- THINKING OF LIVING IN THE SPANISH HOUSE?
Who can live in the Spanish House?
Any upper-class VU student (sophomore, junior or senior) who has taken (or is taking) Spanish 204 or the equivalent can apply to live in the Spanish House.
How long can I live in the Spanish House?
Students wishing to live in the Spanish House multiple years may reapply.
I'll be abroad for part of the year. Can I apply for just one semester?
Yes. Students who are studying abroad are especially encouraged to apply to live in the Spanish House-either in preparation for their time abroad or as a way of easing back into American campus life after being abroad. On the application, there is space for you to indicate your intent to apply for the fall or the spring semester only
What happens if I apply to live in the Spanish House but am not selected?
Space in the Spanish House is limited; this means that not every applicant can always be accommodated. Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff. Decisions are made based on language ability and willingness to participate in communal life. Seniority and gender balance may also be considered. Applicants are informed whether or not they have been selected well in advance of the campus-wide room selection process so that students who are not selected to live in the Spanish House have time to find a roommate and join the regular room selection process at no disadvantage.
Who is the Resident Assistant?
Normally, there is a new resident assistant each year. The RA, selected by Spanish program faculty members at University of Las Americas in Puebla (Mexico), is a native speaker of Spanish and an exchange student who takes regular VU courses alongside duties in the Spanish House.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms in the Spanish House are two, three, or four bedroom apartments. Room assignments are based on total number of selected applicants and space allocation decisions by the Office of Residential Life. In addition to private bedroom, with private bathroom, and full kitchens, these (almost luxury!) partially furnished apartments offer also laundry facilities.
What is the cost?
The price for students to live in Uptown East Apartments is $3,800 per semester, and includes the above amenities. Like study abroad, a semester in the Spanish House is a worthwhile investment.
What makes the Spanish House different from the other residence halls?
Spanish House residents pledge to speak only Spanish in the public areas of the house. Residents also share meal planning and preparation on weekday evenings, Sunday through Thursday. Plus, you get to live in one of the best residences offered by the University.