Evolve Student Housing

The proposed student housing project is a multi-phase project designed to create a new first-year student community, a suite-style community, and apartment communities. The suite-style and apartments will replace existing apartments, and the first-year student community will be a new development. Completing the project in several phases will allow the university to create new beds before demolishing existing beds, ensuring that housing capacity is maintained throughout the construction process. The proposed on-campus housing facilities will be located at: 55th Street and Aztec Circle Drive for the new facilities, and at Montezuma Road and 55th Street, adjacent to the current University Towers property.  The project will also result in a new amenity building, to be located at 55th Street and Aztec Circle Drive, to house student mail, dining and community spaces for students. Based on the staggered project plan, construction would begin in May 2025 upon approval, and end in December 2030 or later, resulting in housing for first-year students, sophomores and upper-division students. The new housing options will allow for an increased mix of double, and triple occupancy rooms to better accommodate diverse student housing preferences and needs.

For years, increasing numbers of junior, senior, and graduate students have indicated to SDSU that they would prefer to live on campus, and housing access is an important determinant of college choice. The project is not, however, designed to drive student enrollment, but to meet the existing and projected demand of students for the coming years. 

The project is subject to approval by the California State University’s Board of Trustees, and the board will consider the project for approval in May 2025. In the interim, members of the SDSU and surrounding communities will have opportunities to review the project plan, including the environmental review process known as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and provide input. 

Under CEQA, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared to analyze the potential impacts of the student housing project on the environment. The EIR process begins with a public scoping meeting, during which the public and resource agencies will have an opportunity to provide input on the specific environmental issues to be addressed in the EIR. A Draft EIR will then be prepared and made available for public review in early 2025. Members of the SDSU community and the general public can submit written comments on the Draft EIR document, and SDSU will also hold a public meeting during which the community will be provided an opportunity to submit comments. When the California State University Board of Trustees meets in mid-2025 to consider whether to approve the project, the community will be provided further opportunity to submit both written and oral comments at the meeting.  

Rent rates in San Diego have outpaced most other U.S. cities in recent years, making student housing increasingly unaffordable. In recent years, the rental market in San Diego saw an estimated increase between 8 to 11% annually. This project aims to provide more financially competitive rental rates for on-campus housing options for SDSU students. Also, research indicates that students who live in on-campus housing see enhanced academic performance, greater social engagement, ease in connecting to university resources and a stronger sense of belonging than do students who live off campus. Students living on campus have easier access to libraries, study centers, faculty offices, and academic support services, which can enhance their study habits and academic success. Campus housing often provides a more structured environment with designated quiet hours and study spaces, helping students focus on their academics. Students living on campus are also more likely to attend lectures, study groups and academic events. Research indicates that students who live on campus tend to experience a stronger sense of community and campus connection, achieve higher academic success, and graduate at higher rates compared to their off-campus peers. 

Approximately 8,500 students currently live on campus at SDSU. Our residential communities are designed to help students thrive both academically and personally as they transition to university life. On-campus living offers more than just convenience and social connections; it provides a comprehensive support system tailored to student success.

SDSU's residential communities feature live-in faculty and staff who are available to assist students with academic and personal challenges. Students also have access to STAR Centers, which offer a range of academic resources, including tutoring, study spaces, and workshops. Residential Learning Communities bring together students with shared interests or academic goals, creating smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success.

Additionally, our programming includes leadership development opportunities, career planning support, and peer advising, all designed to empower students as they navigate their university journey. These resources are integral to fostering a strong sense of community, enhancing academic achievement, and ensuring students are well-prepared for the opportunities the SDSU offers, including study abroad, internships and undergraduate research.

Yes. The university’s goal is to provide more students with on-campus housing options to accommodate growing demand The on-campus housing also aligns with the campus goals of reducing the scope 3 carbon emissions by reducing commuter trips. This will also allow the university to control rental costs for our students so they are not subject to rising San Diego rental prices, which have outpaced the cost of SDSU housing in many cases. Also, students enjoy academic benefits when they live on campus compared to their peers who live off campus, to include higher academic performance, higher graduation rates, and more involvement in university events and other campus activities. Importantly, Evolve Student Housing is not designed to drive more student enrollment, but to meet the projected housing demand for students in the coming years. 

Priority will be given to the first-year and sophomore students who live outside of the local service area and are required to live on campus. Local first-year students will be the next group to be accommodated. Next will be transfer students. All other students will be accommodated as space is available. 

While the International Student Center will be relocated prior to construction, there should be no other impacts to academic buildings or the services SDSU provides to students, faculty and staff. 

The contractors will follow the city noise ordinances. In addition, the university will restrict the hours of operation of the contractors, particularly during specific periods of the academic year.

Students living on campus are documented to drive fewer miles and be less likely to bring a car to the campus than those who commute from off campus. Increased student housing on the campus reduces traffic and parking demand in the area.

Yes, there is sufficient parking at SDSU. First-year students in on-campus housing are not authorized to get long-term (monthly/semester) parking permits; sophomores and upperclassmen living on campus are eligible to purchase a university parking pass for overnight parking in one of the parking structures/lots. 

Yes, the contractor has experience constructing in active communities and will mitigate the disruptions and impacts to the neighbors. In addition, SDSU Housing is committed to minimizing the impact on current residents and ensuring a smooth transition during the construction phases of the Evolve project.