Buckling down with homework has certain perks in Wickiup Residence Hall at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), where on the southwest side of the building, mountain-facing study rooms offer no shortage of inspiring views: miles of evergreen treetops that spool out to snow-glazed Cascades. But there’s more to the residence hall than academics — a lot more.

“This residence hall is a big community,” said one resident, who came to COCC from Eugene to study in the Paramedicine and Fire Science programs. “We all share a kitchen, enjoy the same programs together, all work together for the greater good.” As a bonus for residents, Culinary Arts students who live in Wickiup are known to experiment with large-portion recipes in the communal kitchen.

The location of COCC’s residence hall offers easy access to the many resources of the Bend campus. Or, as one student puts it: “I have a gym, hot meals provided three times a day, a gorgeous library, a market full of snacks and hiking paths that wrap around the outskirts of the campus.”

The housing application deadline for winter term is Dec. 20. To see the residence hall up close, sign up for a Bend campus tour, or tour the Redmond, Madras or Prineville campuses by scheduling a visit at cocc.edu/departments/admissions/explore-cocc/visit-campus.aspx. Group visits are available, too.

Bend tours visit a number of campus buildings and can adjust to meet the needs of the group, explained Sarah Hopkins, admissions coordinator. “On Friday’s tour, I had three people interested in our Culinary program and so we spent a little more time there,” she said. Throughout, the tours weave in facts and figures about COCC, building by building. “The tour tells a story,” Hopkins added.

For prospective residents of the 330-capacity Wickiup Hall, tours visit a typical “suite-style” room (available in single- and double-bedroom layouts), along with the kitchen, game room and common spaces. Every resident is provided with an adjustable, bunkable-loftable bed, a two-drawer wardrobe unit, a desk and desk chair.

Wickiup Hall has served as home to students from as far away as Hawaii and Florida — typically with about 20% of residents coming from out of state. For those living on their own for the first time, it offers a built-in network of friends and ease of living. “It’s a really good transition for students,” added Hopkins.

The on-campus living experience also translates into something more than a convenient, affordable housing choice. Studies that have looked at college retention rates typically find that students who live on campus achieve higher GPAs and hold better graduation rates than those who don’t. Living in Wickiup is like having firmer footing on a challenging trail.

Rates for a full term, including a meal plan, start at $4,056.33. A limited amount of students can earn free room and board by applying to be a community assistant, a peer-leader position that helps facilitate activities and programs.

The application process is open now, and interested students are encouraged to apply soon to have the best chance at securing a spot. For more information on Wickiup Hall, visit cocc.edu/departments/residence-life or call 541-383-7545.