There are few places on campus with a balcony overlooking live concerts in an outdoor amphitheater. The amphitheater is one of many bonuses specific to the residents of University Place (UP). With the addition of UP Phase 2 last year, UP now makes up one-third of the total resident population. Residents enjoy the new faux leather furniture and the latest wooden cabinetry found nowhere else on campus.
UP’s largest event last year boasted 2,500 students at the Bubba Sparxxx performance. Last year, the Resident Housing Association put on a big carnival-themed event outside UP housing. Students had the opportunity to take pictures with animals certainly foreign to Kennesaw including a monkey, an alligator, a snake and a tarantula. Additionally, the “Get in Gear” events offer nearly two full weeks of activities for residents each year. These events provide students with a way to socialize with other members of their resident community.
There are monthly events as well. The UP Council has a Cupid Café where residents can fill up on sweets and have the opportunity to send a flower or stuffed bear to their crush. During UP’s ‘90s-themed party, residents were slimed Nickelodeon-style with real homemade slime. Many of these functions included a raffle and prizes. When students start cramming for their final exams, UP provides a midnight breakfast with much- appreciated caffeine pick-me- ups and brain fuel courtesy of IHOP.
Besides the ongoing festivities, UP prides itself on nest communities. According to UP Residence Director Jared Campanella, UP garners more specific interests and lifestyles than any other community. Nest communities like the military veteran, athlete and foreign student dormitories are made up of residents who share commonalities.
“When veterans come back and want to start in school, they have that support system and other veterans they can talk to and relate too,” Campanella said. With such an accommodating environment, University Place is a great place for any variety of KSU students to call home.
