Residential Commons
SMU’s Residential Commons allow students to experience the cohesiveness and intimacy of a small school while still enjoying the cultural and scholarly resources of a large university.
SMU’s implementation of the residential college system is perhaps the most distinctive feature of the University. It offers students a familiar, comfortable living environment, personal interaction with faculty members and administrators, and exciting opportunities for academic and extracurricular exploration. The Residential Commons do much to foster spirit, allegiance, and a sense of community at SMU.
SMU has designed the Residential Commons to integrate the academic, residential, and social experience and to create a sense of belonging.
Each Commons has unique identities, traditions, gatherings, and meaningful activities that build community and long-term bonds among residents. Each Commons is led by a Faculty-in-Residence (FiR), a Residential Community Director (RCD), and a variety of student leaders.