Campus View student housing, the apartment for Highline students, is drawing more residents since it fully reopened in fall 2021.

“The occupancy bounced back to higher levels than we anticipated. It showed us that students want to return to the college experience,” said Josh Gerstman, vice president of Institutional Advancement, which oversees the housing facility.

Campus View officials say that interest in housing was strong before the pandemic started. When Highline had to move into a remote mode in Spring Quarter 2020, many students left the housing. 

After the limits on housing occupancy by King County and Washington state eased last spring, Campus View was able to reopen for fall 2021, and many students moved in. Campus View continued to attract more students for winter, and expects to draw even more for Spring Quarter.

There are two kinds of units: eight two-bedrooms, which are 683 square feet, and 36 four-bedrooms, which are 1049 square feet on average. Both types have full kitchens and two bathrooms. 

Every apartment has a common living and dining area. All residents have access to lounges on each of the four floors. In good weather, the rooftop deck has views of the South Sound.

For a two-bedroom, housing rates per quarter is $2,999, or $8,547 for an academic year, and $2,710 for Summer Quarter. For a four-bedroom, the rate is $2,740 per quarter, $7,590 a year, and $2,428 for Summer Quarter. This rate includes utilities and Wi-Fi. They also offer housing scholarships, up to $750 per quarter.

As of winter 2022, 74 percent of available bedrooms are occupied and 83 percent of apartments have at least one student living in them. Campus View currently has space for students who are looking for convenient, comfortable, and safe housing, Gerstman said. 

Yet, Campus View continues to find ways to create opportunities for student engagement and life experiences.

“We had the most difficulty building a community when COVID-19 was at its peak, but as our events were able to be physical this year, it has been a huge awakening for the residents and RAs,” said Jacob S. Tucker, on the resident assistants. 

“As people become relaxed through vaccines and proper social distancing, RAs have an easier time making events where residents can get to know each other through in-person events,” Tucker said.  

Arisa Watanabe, who lives in Campus View, said she likes her life in the facility.

“I like this apartment because it’s clean and comfortable, and the kitchen is big. I also like studying on the rooftop space because it has a nice view, and I have more chances to see new people in the building than being stuck in my bedroom,” said Watanabe.

“We’re looking forward to the pandemic easing and also our beautiful spring and summer weather so our students can enjoy the pleasure of living on campus,” Gerstman said.

Campus View Student Housing is located at 2920 College Way, just east of campus. Students can see the Campus View Virtual Tour or contact housing@highline.edu to check out an apartment in person.