Residence hall - Definition and Overview

A halls of residence, British English (almost always halls and not hall) or a residence hall (North American English) is a type of residential accommodation for large numbers of students. Such halls can be self-catering, or have canteen/dining facilities. In some cases students have to share rooms. Some halls are single-sex, or have single sex floors or wings. Halls of residence are normally owned and run by the university or college which they serve. Residence halls are traditionally managed by the Student Affairs area in a university.

In New Zealand, where they are called halls of residence, they are similar to what are called dormitories in USA. They are usually not self-catered. A typical example is Bishop Julius Hall at the University of Canterbury, which consists of single rooms that come furnished with a bed, two chairs and a desk. Most halls have both female and male students, though some still have single sex floors.

Professional Association

The Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I (http://www.acuho-i.org)) is the major support and professional organization for those staff who manage residence halls in institutions of higher education.

Example Usage of Residence