry about displaying a permit (a valid license plate is plenty). Say goodbye to searching for parking, not to mention paying for expensive permits! Things get even easier and more convenient after 6 pm, when registered vehicles may be parked in any faculty or student parking lot.

Lounges

Practically each building on campus has lounge areas where students are welcome to study, rest, or hang out. Your commuter student can make themselves at home on the comfortable couches in the library, honors house, humanities hall, and various other buildings.

Eating on Campus

Meal Plans

All students living in the dorms are required to purchase a meal plan of either 10 meals/wk (110 meals total) + $125 flex money, 15 meals/wk (165 meals total) + $135 flex money, or 18 meals/wk (198 meals total) + $150 flex money (as noted in the Tuition and Costs sheet). Only one meal can be "redeemed" at a time during meal time hours, either at the Dining Commons or the Eagle's Nest Cafe. A total of 4 meals can be used in one day.

Flex money, also known as EagleCash, is a quick and convenient alternative way to pay for food either in the Dining Commons or the Eagle’s Nest. Additional flex money can be added to a student's ID card at any time by visiting lasierra.edu/eaglecash. Flex money can also be used in the Bookstore.

Students who commute to campus have access to the same delicious meals as residential students. Your student has the option of either purchasing a quarterly meal plan or using EagleCash.

All students are also welcome to utilize the Golden Eagle Food Pantry, a system in which various offices on campus provide free snacks, small meals, and groceries for students. For more information about the Food Pantry, visit lasierra.edu/slife/golden-eagle-food-pantry/.

Can visitors eat on campus?

Yes! If you come visit your student, they can use flex money to purchase your meal in the Dining Commons or the Eagle's Nest. You can also pay with cash, although this may take you longer in line. There are also various eateries in the local area, such as Oasis Vegetarian Cafe.

Campus in Action

Friends and Fun

It's hard to get bored at La Sierra—and not just because of our close proximity to the beach, the mountains, and Los Angeles. Your student will also have lots of on-campus activities to take part in; there's something for everyone, with dozens of student-run clubs, drama performances, music groups, and ENACTUS. No matter what your student is interested in, there are friendships ready to be made and fun to be had.

Staying Fit

At La Sierra, we take 1 Corinthians 6:19 to heart. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" Healthy habits are an important part of any young adult's life, and we hope to instill and foster them in your student. Students are encouraged to keep active and fit during their time with us, and have free access to our Fitness Center, track, pool, and more. We also have a thriving Intramural Sports program!

Student Government

Your student will have the opportunity to participate in student government if so interested. The Student Association of La Sierra University (SALSU) provides opportunities for leadership and growth, and holds yearly elections for the various offices.

Worship Opportunities

Spiritual life is an important part of the La Sierra University experience. We want your student to grow in their personal relationship with God in a way that benefits them most. No matter what your student’s religious or spiritual background, all are welcome to learn more about both themselves and the world around them.

There are various worship opportunities on campus, designed for busy student lives. Chapel is held weekly at 11 a.m. each Tuesday at the La Sierra University Church. Other services, like Wednesday evening “Rendezvous” and Friday evening “First Service” are optional.

Mission Opportunities

We strive to change worlds, and our Center for Outreach and Mission Service is just one way for your student to make a difference in someone else's life. Opportunities for service range from local outreach to long-term mission trips.

Student Employment

Your student has the chance to get an on-campus job during their time at La Sierra. Student employment is integral to the university's succss, and provides student workers with the chance to learn valuable job skills in a supportive environment. In order to work for La Sierra, your student will need original, unexpired ID documents as specified by Human Resources. For more information about jobs at La Sierra, please visit the Student Employment page.

Students can also glean valuable knowledge about getting internships and jobs after graduation through our Career Services office.

Apply online on our website.
Call 1-800-874-5587 to request a hard-copy application form by mail or request a printed application be sent to you by mail.

Preffered Applications Deadlines

La Sierra University has a rolling application system, and we will accept your application for any future term at any time.