Beginning this year, students will have a new incentive to stay on campus and take classes during the summer: UConn will offer university housing at half price during summer sessions – all in air-conditioned dorms.

“This will give students another reason to take advantage of the summer and catch up or get ahead academically,” says Steve Kremer, assistant vice president for student affairs, who added that dining fees would also be reduced for summer students. “It will also allow the University to hopefully get additional use out of our buildings over the summer.”

The move fits in well with UConn’s “Finish in Four” initiative – an effort to encourage students to earn their degree in eight semesters and avoid the added costs associated with attending the University for five or six years.

The University instituted the change in pricing to make the option of taking summer courses more attractive to students. UConn does not stand to lose money, since its costs are fairly constant throughout the year; buildings must be maintained whether students are in them or not.

“Summer is also really one of the best times to be in Storrs,” says Kremer. “Campus is a smaller, more intimate place in the summer, and it’s a fun, relaxed time to be here and take classes.”

About 300 students stayed on campus to take summer courses in 2010. Kremer hopes to double that number in 2011.

“Summer housing has always been available,” he said, “but it was the same price as housing is during the regular semester. I think cutting the cost in half this coming summer will definitely be an added draw.”

Summer students will be housed in UConn’s air-conditioned dorms (only about one third of dorms have air conditioning), including South, Garrigus, Busby Suites, and Hilltop and Charter Oak Apartments.

“There’s a misconception that campus shuts down when students leave in May,” said Kremer. “But that’s not the case at all. Dining halls are open, the campus gyms and swimming pool are open, the Front Desk service is running, and student activities continue.”

There are six summer sessions running between different dates beginning in May and ending in August, not long before the start of the fall semester. Registration begins Feb. 28.

For more information, visit the summer session website.