By Zoebelle Bean, Aquinas Reporter
Aquinas College Community Garden sign with coneflowers. – Photo by Zoebelle Bean
Aquinas College now has cheaper options for on-campus housing and class rates for summer course offerings. On Nov. 5, 2024, Aquinas College Residence Life released new parameters for summer housing. The new offerings include lowered course costs and reduced on-campus apartment rates.
According to a post on MyAQ that was linked in the news@AQ for students’ email on Nov. 12, the cost per credit hour of a summer course has been reduced from $588 to $225, and the cost of an apartment is $1,600 for the entirety of the summer semester. Students are encouraged by this change. “It’s definitely good. I never thought about taking summer classes, but now I would look into it,” said sophomore Peyton Huffman. While the summer class schedule will not come out until December, these updates to summer housing and course rates are promising to students who may have otherwise rejected the idea of staying over the summer to further their education.
Summer housing and classes have previously been difficult for students to sign up for since they’re usually not covered under a scholarship unless a student is a Resident Assistant or has other extenuating circumstances that may cover the cost of housing, such as an on-campus job or a sport.
Praying Mantis on Aquinas parking sign. – Photo by Zoebelle Bean
“Summer classes have always been so expensive. It’s super exciting now that they’ve lowered the price and offered housing,” said junior Nicholas Chenault. Summer classes will mean an opportunity for students to accelerate their degree and finish it sooner. It is also a chance for students to enjoy more of Grand Rapids without worrying about the stress of a full class schedule during normal school hours.
Residence Life advertised the new summer options as an opportunity to explore the summer in Grand Rapids, such as attending concerts, enjoying nightlife, and visiting the lakeshore alongside working toward a degree. Students have the opportunity now to both continue their degree over the summer and enjoy their time while they do it since the cost of housing and courses has been reduced.
The Saint 